Zootopia

girlzilla09's photostream

2012-01-13T04:12:00.001-08:00

Check out my latest photos!

Baby Bongo Born at Zoo Atlanta

2012-01-13T02:56:00.000-08:00

I am proud to post that 3 year old female Bongo, Matilda, gave birth to her first calf a month ago and that the baby can now be seen on exhibit in the Bongo exhibit with his mother and father, Tambo. For the past few days they have been putting the little one out on exhibit from about 1:30 to 5:30 in order to try to help him get used to being out on exhibit. Also, the baby boy was introduced to his father for the first time a few days ago and they are getting along. I will be sure and try to post pics as soon as I can. :)

Chelsea: Sumatran Tiger

2011-12-23T22:35:00.001-08:00

Chelsea: Sumatran Tiger, originally uploaded by girlzilla09.

This is Chelsea, one of Zoo Atlanta's Sumatran tigers. The Sumatran tiger is the smallest species of tiger and they are also critically endangered with only about 400 believed to be left out in the wild. Chelsea is the mother to two adorable cubs named Sohni (female) and Sanjiv (male). Both were born on July 5th of this year.

girlzilla09's photostream

2011-11-28T01:00:00.001-08:00

girlzilla09's photostream on Flickr.

I wanted everyone to see the new photos that I managed to get of Kudzoo and little Merry Leigh. She is such a cutie!

Updates!

2011-08-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

So it has definitly been awhile since I last posted anything. Chelsea the sumatran tiger gave birth to two bouncing tiger cubs on July 5 and Mona the Giraffe gave birth to a 159 lb. 6 ft. tall bundle of joy on the 22nd. Matilda the eastern bongo is expecting a calf sometime within the next couple of months (possibly around November) so it seems that Zoo Atlanta is doing extremely well in the baby department. Our wreathed hornbills, Beetlegeuse and Zelda have been doing well with their chick as well and I am hoping that their little one will be able to make its debut very very soon.

I have also recently become a contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. I already have a few articles and short stories posted but I hope to have some more up soon. I also have a few slideshows published on the website as well that showcase several photos of mine which I am extremely proud of. Anyone who would like to come and read what I have written can click on this link which will lead you to my profile.

Zoo Atlanta Tiger is Expecting!

2011-06-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

Chelsea, Zoo Atlanta's female Sumatran Tiger (and a dear friend of mine) is expecting her first litter! She and the zoo's male, Kavi, first met in 2007 but it was not until 2009 that Chelsea even became remotely interested. This will be the first Tiger birth since the surprise birth of Bahagia to the now deceased Jalal and Sekayu over ten years ago. Only found on the tiny island of Sumatra, there are fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers left out in the wild thanks to poaching and habitat loss. Zoo Atlanta actively participates in the Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan, a nationwide cooperate breeding program designed to help zoos sustain a genetically viable population within North America.

The press release has been posted on Zoo Atlanta's website.

girlzilla09's photostream

2011-05-28T21:07:00.001-07:00

girlzilla09's photostream on Flickr.

I have posted some new photos of my animal friends on my flickr page. Feel free to browse through them!

The Eastern Indigo Snake

2011-04-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

The Eastern Indigo snake is the largest, non-venemous snake in North America. It is widely distributed throughout central and south Florida, but primarily occurs in sandhill habitats of northern Florida and southern Georgia. The eastern indigo was listed as a threatened species thanks to dramatic population declines for the domestic and international pet trades as well as deaths caused by rattlesnake collectors coming and smoking out gopher tortoise holes in order to collect any rattlesnakes that might have moved in.

Historically, the indigo has occurred in Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.Georgia and Florida currently sport the only endemic populations of eastern indigos. This particular snake prefers pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, high pine, dry prairie, tropical hardwood hammocks, edges of freshwater marshes, agricultural fields, coastal dunes, and human altered habitats. Also, it is interesting to note that wherever you find the indigo snake, you are also very likely to find the gopher tortoise.

Most of the information collected on the eastern indigo's reproductive cycle has been recorded from data in northern FL. Here breeding occurs between November and April. The female will deposit between 4 and 12 eggs during May or June. Eggs are laid from late May to August. The young hatch in approx. 3 months and peak hatching activity occurs between August and September.

Female indigo snakes can actually delay the fertilization of eggs. There is a single record of a captive snake who laid five eggs (at least one was fertile) after being kept in isolation for four years. However, there have been recent reports of parthonogenic reproduction by some virginal snakes so sperm storage might not have been the case.

There really is no definite answer on how long these snakes can live in the wild but in captivity the record is 25 years.

This snake's diet consists of fish, frogs, toads, other snakes, lizards, turtles, turtle eggs, juvenile gopher tortoises, small alligators, birds, and small mammals.

Keeping Up With Cute and Complex Carnivores

2011-03-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

So, our little black and white bundle of joy named Po is growing bigger by the day. The last weight that I got on him was 15 lbs. He is definitly a bouncing baby boy! He's been making regular trips into the inside day room exhibit area with his mom, Lun Lun. She likes to sling him up in the hammock but pretty soon he will be able to climb out of there and then her days of peace and quiet will definitly be over. I try to tell Po to go for the ears but you know how little kids are, they don't like to listen. I expect that we will be seeing more and more of Po in the coming months and before anyone says anything, no he will not be studying the art of Kung Fu.

On another note, Complex Carnivores, Zoo Atlanta's new exhibit will be opening officially on April 1st so be sure and come by to check that out! The exhibit will be featuring Binterong from Asia, South American Bush Dogs, and Fossa from Madagascar (I like to move it move it!)

Pandas and the Art of Kung Fu

2011-03-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

So I watched Kung Fu Panda just to sort of refresh my memory about the main character, Po. I watched it with my 7 month old niece and it turned out she REALLY loved Po the Panda. When he first came on the screen and began talking she squealed out loud and grinned! I am hoping that the next time I take her to the zoo she will be into the REAL Pandas.

There is one scene in the movie where master, Shi Fu, tells Po that Monkey (Jackie Chan) keeps his cookies on the top shelf in the kitchen just to see if he can make it to the top. It turns out that the scene in the movie is not really that far off. Giant Pandas are AMAZING climbers, so it would be only right that Po would be able to climb up there and get the object of his desire. I have seen our Pandas do amazing things with their climbing skills as well as their teeth and claws.

Our little Po is a hero in his own right. I think Jack Black, who voices Po in the movie, had it right when he said that our little guy was a hero just by surviving. Giant Pandas are such rare and remarkable creatures that to lose them would be such a devestating loss. If we can't save the Giant Panda, what can we save????

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

2011-02-26T21:06:00.000-08:00

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

Please donate to my cause to help give these orphaned Gorillas the space they need to be free!

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Fundraiser!

2011-02-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

GRACE is a state-of-the-art faciility in the Congo that rescues orphaned Gorillas that were confiscated by poachers or from armed conflicts. The orphaned Gorillas that the facility currently houses need more space.

Now that the Gorillas are no longer fragile infants and are eager and able to move around more independently from their dedicated caregvers they need safe areas of forest where they can explore and just practive being the Gorillas they are supposed to be. This is a critical step in the process of reintroducing them to the wild.

They need to raise $160,000 right away in order to builde a special fence in their natural forest habitat so they will have a safe place to have their first experiences out in the wild, learning the skills they will need to be able to live freely on their own in the wild.

I am currently trying to start a fundraiser to help them raise the money to build a fence for these Gorillas. Here is the link to my fundraising page: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/gail-ledford/dian-fossey-gorilla-fund-international

If you want more information about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and the awesome work that they do, visit http://www.gorillafund.org.

To receive more information on G.R.A.C.E you can visit this link: http://gorillafund.org/Page.aspx?pid=254

Orangutan: Asia's Great Ape

2011-02-23T01:12:00.000-08:00

Penny and Max

2011-02-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

The other day I had the pleasure of watching Penny the Honduran Milksnake in one of Zoo Atlanta's animal shows. I am now in the process of training to become an animal handler and I got to the chance to meet Penny during one of my classes. Penny is non-venemous and she is extremely pretty.

Honduran Milksnakes come from the low to medium tropical elevations of Honduras, Nicaragua, and the northeastern part of Costa Rica. This particular snake is a constricter. They are an opportunistic eater, eating rodents, birds, eggs lizards, and sometimes other snakes (including ones that are venemous). They have a base color of red with distinct black or yellow rings. In some cases the yellow is actually an orange color and the snake is referred to as a tangerine phase. It is considered one of the largest species of milknsnake with individuals having been known to reach up to 48 inches in the wild and up to 5 feet in some captive cases. The Honduran Milksnake is very similar in appearance to the Coral snake (this is called Betasian mimicry) which helps it to deter predators.

The Honduran Milksnake becomes sexually mature at around eighteen months. They are egg layers, laying about 18 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 2 months with the hatchlings being about 8 inches long and are darker in color to their parents when they emerge from the eggs.

(Source)

**********

Another animal I have had the pleasure of encountering is Max the prehensile-tailed porcupine. I got to watch him show off his stuff in the same show as Penny on Saturday and needless to say I think he really enjoyed being outside. In fact he enjoyed being outside so much that it was very hard to get him to go back in! Zoo Atlanta uses positive reinforcement when training their animals to show off certain behaviors on command so when Max finally did decide to come down, he got himself a nice little treat.

The prehensile-tailed porcupine has really sharp spines, a big round nose, and a tail they can use to grab onto branches which also allows them to hang upside down when they need to. They are nocturnal, vegetarian, rodents. They have short, thick spines and the color of their body ranges from a sort of yellowish color (like Max) to orange-rush to brown to black. They can weigh from 4 to 11 lbs. Like howler monkeys, the prehensile-tailed porcupine can use its tail for grasping and hanging. Their tails have no spine and the upper part of the tail near the end has a callus pad.

Their habitat is the forest ranges of Venezuela, Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Trinidad, and some extreme northern sections of Argentina. Their diet consists of leaves, flowers, shoots, roots, and the canbium layer found underneath the bark of some trees. They are a nocturnal animal (which means they are active only during the nighttime hours). They can be found in small groups during sleep-times but are mostly solitary or paired. Normally, they sleep in the upper canopy of the trees, but they have also been known to rest on lower limbs, and in hollow trunks and lower burrows.

In the wild the prehensile-tailed porcupine is a pretty tough little creature. They have been known to hit and bite those who try to attack or try to capture them. They stamp their feet when they get excited and curl up into a ball when they get caught. They also sit on their haunches, shake their spines, and emit loud growls and high pitched cries.

(Source)
A Myth About Porcupines...

There is a popular myth out there that says porcupines can actually show their spines out like barbs. NOT TRUE! No porcupine has ever had the ability to do this. If a predator happens to get entangled with a porcupine what usually happens is the porcupine will actually back up really fast and their spines will stick into the predators skin (getting pulled loose in the process). This is a very painful experience for the predator and it tends to leave them thinking twice the next time they encounter a porcupine.

(It should be noted that the two photos that are posted on this blog are not actually Penny and Max, but photos that I found off of the Internet.)

Thanks for reading!

-Zoogirl

And The Name is....

2011-02-19T19:24:00.001-08:00

Po!

On February 15, 2011 Zoo Atlanta and DreamWorks animation have issued a joint announcement that the only Giant Panda cub born in the U.S in 2010 will be named Po in tribute to the main character, Po the Panda in the upcoming DreamWorks film Kung Fu Panda 2 which is due to be released sometime in May. Actor Jack Black who provides the voice of Po in both Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2 was on hand to reveal the name.

There are fewer than 1,600 Giant Pandas remaining in the ever shrinking Bamboo forests of China.Zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda program promotes conservation projects at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding as well as other nature reserves in China.

In the movie Kung Fu Panda, Po is an unlikely hero, challenged by the preconceived notions of what a real Kung Fu warrior should be. Following the the likeable but clumsy Po and his allies the films celebrate the power of self-worth and the ability of an individual to affect positive change.

Real Giant Pandas face their own challenges. Zoo Atlanta's Po is already on the right track to becoming a true ambassador for his species, helping to draw attention to the plight of his counterparts out in the wild. Born to mom, Lun Lun (loon loon) on November 3, 2010 the now almost 3 1/2 month old cub is due to make his debut sometime around March or early April.

To read the full article, follow this link.

Primate Actors

2011-02-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

Article From The Center For Great Apes....

http://www.centerforgreatapes.org/news.aspx#We%20

This is something that people should definitly be more aware of. The Center for Great Apes is a Florida Sanctuary that takes in and cares for retired entertainment Orangutans and Chimpanzees. They rely solely on donations from the public to care for their residents. Unfortunately, companies like CareerBuilder don't make it easier for them.

The Woma Python

2011-01-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

(Photo Credit: http://www.strikersherps.com/WomaPythonPage.htm)

The Woma Python (Aspidites ramsayi), also known as Ramsay's Python or Sand Python is one of 15 different species of python that can be found in Australia. They are a threatened species and are now extinct in 1/3 of their former home range.

A Woma Python can reach up to about 5 feet and occasionally 8 feet in length. The color can range from a drab brown, yellowish, reddish brown, or olive with darker brown. According to Aboriginal folklore, the Woma once roamed the earth in Human form, creating the famous Avers Rock and other mountains in Western Australia in a period known as "dream time" in the long-distant past. The Woma Python's main range is in central Australia that holds parts of Queensland, Northern Territory, and New South Wales. Two populations occur in Western Australia: one in the southwest and the other on the northwestern coast. Hardly anything was known about the species until recently. Its habitat, mainly desert and scrub-land, was sparsely populated and the snake was considered rare until until herpetologists (scientists who study reptiles and amphibians) began to observe it and found that it was more common than they originally thought. The first Woma Pythons were bred in captivity in 1982.

Their heads can be bright yellow or golden, and are usually unmarked but some individuals do retain their juvenile head markings. The snout is pointed with the upper lip protuding slightly over the lower lip. This is a possible adaptation for digging. Both the Woma and their relative, the Black-headed python, dig around in loose soil using a scooping motion of the head. Unlike other pythons, the Woma and the Black-headed pythong do not have heat sensing pits to sense warm-blooded prey. Much of their prey is cold-blooded, consisting of mainly lizards and sometimes even other snakes.

Habitat loss has become a big problem for these snakes. There population numbers are not known, but the species is known to have been declining in some areas. The last time a Woma was seen in New South Wales was 1890. In Queensland, the clearing of land for the expansion of Agriculture has become a huge problem. The last confirmed records of Womas being in the area was in 1987, when a specimen was supplied to the Australia Museum. A large part of Woma habitat in Western Australia has been turned over to agriculture, and an area known as the Wheat Belt has been expanding further and further for several years. Urban expansion, road construction and other related activities such as crop spraying are all threats (crop spraying is where people spray their crops with chemicals. The snake comes along and eats another animal that has ingested the pesticide somehow and the snake ends up being poisoned as well). Snakes are also victims of roadkills due to their habit of wanting to bask on the warm surface of the asphalt. Ferral and domesticated cats have also been known to kill these snakes. Although an assessment on the extent of the predation has not been done, one would have to be done if captive bred Womas were to be released.

The Komodo Dragon

2011-01-24T22:50:00.000-08:00

The Komodo Dragon has thrived in the harsh climate of the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia for millions of years, but amazingly, their existance was not discovered until about 100 years ago. Reaching about 10 feet in length and over 300 lbs. The Komodo Dragon is the heaviest lizard on the planet. They have long, flat heads, rounded snouts, and scaley skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.

Being on the top of the food chain on the handful of islands that they inhabit, the Komodo Dragon eats carrion, pigs, deer, water buffalo, smaller Komodos, and humans. When a Komodo Dragon goes hunting, it relies heavily on patience and camouflauge as it lies in wait for passing prey. When an unsuspecting victim comes close, the Dragon springs out on its powerful legs and uses its serrated, shark-like teeth to take down its meal.

There has long been a theory that the Komodo Dragon uses the bacteria in its mouth to slowly kill its prey, and although it is known than animals who have been lucky enough to escape the powerful attack of a Komodo end up dying shortly after, to what extent they use this is not actually known. Dragon saliva carries up to 50 strains of bacteria and within 24 hours the Dragon's unfortunate prey dies of infection. The dragon calmly follows its prey by way of their keen sense of smell to hone in on their meal. A Komodo Dragon can eat a wopping 80% of their body weight in a single feeding.

There is a stable population of about 3,000-5,000 Komodo Dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila, Motang, Rinca, and Flores. However, poaching, habitat loss, human encroachment, and natural disasters have driven the species almost to extinction.

Zoo Atlanta was recently able to acquire a brother/sister pair of baby Komodos from the LA Zoo.

In order to avoid being eaten by hungry adult Komodos, young Dragons take to the trees. They stay in the trees until they become too big (to eat) before making their way to the ground. Zoo Atlanta is also home to one adult male Komodo Dragon named Slasher who is 18 years old (in the wild Komodos can live 30+ years).

(Article Source)

Animal Actors

2011-01-19T00:31:00.000-08:00

In nature, keeping yourself safe from predators is a top priority. One way of doing this is through mimicry. Animal mimicry is when an animal copies another animal's sounds, habits, smells, etc. in order to confuse and ward off predators. For example, the innocent, non-toxic Viceroy Butterfly very closely imitates the extremely inedible Monarch Butterfly.

Here are some other mind blowing examples of how animals (and plants) put their acting skills to the test in order to survive out in the wild:

1.) Metalmark Moths

The Metalmark Moth knows that the best way to keep from getting killed by a spider is to pretend to be one. Now, while most spiders don't seem like much of a threat to something that could simply fly away, but Mother Nature really threw a curve ball when she invented the jumping spider.

When a Metalmark encounters a spider, it simply arranges itself to mimic the spider's pose, making itself look like an even bigger, scarier spider (as seen as the photograph above).

2.) Bugs Acting Like Plants

One extremely good way to blend in with your environment is to mimic the local plant life. Leaf insects are so great at this that they can even imitate leaves that have been half eaten by caterpillars! This is one reason why a vast majority of zoos will not exhibit creatures like this because visitors will be more likely to think that the exhibit is empty (Do you want to know how many times I have been asked "where is it"? I can't even count anymore!)

Then we have its cousin the stick insect who blends in with its environment by swaying back and forth, mimicking the branches swaying in the breeze.

And then there is the Dead Leaf Butterfly...

3.) Plants Pretending to Be Bugs

Flowers need to spread their pollen, so they need to be able to appeal to the bees. Most flowers accomplish this by producing tasty nector but the Bee Orchid of the west Mediterranean has a very unique way of accomplishing their task.

The color, shape, and texture of this flower simulates that of a female bee. It even leaks pheremones to mimic the scent of a female. While the male bees try to mate with the "females" the pollen attaches to them and they unknowingly carry the pollen to the next Bee Orchid.

4.) The Mimic Octopus

Most other animals are lucky if they can find one good disguise, but the Mimic Octopus is the first animal ever discovered that can imitate multiple animals. In fact this creature's acting skills are so good that it was not discovered until 1998.This animal has also been known to portray a Seahorse, Stingray, Anemone, Starfish, Lionfish, and a Crab. This stealthy, tentacled, ninja inhabits the murky waters off of the coast of Indonesia.

Here it is doing its impression of a toxic sea snake:

Octopus or fowl tasting flatfish?

And here is the Mimic Octopus doing its impression of a shrimp with the touch of death:

(Article Source)

Wreathed Hornbill

2010-12-27T21:12:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by girlzilla09.

I don't know why, but I seem to have a particular fondness for the two species of Hornbill that reside on exhibit at Zoo Atlanta. They are the Southern Ground Hornbill and the Wreathed Hornbill (pictured here). Wreathed Hornbills are large birds that are usually black or brown, and white. They are mainly arboreal birds with large bills that are very long and heavy. Many species have large, very noticable casques on top of the bill which may be very outrageously colored. They are found throughout Africa and tropical Asia, and throughout Indonesia to New Guinea. They eat fruit and insects, and I can tell you from experience that the call of this particular bird is very VERY unique (the voice of the Hornbill is very harsh and penetrating as well).

The nesting habits of the Wreathed Hornbill are unlike any other bird I have ever seen nor heard about. The females are sealed up in a hole in a tree with mud, leaving only a small hole which the male will then pass through to her (and her chick after it first hatches). When the time is right, the female and her chick will burst free from the tree cavity, but she will reseal the hole before they leave.

Male Hornbills have creamy heads with a reddish plume from the nape and a bright yellow gular pouch with a distinct black stripe on it (as seen in the photograph). Female Hornbills have black heads and necks with blue gular pouches. Both birds have red irises, yellow beaks with small corrugated casques, and black feet.

Voice: A repeated, short, hoarse, dog-like double yelp koe-guk.

Range: E India, SW China, SE Asia, Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Bali.

Distribution and status: In Borneo and Sumatra this is a fairly common bird of lowland and hill forest, up to 2000 m. In Java and Bali it is rather local.

Habits: Flies in pairs or small flocks over the forest with heavy wing-beats, seeking fruiting trees. Often mixes at feeding trees with other hornbills.

The two Wreathed Hornbills that reside at Zoo Atlanta are Beetlegeuse (male featured in photograph) and his female companion named Zelda. They raised one chick last year which has since moved on to another facility.

(Source used: http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/wildlife/center/semeng/hbill/wrhorn.htm)

Emerald Tree Boa

2010-12-24T14:33:00.001-08:00

Emerald Tree Boa, originally uploaded by girlzilla09.

Xi Lan Posing.

2010-12-24T14:30:00.001-08:00

Xi Lan Posing., originally uploaded by girlzilla09.

This is Xi Lan, Zoo Atlanta's 2 year old Giant Panda.

The California Kingsnake

2010-12-20T00:56:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment and tell everyone that I met one of the most amazing creatures the other day and I think that this particular animal has quickly become a favorite in my book. This animal is called the California Kingsnake.

The California Kingsnake or Lampropeltis getulus californiae is a small snake that can be found on the west coast of North America from Baja to southern Oregon and west coast of California, to northern Nevada and Arizona. Their habitats are woodlands, chapparal, farmland, river bottoms, grasslands, decidous and confierous forests. In the wild their diet would consist of rodents, lizards, birds, frogs, and snakes. Patterns and colors can vary from one snake to another.

Here is a physical description:

- Small cylinder shaped head.
-19-25 rows of smooth and shiny scales on their bodies.
- 7 labiels (lips).
-Divided caudals (tails)
-1 preocular
-2-3 Postoculars
-1 loreal
-2 anterior temporals.
-Entire anal.

The Kingsnake is about 30-70 inches in length. 2-3 inches of the total length is the tail. This snake is typical of most snakes in that it's jaw unhinges, allowing it to be able to swallow its meal. The lower jaw consist of two seperate halves which are connected by an elastic tissue.

Some General Info.:

The California Kingsnake is generally a solitary creature. They search for their food by themselves. The only time this snake is not solitary is when they hibernate during cold weather. This snake is a frequent consumer of snakes including venemous snakes as well as other Kingsnakes. The reason they frequently eat other snakes is because the snake's shape makes for easier swallowing. The Kingsnake kills its prey by looping around and constricting its victim using its coils. The prey is swallowed head first as saliva lubricates the victim's body. The jaw's ability to unhinge makes it easier for the victim to swallow. Eating prey is a very energy and time consuming thing. It was once thought that Kingsnakes were immune to the venom of the snakes they ate, but that is not true. It is now known that although Kinsnakes are not immune, they do have a tolerance towards it. This snake can become very angry if provoked. Similar to most snakes, this particular snake has bad eyesight due to the placement of the eyes on either side of the head, although they do have excellent close up vision. A prey animal has a better chance of survival if it remains still.

Want to learn more? You can go to this website for information on these remarkable snakes.

Wreathed Hornbill

2010-12-17T01:27:00.001-08:00

, originally uploaded by girlzilla09.

Beetlegeuse, a male Wreathed Hornbill at Zoo Atlanta.

Turkey (the bird, not the country)

2010-11-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

Since today is Thanksgiving here in America, I did want to do a really nice post about the Turkey, a bird that often graces the tables of us humans around this holiday as well as Christmas. Unfortunately, I didn't think I was able to pull it off the way that I wanted to.

Wikipedia has a nice article on the Turkey (but be careful, it IS Wikipedia) so here is the link.

Congratulations to Lun Lun!!

2010-11-21T23:04:00.001-08:00

I know I haven't blogged in awhile, but I did want to take the time out to send my congratulations to Lun Lun and the staff at Zoo Atlanta for the successful birth a third Giant Panda cub! I am also proud to say that cubs gender is male!

For more information on all things Panda, visit http://www.zooatlanta.org. You can also find them on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and now YOUTUBE!

Differences Between Domestic Dogs and Their Wild Cousins: Wolves

2010-10-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

There are many differences between Man's best friend: The domestic Dog and their wild cousins: the Wolf, but there are also many similarities.

Here are some of the similarities...

1.) Their method of locomotion (or the way they move), which is called digitrade. It means that their movement is a way of life that depends on swift, silent motion.

2.) Like Dogs (as well as every other member of the canid family), the Wolf has 42 teeth. The difference is the Wolf's four canine teeth are much longer, often measuring 2 1/2 inches from root to tip.

3.) Both animals also have keen senses of smell and hearing. They are also forced to pant in order to keep cool.

Despite the similarities there are also a variety of differences...

1.) The way Wolves run is different from that of Dogs. Also, their highly structured social system is very different from that of a Dog.

2.) Wolves only breed once a year, whereas a dog can breed up to two times in a single year.

3.) Wolves are generally bigger and more intelligent than dogs. They are certainly more aware of their evironment, and respond to other animals and humans differently. Wolves do not bond with humans as readily as Dogs do. They have a complex pack structure that Dogs don't, even if they go feral and form packs. Wolves constantly test other pack members for dominance, while dogs generally accept whatever hierarchal structure they live in.

4.) Dogs can be trained while Volves cannot (with possible rare exceptions on both sides).

5.)In a Wolf pack only the Alphas lift their legs to pee while all of the other pack members squat (even the Alpha female will lift her leg though she might not do it all the time). The Alphas also prevent the other pack members from breeding and when pups are born the entire pack pitches in to raise them.

5.) BIG DIFFERENCE: In the USA, most dog breeds are legal to own in most places, while Wolves are considered wild animals and therefore inherently dangerous (and in some places even endangered) and are either illegal to own or require special liscensing or other requirements that goes beyond the means of the average pet owner.

Note: Dogs and Wolves can interbreed, but Wolf hybrids have awful reputations that are completely justified (this is not the animals' fault, but the fault of the people who breed and sell them). It's the animals, the uninformed buyers, and the victims who end up paying the price. If the wolf traits breed true as they so often do, the animal will end up more wolf than dog and they are just as unsuitable to pet life as full blooded Wolves are (or any other wild animal for that matter). The damages caused by Wolf hybrids have resulted in some places outlawing them completely while others have made severe penalties for the damages that Wolf hybrids can cause.

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE OF ALL IS.....DOGS MAKE GOOD PETS AND WOLVE'S DON'T!!!!!

Wolves Vs. Man's Best Friend (Coming Soon!)

2010-10-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is a subject that has been bouncing around in my head for the past few days. I have been seriously thinking of doing a post about this subject. I myself am best friends with an extremely lovable mutt and I think this is something that would be very interesting to discuss. Unfortunately, I have to hit the sack early tonight in order to be ready for the hard day's work tomorrow. If I am not too tired by the time I get home, I might post something then. If not tomorrow night, then hopefully within the next few day or so.

Until next time....

~Zoogirl

October Brings Milestones For Four Famous Gorillas

2010-10-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

The concept of a legendary gorilla didn’t die with the iconic Willie B. Ivan, the silverback who became a figure of national interest when he arrived at Zoo Atlanta after 27 years as the “shopping mall gorilla,” has his 16th anniversary in his adopted city this month. Kuchi, the mother who astonished the zoological community by rearing a rare set of twins herself, turned 26 on October 10. Her celebrated offspring, Kali and Kazi, turn 5 on October 31.

“Gorillas have been a flagship species for the Zoo ever since Willie B., but events like Ivan’s anniversary or Kali’s and Kazi’s birthday remind us of the deep level of interest, empathy and love our collection inspires in the community,” said Dwight Lawson, PhD, Deputy Director. “Now that western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, it’s more important than ever that our individuals serve as ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild.”

Ivan’s story is one of Zoo Atlanta’s most memorable happy endings. Born in Africa in 1962, he was captured as an infant and sold to the owners of a department store in Tacoma, Wash., where he lived for nearly three decades in a solitary indoor enclosure. By the mid 1990s, the silverback’s living conditions had inspired a highly-publicized movement for his relocation, prompting Ivan’s owners to donate their celebrity tenant to Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. Leadership in the care and study of western lowland gorillas were already trademarks for Zoo Atlanta, with the world-class Ford African Rain Forest having opened to national acclaim just six years earlier. Recognizing the importance of giving Ivan the opportunity to become a social gorilla and with the recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), Woodland Park Zoo placed Ivan on permanent loan to Zoo Atlanta in October 1994.

Now 47, Ivan lives with a female companion, Kinyani, 27. He is one of the Zoo’s most recognized and beloved individuals, widely known for his characteristic disdain of cold weather and for his paintings, which he “signs” with a thumbprint. Even after 16 years, his popularity with his original fan base remains undiminished. Zoo Atlanta receives letters, emails, calls and even Facebook posts every year from Ivan’s friends on the West Coast.

On the opposite end of the age spectrum, juvenile twins Kali (male) and Kazi (female) were a Halloween surprise for keepers reporting to work the morning of October 31, 2005. In the days and months following the births, Kuchi surprised experts worldwide by rearing both infants independently – a feat no other gorilla has ever accomplished – a distinction she still holds. Today, the 26-year-old has just one busy infant to supervise: Henry, born May 22, 2010. While he’s not yet old enough to roughhouse with Kali and Kazi and their half-siblings Macy Baby and Gunther, both 4, the youngsters will be ready playmates once their baby brother is allowed outside Kuchi’s famously protective grip.

Zoo Atlanta is home to the nation’s largest collection of western lowland gorillas, with 23 individuals living in distinct social groups. In addition to Ivan, the Zoo also houses three other gorillas over the age of 45: Shamba, 51, Ozzie, 49, and Choomba, 49

(Article Source: Zoo Atlanta's Facebook Page)

Playing The Animal Way

2010-10-07T14:38:00.001-07:00

With Zoo Atlanta's annual Enrichment Day approaching this weekend, I thought I would do a little review as to what animal enrichment actually is...

So..WHAT IS IT?

Animal enrichment is classified as any item or opportunity that promotes mental or physical stimulation or play, encourages exercise, or provides a new sensory experience. Examples can include toys; new or different foods or treats; novel scents or sounds; and browse or nesting material. Besides being fun and enjoyable, enrichment can encourage natural behaviors that our animal friends would be performing in the wild such as foraging for food or nest building.

Thriving Vs. Surviving

Association of Zoo and Aquariums accredited zoos (like Zoo Atlanta) are required to give animals daily enrichment as part of regular animal management. Zoo Atlanta offers an extremely robust program, with every animal provided with enrichment daily. As a result, the zoo is also the proud home of the zoological profession's most creative and resourceful keepers! From discarded house old products, to fallen trees, to car tires, nothing is ever overlooked. Zoo keepers not only know how to think outside the box, they'll also find a way to use the box!

Want to Play The Animal Way? Click here!

Zoo Atlanta Saves Rare Tortoise And Gets A Surprise..

2010-09-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

I thought that this was a pretty cool story, as well as a shining example of what humans can do when they work together to try and protect the environment they live in. If you're interested in reading the article then click on this link.

It's Been Awhile Hasn't it?

2010-09-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

So it's been awhile since I have made a post. With the new job and everything I think my life has gone from zero to one hundred miles an hour which, unfortunately, leaves little time for other things.

I have a tour booked on Saturday and then plans with the rest of the family on Sunday. I have also been rereading my copy of Julie & Julia, which is just about the whole reason why I started this blog in the firt place. I might not be famous, but there is something about typing up words and putting them out there with the (hopeful) knowledge that someone else is out there reading them.

I am going to make this a short post as I am still learning the concept of having a bedtime and am trying to adjust.

Until next time...

Zoogirl

Burger King Drops Palm Oil Supplier Linked To Borneo Rainforest Destruction

2010-09-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

You can read the article at this link. I think it just goes to show that the only way you can get these people's attention is if you hit them right in the wallet.

http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0901-burger_king_sinar_mas.html

Snakes: Why do we need them?

2010-09-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

While snakes have never exactly been described as the cute and cuddly type, they are often unjustly viewed as ugly, scary, dangerous, and nothing but trouble. But despite their reputation (being the Biblical representation of Satan doesn't help), snakes are actually one of nature's greatest allies.

Snakes are carniverous reptiles, their various diets including birds, small mammals, snails, fish, lizards, and even other snakes. Their presence (or lack thereof) is an indication as to how healthy an eco-system. Carnivores are often attracted to areas where there are large populations of herbivores. Herbivores can only survive in areas where there is healthy plant life. Without a healthy population of carnivores, especially the top-of-the-food chain predators like snakes, the biodiversity of the area is extremely unhealthy.

Some animals, including some snakes, are dietary specialists, eating primarily one or a few select prey species. For example, hognose snakes do not normally eat mice but instead are restricted to a near-exclusive diet of toads. Adult mud snakes eat primarily large salamanders, and tiny crowned snakes eat centipedes. The prey of snakes may even be predators themselves, making for a longer food chain. Thus, toads require insects, giant salamanders eat crawfish, and centipedes use their pinchers to capture small soil invertebrates for food. – The University of Georgia

When something is missing at the bottom of the food chain - such as the absence of a certain snake's diet staple - a whole bunch of environmental problems can occur which are not always noticable by simply observing the landscape. Snakes' behavior can provide scientists with important information about these problems and can indicate what the sources to these underlying problems may be. Another benefit to snakes is their eating habits. Their consumption of rodents and insects make them one of nature's best pest-controllers, eliminating the need for the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides that can destroy the environment. A single black snake can consume dozens of rodents in a year! In Vietnam villages specifically, biologists are reintroducing snakes to help protect harvested grain from rodents. On top of destruction of food sources, rodents can also carry numerous diseases around the world.

Worldwide, rats and mice can carry over 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans through bite wounds, drinking water that is contaminated with rodent feces, coming into contact with surface water that is contaminated with rodent urine, or through breathing germs may be present in rodent urine or feces that have been stirred into the air (a process known as "aerosterilization") Diseases from rodents can also be spread indirectly to humans through ticks, mites, and fleas who have bitten infected rodents. In some cases, the rodents can be carriers for diseases while in other cases, mites, fleas, or ticks are the carriers.

As the rate of deforestation continues to rise more and more snakes are being pushed out of their natural habitats and onto our front door steps. In Brazil, the destruction of the rainforests has actually led to an increase of snakes in developed areas. While none of the snakes captured have been venemous, the sighting of a 10-foot Anaconda (normally a jungle recluse) is a great example of a major ecological shift in the snake's living conditions. While the benefits of snakes should be recognized and appreciated, some areas of the world do have higher populations of venemous snakes. Australia in particular has a very high population of venemous snakes to contend with on a daily basis. Fortunately, the spread of environmental awareness has given way to numerous natural snake repellent options for those who refuse to partake in the abundance of chemical abundance. Another method of elimination (without killing of course) is to make the environment around your home unsuitable for snake life. Reducing their food sources helps, as does having a dog (or pig depending on how rural your home is) outside. Snakes can also be removed without harm. You can also keep snakes away by eradicating piles of rocks and firewood (common places for snakes to hide in).

It is unfortunate that much of the world suffers from such an irrational fear of snakes, especially since they help us out so much and they rarely ever do harm humans. The initial instinct of many, which is to kill every snake they come across, and the destruction of natural habitats, is leading to a troubling decrease in snake populations ( as well as that of other wildlife). How the absence of these sadly misunderstood reptiles will effect the balance of ecosystems remains to be seen, but perhaps if more people new about their benefits then they will have a greater chance at survival.

(Article Source)

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Questions? Comments? Post them here! ~Zoogirl

Snakes: What's so great about them?

2010-09-02T00:40:00.000-07:00

That's a question that I have been asking myself a whole bunch in the last few days. I have some serious thoughts on this subject and I will try to post them in the next few days. Also, on Friday I will officially begin work as a volunteer for the local humane society. We'll see how that goes.

More soon!

Dolphin Hunting Season Begins in Japan

2010-08-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

The waters around Taji, a coastal town in Japan, are turning blood red as Dolphin hunting season begins.....

Dolphin drive hunting, also known as Dolphin drive fishing, is a method of hunting Dolphins and occasionally other small cetaceans by driving them together with boats and then usually into a bay or up onto a beach. Boats and nets are used to prevent their escape. Dolphins are hunted this way in several places around the world. The largest number of them are hunted by this method in Japan, however the practice occurs in places as far south as the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic and Peru in South America. Dolphins are mostly hunted for their meat, but some are captured and end up in dolphinariums.

Despite the highly contraversial nature of the hunt, drawing international criticism, as well the possible health risks the often polluted meat causes (not to mention the brutal nature of the practice), many thousands of Dolphins are killed each year in drive hunts.

Dolphin Hunting in Japan

Striped, Spotted, Rissos, and Bottlenose Dolphins are most commonly hunted in Japan, but several other species such as the False Killer Whale are also caught on occasion. A small number of Orcas has also been caught in the past. Striped Dolphins are rarely found in the waters, probably due to hunting. In 2007, drive catches resulted in the loss of 384 Striped Dolphins, 300 Bottlenose Dolphins, 312 Risso's Dolphins and 243 Southern Short Finned Pilot Whales, resulting in a loss of 1,239 animals. Another 77 Bottlenose Dolphins, 8 Risso Dolphins, and 5 Southern Short Finned Pilot Whales were caught and sold into the entertainment industry in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. The government quota set for that year allowed for the capture of 685 Striped Dolphins, 1,018 Bottlenose Dolphins, 541 Risso's Dolphins, and 369 Southern Short Finned Pilot Whales. This quota applies to all hunting methods.

The Japanese town of Taiji, on the Kii Peninsula, is the only town where drive hunting takes place on a large scale as of now. The last known hunt in the town of Futo took place in 2004.

In 2007, Taiji wanted to step up its Dolphin hunting programs by approving an estimated ¥330 million for the construction of a large slaughter house in an effort to popularize consumption of Dolphin meat in Japan. However, due to an increase in criticism, there seems to be an opposite effect. During the first hunt in the 2009 season an estimated 50 Pilot Whales, and 100 Bottlenose Dolphins were captured. Although the Pilot Whales were killed, and 30 of the Dolphins were taken to Dolphinariums, the remaining 70 were released back into the open ocean instead being killed for consumption.

The Method

The hunting is done by a select group of fishmermen in Japan. When a pod of Dolphins has been spotted they are driven into the bay by the fishermen while banging on metal rods in the water to scare and confuse the Dolphins. When the Dolphins are in the bay, their escape is quickly closed off by nets. They are usually not caught and killed immediately, but left to calm down overnight. The next day, the waters turn blood red as, one by one, the Dolphins are caught and slaughtered. The killing of the animals used to be done by slitting their throats, but the Japanese government banned this method and now Dolphins may officially be killed by ramming a metal pin into the neck of the Dolphin, killing them within seconds. Whether this ban is being strictly enforced is unclear, however, as eye witnesses have reported some Dolphin hunters continuing to slit the throats of their catch as late as October and November of 2006.

The Entertainment Industry

As briefly mentioned before, some of the Dolphins are not killed for their meat, rather they are captured for use in the entertainment industry in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. So-called trainers come to these drive hunts, pick out Dolphins they feel are attractive, and take them back home to placed in Dolphinariums. It should probably be posted here that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums enforces strict standards, and strictly forbids the capturing of animals from the wild.

Human Health Concerns

There are a lot of possible health risks when it comes to the consumption of Dolphin meat. The meat is said to contain high levels of mercury, as well as certain other pesticides like DDT, and organic contaminates like PCPs. These levels are high enough that they pose a health risk for those who frequently eat the meat, and researchers warn that pregnant women and small children should not eat it at all. Because of these health concerns, the price of Dolphin meat has decreased significantly.

About 40% of Japan has to rely on stockpiling due to it's low food self-sufficiency rate just to keep up a stable food supply. As of 2009, Japan's 1.2 million ton seafood stockpile included about 5,000 of Whale meat. Japan has started to serve this meat in their school lunches as part of a government initiative to decrease the amount. However, there has been criticism about serving the meat to children due to the high levels of toxic methyl mercury levels. Consquently, Taji's bid to expand their school lunch programs to include Dolphin and Whale meat have been met with much controversy. An estimated 330 lbs. (150 kg.) of Dolphin meat was served in their school lunches in 2006. In 2009, it was taken off of the school lunch menu because of contamination. Mercury and Methylmercury levels taken from Dolphin and Whale meat sold at supermarkets most likely to be providing the food for the school lunch programs were 10 times that advised by the Japanese Health Ministry. In fact, the levels were so high that the Okuwa Cho supermarket chain removed the meat from its shelves.

The World Wildlife Fund has estimated that Japan had to spend at least $12 million on the 200-09 Whale hunt alone just to break even, and that subsidies in total have amounted to $150 million since 1988.

Protests

Protesting is now commin in Taji. In 2003, two activists were arrested for cutting fishing nets to release captured Dolphins. They were retained for 23 days. In 2007, American actress Hayden Panettiere was involved in a confrontation with the Japanese while trying to disrupt the hunt by paddling out on a surfboard, trying to reach a pod of Dolphins that had been captured. The following confrontation lasted for ten minutes before the surfers were finally forced to come back to the beach. They drove straigh to Osaka Airport to prevent being arrested by Japanese police for tresspassing.

Taiji's fishery cooperative union argues that the protesters, "continue willfully to distort the facts about this fishery" and that their agendas "based neither on international law nor on science but rather on emotion for economic self-interest."

Some of the organizations involved in the protest of this practice are: Sea Shepherd, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, One Voice, and BlueVoice.

Because much of of the criticism is coming in the result of photos and video, it is now common for the final capture and slaughter to take place inside a tent or under a plastic cover.

In 2009, a documentary called The Cove was released and shown amongst others at the Sundance Film Festival.

Other methods of hunting and killing Dolphins and Whales also include offshore harpoon hunts which do not get much attention by the media.

(Article Source)

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Now after reading this, some of you might be wondering what exactly you can do to help the Japan Dolphins.

Here are a few links that might be helpful:

Save Taiji Dolphins Campaign

www.savejapandolphins.org/

Sign the Save the Taiji Dolphins Petition

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO HELP SAVE THE DOLPHINS:

1.) Write to our leaders and help get the word out in Japan

2.) Learn more about dolphins in captivity

3.) Vote for The Cove's Japanese sight

4.) Help Save Japan Dolphins' efforts on the frontlines

5.) Support The Cove's filmaker's with your donations

The Cove is a documentary exposing the annual slaughter of Dolphins and Porpoises off the coast of Japan every single year, and how their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury poisoning, is sold as food throughout Japan as well as all of Asia, often labeled as Whale meat just so it can fetch a higher price. The secret is out, spread the word.

To learn more about The Cove click on this link.

Giraffes Are No Tall Tale

2010-08-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Giraffes are the tallest land mammal on Earth. That's a given considering their towering legs and long necks. A Giraffe's leg alone is taller than many humans - about 6 feet. These legs help the Giraffe run at a speed of 35 miles per hour at a short distance and help them cruise comfortably at about 10 miles per hour for longer distances.

These remarkable creatures typically roam the grasslands in small groups of up to about half a dozen.

The bulls (male Giraffes) compete for females by butting their necks against one another. This is usually not dangerous and it ends when one male gives up and walks away.

Giraffes use their height to their advantage, eating from the highest of branches. The Giraffe also possesses an approx. 21 inch long tongue which helps them pluck tasty morsels from the tree branches. Giraffes eat most of the time and, like cows, regurgitate their food and chew it as cud. A Giraffe can eat hundreds of leaves each week and must travel miles in order to be able to find enough food.

A Giraffe's height also makes it a good lookout for predators on the horizon. If anyone is going to see the predator coming first, it's going to be the Giraffe.

Unfortunately, a Giraffe's height can also have disadvantages as well. For example, it is very dangerous and difficult for a Giraffe just to get a drink from the local watering hole. They must spread their legs and bend down into a very awkward position, making them vulnerable to predators such as the Lion. Giraffes only need to drink once every several days: they get ost of their water from the plants they eat.

Female Giraffes have a 15 month gestation period. Calves when they are born average out at a height of about 6 feet and can weight up to 150 lbs. Female Giraffes must give birth standing up. Their young endure a very rude welcome into the world by falling more than 5 feet to the ground. These infants can stand up and walk about half an hour after birth and are running an amazing 10 hours after they are born.

Although no 2 spot patterns are alike (kind of like our fingerprints), Giraffes that are from the same area appear similar.

(Article Source)

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Questions? Comments? Concerns? Complaints? Leave a comment!

Thank you everyone!

~Zoogirl

Comeing Soon...

2010-08-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

In about two hours or so I will be heading off to the zoo to perform the wonderful task of educating the public about the remarkable animals we share our world with. I don't really have time to make much a of a post right now, but I thought that I would go ahead and advertise what the next blog post will be about.

In light of the recent birth of Zoo Atlanta's first Giraffe calf (yay, finally!) I am going to try to give everyone some insight on just how wonderful Giraffes really are. I have a few pictures of Baby (who has yet to be named) that I should be posting right along with it for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks everyone!

Nocturnal, Diurnal, and Crepuscular

2010-08-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

While many of you out there might have already heard of the term nocturnal, there might be some who might not have heard about the term, diurnal and crepuscular. This blog is going to give a little bit of insight on what these terms mean.

Crepuscular, nocturnal, and diurnal are all terms used to describe the time of daythat certian animals are active. Many animals tend to develop distinctive behavioral patterns that are adapted to the environments in which they live in. These patterns are easy for biologists to observe and are commonly used as tools to determine whether or not an animal is stressed, frustrated, or pressured into behavior that is not typical of that animal. Having the knowledge about when animal is supposed to be active can also help someone determine whether or not the animal is sick; Owls, for example, are only seen at night, making an Owl a cause for concern if it is seen flying around at noon.

When an animal is said to be "crepuscular" it means that that animal is active during the twilight hours at dawn and dusk. The word is derived from a Latin word which means "twilight". Many animals take advantage of these hours to feed because they know that predators are less likely to be active during these hours. Visibility is also a challenge during twilight hours which makes these animals less visible to potential threats. Cats and rabbits are famously crepuscular.

Nocturnal animals are only active at night. Many of these animals have specially adapted vision to help them see in the dark, and they often have excellent hearing as well. There are a number of reasons for an animal to be nocturnal; for example, desert animals are nocturnal because at night the desert is cooler and their rate of water loss is decreased as a result. Two nocturnal animals you may already know; Bats and Owls. Nocturnal animals that are housed in zoos, are housed in special "night time" exhibits where their day and night schedules are switched so that the animals believe it is night time when it is actually day time, allowing guests to view them while they are active. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo houses the worlds largest nocturnal animal exhibit: Kingdoms of the Night. You can find more information about it here.

Animals that are only active during the day are diurnal. This can have great advantages for animals that have poor visibility like humans. Us humans also have a tendency to encourage diurnal actions in our animal companions as well, like the family dog. Dogs have a natural tendency to be crepuscular, but can learn to be diurnal through human interactions.

All of these behaviors are established through circadian rhythms, patterns that are built into the body chemistry of an animal. A disruption of these rhythms can be harmful. Nocturnal animals can become very disoriented and stressed if they are forced to be active during the day time, causing them stress and making them vulnerable. Diurnal animals are not adapted to being out at night because of their poor vision which makes them vulnerable to predation of they are out and about after dark. Crepuscular animals, such as Deer, can become very stressed if they find themselves out late at night or in the heat of the day. This can cause them to perform extremely odd and potentially fatal behaviors, such as jumping out into the middle of oncoming traffic.

(Article Source)

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Questions, comments, concerns, complaints? Don't be afraid to post your comments! ~Zoogirl

What kind of animal would you rather be? Nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular? Vote in the upcoming poll!

The Malayian Sun Bear

2010-08-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

Scientific Name: Helarctos malayanus

Conservation Status: At risk

Fun Sun Bear facts:

Sun bears are named for the yellowish markings on their chests. Just like a human fingerprint, no two "sun" markings are alike!

Sun bears have uniquely adapted tongues and claws for their largely arboreal lifestyles. Their claws are curved for climbing (they also do not retract) and their tongues are uniquely suited for obtaining insects and sap from the trees.

Size:

The Sun bear is the smallest of the bears, standing 27 inches at the shoulder and averaging 4 feet from nose to tail. Males are slightly larger than females.

Range and Habitat:

The tropical forests of Southeast Asia.

Lifestyle:

Sun bears are generally solitary and nocturnal, spending most of their time sleeping in the trees. Unlike many other species of bear, Sun bears do not hibernate; this fat storing behavior is unnecessary in their native tropical climate.

Food:

The Sun bear is an omnivore. They will eat everything from insect larvae, honey, and fruit to the occasional small mammal or reptile.

Life Cycle:

A female Sun bear can give birth up approximately twice a year. Cubs are born completely dependent on their mother's care. Cubs will stay with their mother until they are at least 3 years of age.

Sun bear population status and threats:

The wildlife trade is the biggest threat to the Sun bear. Sun bear gall bladder bile is believed by some cultures to possess healing powers; this substance is commercially harvested throughout Southeast Asia. Sun bears are kept on farms in extremely cramped cages where they cannot move at all. The bile from their gall bladders is painfully extracted through a tube. Sun bears in the wild are being threatened as well from deforestation. Sun bear claw is also considered a delicacy by some.

Want to be able to see Sun bears but aren't able to go to Southeast Asia? Here are some places where you might be able to see them. :)

In the United States:

Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, Georgia)

San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California)

Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, Washington)

The Oregan Zoo (Portland, Oregon)

Oakland Zoo (Oakland, California)

Honolulu Zoo (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Around the World:

Perth Zoo (South Perth, Western Australia)

Wellington Zoo (Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand)

Edinburgh Zoo (Edinburgh, Scotland)

(If I can find more zoos, I will do my best to try and post them here. If anyone out there knows of a zoo that has Sun bears, please feel free to leave a comment here with the name of the zoo and a link to their website. Thanks! ~Zoogirl)

And the winner is...

2010-08-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

The Sun Bear!! This animal got the most votes so in the next day or so I will be posting some information on these remarkable creatures and where you can go to see them if you live here in the United States and some locations around the world if I can find them.

Thank you for voting!

Zootopia Wear!

2010-07-23T22:48:00.001-07:00

Now you can have Zootopia with you anywhere!

http://www.cafepress.com/zootopiawear

To Behave with a Gorilla....

2010-07-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Gorilla is the image of the mythical beast, with the King Kong representation at its maximum. There are many things that contribute to this, including the huge size of silverback males as well as their human-animal appearance. Even residents living in Gorilla inhabitated areas are often very frightened of the animal.

It was not until the late Dr. Dian Fossey began her studies on the Mountain Gorillas that many of these myths began being debunked. When she was confronting enraged males, the locals thought that she would surely be torn apart. When they saw that she was still alive, many believed that she was under the protection of supernatural forces.

In reality, she just knew how to behave around Gorillas.

Conservationists also exaggerated on the other hand depicting Gorillas as quiet vegetarians who do nothing but rest and eat fruits with celery (rich in water) with other vegetables all day.

They are indeed much more peaceful than the Chimpanzee. Their character is more blaze and hard to motivate. It's a fact that has made many believe that Gorillas are less intelligent than Chimpanzees.

In reality, Gorillas have lots of personality and the truth is actually somewhere in the middle.

"Even if they start to get used to humans, they are not always kind, as many researchers suggest," says Dr. David Watts who has been studying Mountain Gorillas since his collaboration with Fossey.

Gorilla tourism requires a lot of prudence.

Dr. Dian Fossey laid out a few ground rules:

1.) Never run in front of a Gorilla.
2.) When a Gorilla is enraged, do not move and look downward, in order to not provoke the animal.

(Once a researcher made the mistake of running. The Gorilla launched himself at the researcher tearing his rucksack. Just as he was about to bite down on the man's arm, he recognized a familiar face.)

3.) Do not ever touch a Gorilla. You can let yourself be touched by the animal.

(The opposite gesture is considered as aggressiveness in Gorilla World (in Human World it's considered rude as well, like when a stranger touches you.)

4.)Do not move too fast in front of a gorilla and do not breathe over it. Do not go see the gorilla when it's sick. And, especially, you must let the animal an alternative for escape from your path, do not block its way.

(A human flung on the ground, not moving, is not considered a threat and is left alone.)

Confrontations between rival males can be frequent and they can get violent, often ending up with the Gorillas receiving deep wounds. Inside social groups however, the ties are strong. Gorillas are one of the few animals that are known to actually mourn their dead, and they have been known to mourn over the body of a loved one for days.

~Zoogirl

(Article Source)

How Kangaroo Got His Tail

2010-07-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

How Kangaroo Got His Tail

(Based on Australian Aboriginal Legend)

A long time ago, some animals looked different to the way they look now. Kangaroos had no tails and wombats had high, round heads.

Mirram the Kangaroo and Warreen the Wombat were good friends. They lived together in a hut that Warreen had built from tree bark.

They liked being with each other, but Mirram liked to sleep outside at night and he made fun of Warreen who always wanted to sleep inside.

"Come, Warreen, sleep outside with me" said Mirram. "It's much better to look up at the stars at night and listen to the fresh wind in the trees."

"It's too cold outside" snuffled Warreen, "and sometimes it rains. I might get wet! I like sleeping in my hut with a nice fire to keep me warm."

Mirram the Kangaroo would not accept this. "Your bark hut is dark and smelly. It is much better to sleep out in the clean air under the bright stars!" "No, thank you" said Warreen. "I will stay in my hut where I am comfortable."

Mirram was impatient. "You are too scared to sleep outside with me. You are frightened to feel a little wind." "I'm not frightened" snuffled Warreen. "I just like sleeping in my bark hut!"

Mirram kept on taunting Warreen, until one night the wombat agreed to sleep outside. During the night he got really cold and waddled back inside the hut. Kangaroo laughed at him.

All summer they played together as friends, but Mirram sometimes still made fun of Warreen's hut.

Things changed when winter came. The wind became colder at night while Mirram slept outside. At first he didn't mind. He snuggled up to a tree to protect himself, and laughed at the thought of Warreen in his smelly hut. "Wombat would not brave the wind like me" he said to himself.

The wind became stronger and colder. Mirram curled himself into a tight ball, hugging his tree.
He told himself that the wind couldn't hurt him - he wasn't afraid. When it began to rain, he muttered "a little wind and rain won't hurt me. I'm not afraid."

One night, blasts of wind lashed the kangaroo with raindrops that felt like icy needles. Mirram was so wet and cold, he couldn't take it any longer. He struggled onto his hind legs and blown by the wind, hopped slowly towards the bark hut.

"It is me!" screamed Mirram, banging on the door. "Now, let me in!" "No!" yelled Wombat.

"There isn't enough room."

Mirram's teeth were chattering. He became very angry and pushed hard at the door until it opened. "I'm inside now - and you aren't big enough to throw me out!"

"H'mmph" snorted Warreen. "Well, sleep over there - in the corner. You're all wet and I don't want cold rainwater dripping on me." Wombat stretched out near the fire again and went back to sleep.

Mirram lay down in the corner, but there was a hole in the wall of the hut and the wind and rain came in. He couldn't dry himself or get warm. The fire went out, but Warreen didn't notice. He snored as he slept and laughed every now and again, enjoying a nice dream. This made Mirram more angry.

In the morning his body was stiff and sore. He hobbled outside and picked up a large rock. When he came back, Warreen was stretching and yawning as he woke up. Mirram dropped the rock on Warreen's head, flattening his forehead and making his nose curl around

"This is for not helping me get warm and dry" said Mirram. "And from now on, you will always live in a damp hole. Your flattened forehead and cold home will remind you of last night."

After that, Warreen and Mirram didn't speak to each other or play together and Warreen planned revenge.

He made a big spear and waited until Mirram was busy washing himself.
Then he threw the spear with all his strength and it hit the kangaroo at the base of his spine. Mirram yelled in pain and tried to pull the spear out, but it was stuck.

"From now on, that will be your long tail" yelled Warreen, "and you'll never have a home to live in!"

That is why wombats now have flat foreheads and live in dark, damp burrows underground and why kangaroos have long tails and always sleep outside, under the stars.

THE END

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For more interesting myths and legends you can click here. ~Zoogirl

Rare Primate Photographed For The First Time

2010-07-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

A primate that is so mysterious and rare that it was thought to be extinct, has just been photographed for the very first time by the Zoological Society of London research team in Sri Lanka.

The Horton Plains slender loris (Loris tardigradus nycticeboides).

The photos were snapped in the montane forests of central Sri Lanka where the slender loris resides. This primate has only been seen for times since 1937. The creature was completely missing in action from 1939 to 2002 leading to the belief that the animal had gone extinct.

Scientists traveled over 200 miles to view this very elusive, wide-eyed species.

The photographs reveal more information about the species than before. For example, we now know that they have shorter, sturdier limbs than any other loris found in Sri Lanka and southern India. They must help the animal survive in the cool montane forest.

Click here to see photos of the Horton Plains slender loris and to read the full article.

~Zoogirl

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Questions? Comments? Don't be afraid to post them here! You can also follow me on Twitter! And don't forget to cast your vote in the poll!

Baby Rhino Falls Victim to Military Style Poachers

2010-07-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

The mother of a baby rhino was left to die after poachers drugged her and sawed off her horn.

Full Article:

The plight of a baby rhino whose mother was left to die after poachers drugged it and sawed off its horn has highlighted a resurgent threat from criminal poaching gangs in South Africa.
Bewildered, hungry and confused, the nine month-old calf was found staggering through scrub a few hundred yards from the mutilated corpse of its mother at the Krugersdorp Nature Reserve, in Gauteng province.

The adult animal was one of many victims of a dramatic spike in poaching driven by a surge in demand in Asia, where rhino horn is held to have medicinal properties.
The poachers drugged the beast, rather than killing it outright, as that is a more efficient way of incapacitating it before removing the horn. The rhino then bled to death, its calf surviving the poaching gang only because its horn was yet to grow.

“I don’t mind admitting there were tears in my eyes when I saw her lying there,” said Japie Mostert, the veteran ranger at the Krugersdorp Nature Reserve who found the dead animal.

The mother was the last adult rhino left in the small game park, which has been ruthlessly targeted by a new breed of poachers using sophisticated, military-style methods. Whereas “traditional” poachers relied on simple snares, now they hunt for their prey using helicopters, GPS locators, and dart guns.

Last year 122 rhinos were slaughtered for their horns in South Africa, and this year that number is already on track to be doubled.

Conservationists are at a loss over how to respond.

“We are facing an entirely new type of threat,” Cathy Dean, of Save the Rhino International, said.

“Where we once had to deal with poachers wearing flip-flops and using a home-made snare, we are now faced with criminal gangs deploying GPS devices, night-vision equipment and foot soldiers to track rhinos for days. Highly-trained operatives, possibly ex-soldiers, are then being flown into parks by helicopter, and armed with specialised veterinary drugs and darting guns, chainsaws and automatic weapons. Who is possibly resourced to deal with that?”

If the rate of poaching continues unchecked, the number of animals being poached will exceed the rate of natural population growth within two years.

Despite an international ban, more than 1,500 rhino horns have been traded in the past three years, feeding demand from two main markets: the Middle East and the Far East. But increasingly strong links between Africa and the Far East mean that supply route has become easier and less risky.

At pounds 45,000 per kilogram, the horns – weighing, on average, 7 kilograms each – are now worth more than their weight in gold, and there is no shortage of foot soldiers willing to work for a share of the profits. Even the world-famous Kruger National Park, which has well-resourced rangers, has fallen prey to the poaching gangs, but it is increasingly the smaller, less secure, private parks, like Krugersdorp, that are most vulnerable.

The demand from Vietnam – where a cabinet minister recently claimed his cancer had been cured by a potion containing ground rhino horn – is particularly fierce. Hanoi-based kingpins, allegedly with highly-paid contacts at the very highest levels of South African ministries and conservation groups, dominate the illicit trade.

An investigation by the South African national broadcaster last year captured a Vietnamese diplomat on camera illegally buying rhino horn in front of the embassy building in the capital, Pretoria.

The female diplomat was later recalled to Hanoi, without prosecution.

More than 90 per cent of Africa’s rhinos live in South Africa, where conservation methods have achieved great success since the 1970s. But this success has now put the species under threat.

“South Africa is the last frontier for the rhino,” said Pelham Jones, of the Private Rhino Owners’ Association. “They have been more or less shot out of the rest of the continent, so poachers are focusing all their considerable efforts on us. We really are under siege.”

Radical measures being suggested include legalising the rhino horn trade again, and using horns from rhino that have died a natural death, or have had them removed in a controlled process by rangers.

At least one game park is now running a project for “eco-tourists”, charging them to help dart the animals and carve off horns, thus making them valueless to poachers.

But Mr Jones believes this strategy not only makes a rhino more vulnerable, by being left without horns to defend itself, but also risks the country’s popularity for viewing the famous “Big Five’ – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino.

“People don’t come to South Africa to see the Big Four, or even the Big Four-and-a-Half – by which I mean the rhinos without their horns. The rhino is part of our South African heritage. We have brought them back from extinction once, and we must not allow for the risk of that situation again.”

Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/technology/Baby+rhino+victim+military+style+poachers/3292285/story.html#ixzz0u67uTsHK

(Article Source)

Sea Turtles Rescued From Gulf Oil Spill Released Into Atlantic

2010-07-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

The first batch of Sea Turtles saved from certain death in the oily Gulf of Mexico have been released into the Atlantic.

56 Kemp's ridley turtle hatchlings were released off of Florida's Canaveral National Seashore this week. 67 eggs were collected from a nest and brought to a temperature controlled warehouse at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, but only 56 of them hatched. State and federal officials plan on bringing thousands more of the eggs to incubation in the coming months.

This is all part of a sweeping effort to pluck some 70,000 eggs or so from Sea Turtle nests all across the coasts of Alabama and Florida before they hatch and swim into certain death caused by the oil. NASA currently holds 1,100 incubating eggs.

Scientists are fearing that, if left alone, we could lose an entire generation of an already critically endangered species.

Most of the turtles that are being collected are already threatened Loggerheads, but there are some Kemp's ridleys, which nest largely in Mexico and southern Texas. Some, however, lay their eggs along the northern part of the Gulf Coast.

Scientists are acknowledging that the plan is risky, and that some of the hatchlings may not even survive the transport process, but all are agreeing that there seems to be no other option. The successful hatching of this first set bring hope that more will survive.

After the 1979 Ixtoc oil spill in the Gulf, several hundred Kemp's ridley's were ferried by helicopter to the ocean beyond the slick, but there has never been this kind of effort to save so many Sea Turtle eggs.

(Article Source)

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Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact me! You can also follow me on Twitter!

ZooBorns

2010-07-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Http://www.zooborns.com is a website that I recently found and I just had to share it! Zooborns.com is a website that gives you up-to-date information about the newest (and cutest!) exotic baby animals born in zoos and aquariums around the world. From the double dose of Giraffe who recently made their debut at Busch Gardens in Tampa, to Orangutan babies in Berlin, they show you everything from furry, to scaley, to feathery (and all of the cuteness in between!)

Just something that I thought I would share.

~Zoogirl

New Pictures of Glenda's Baby!

2010-07-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

If you check out the photos on Zoo Atlanta's facebook page, you'll see brand new photos of our Giraffe family!

-Zoogirl

World's Tallest Baby Born at Zoo Atlanta

2010-07-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Glenda, Zoo Atlanta's 3 year old female Giraffe, gave birth this afternoon to her first calf! The newborn is estimated to stand at about 6ft. tall and possibly weighs about 100-150 lbs. Zoo Atlanta's Animal Management and Veterinary teams will continue to monitor mother and baby and the pair will be given a chance to bond indoors before the "little one" will be introduced to father Abu, and aunt, Mona, along with the rest of the residents on the African Plains habitat.

As is typical of Giraffes, mothers give birth standing up, and calves usually come out feet first. Calves that are healthy are usually able to walk within 1-2 hours after being born.

Glenda was born in October of 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and came to Zoo Atlanta along with her half sister, Mona, in 2007. The two girls share their habitat with the baby's father, Abu who is four years old.

Giraffes are the world's tallest mammals. They are native to grasslands and the open woodlands of East Africa. Although the species is currently not endangered, their populations are facing decline due to habitat loss.

(Article Source: http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/article_content/giraffe_born)

Can Lun Lun Make it 3 For 3?

2010-07-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

Zoo Atlanta's adult female Giant Panda, Lun Lun (pronounced loon loon) recently underwent artificial insemination on June 13th, after she and the zoo's adult male, Yang Yang (pronounce yahng yahng) failed to mate naturally. I found this to be extremely unusual for Lun because for a long time now she has been ovulating in late March-early April, but for some reason she decided to surprise us this year. I was afraid that she would skip and not cycle at all, but I am very glad that she did.

Giant Panda females are only fertile for two days out of the entire year. That doesn't leave much time for a male (or staff) to get it right. The zoo monitors Lun Lun's progestin and estrogen levels which helps them figure out when she will ovulate. As soon as her hormone levels peak and drop, then we know that ovulation has occured. The zoo gives our Pandas every opportunity to perform the natural way before stepping in and using AI. For those of us out there who have no idea what artificial insemination is, it is where they take Yang Yang's semen and implant it inside Lun Lun (kinda like a sperm donor).

SOME INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT FEMALE GIANT PANDAS:

1.) Even after mating or artificial insemination is performed, Giant Panda females may go through a process we like to call "delayed implantation". This means that Lun Lun can hold an egg inside her uterus for months before it will finally implant. Once an egg implants, the baby comes out six weeks later which is why they are as small as they are (a Giant Panda cub is about the size of a stick of butter and may weigh only as much as a small apple when they are born).

2.) Psuedopregnancy. Giant Pandas go through all of the hormonal and behavior changes she would go through even if she's not. She will act pregnant either way and there is no accurate test out there that can tell us the difference.

3.) Exactly how long a Giant Panda's gestation period is is unknown. Gestations have been recorded as short as 83 days and as long as 197 days. The average however seems to be about 135 days.

4.) 50% of the time a female will have twins, however, she only raises one, leaving the other one to die. Experts have found out, however, that adult females can't seem to tell the difference between who is there cub and who is not, allowing them to swap babies should a mother give birth to twins in captivity. By alternating (keeping one baby in the incubator, leaving the other with Mom, then switching the next day), twins have been able to survive successfully in captivity.

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If you're ever in Atlanta, Georgia, stop by and see Lun Lun and the gang! Zoo Atlanta's Giant Pandas can be found on exhibit daily during zoo hours in the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Atlanta's Asian Forest.

If you want more information on Lun Lun's counterparts in the wild, you can visit this link for more information.

~Zoogirl
2.)

Zoo Atlanta Reports Passing of Infant Orangutan

2010-07-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little Sandar passed away after a three month battle with illness. You can find the full article at http://www.zooatlanta.org

Many thanks goes out to the Orangutan keepers, Zoo Atlanta's veterinary staff, and the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta staff that came in on their own dime to help try and take care of him.

~Zoogirl

Soul Mates

2010-06-29T19:18:00.001-07:00

Soul Mates, originally uploaded by girlzilla09.

I managed to take this wonderful photo during my brief stint in our parakeet aviary the other day and I thought it would be appropriate if I shared it with all of you!

The male Parakeet is on the left with the blue nose and the female is on the right with the dark brown nose. Parakeets are also known as Budgies.

The Wheel Bug

2010-06-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

(Pictured Above: Adult Wheel Bugs)

The Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) is a somewhat common, widely distributed, beneficial assassin bug that prays on Man's pest insects. WARNING: The bite of a Wheel Bug is usually more severe than a bee sting and both nymphs and adults should be avoided or handled with extreme caution.

DISTRIBUTION:

Wheel Bugs can be found throughout Florida. It has been reported from Rhode Island westward through Iowa and Nebraska to California and southward to Texas.

DESCRIPTION AND IDENTIFICATION:

An adult Wheel Bug usually measures somewhere between 1 to 1.25 inches long. This particular assassin bug is a dark, grotesque looking creature that has long legs and antennae, a stout beak, large eyes on a slim head and a prominant thoracic, semicircular crest which resembles a cogwheel (hence the name). This is the only species of insect in the United States that sports such a crest. The number of "teeth" (tubercles) in the crest varies from eight to twelve. Females are longer and wider than males with the abdominal margins being more widely exposed. A very fine yellow pubescence is present over most of the body, except for the elytral membrane which produces bronze colored reflections. The overall color is mostly dark brown. Variable amounts of tiny white patches of or granules are scattered throughout the pubescences.

REPRODUCTION:

(Photo: Wheel Bug nymphs and eggs)

An immature Wheel Bug is called a nymph. Reproduction usually takes place in the Autumn. When two Wheel Bugs encounter each other and mate, the female will usually lay 40-200 small, brown, and cylindrical eggs on a twig, and eventually die. The eggs will hatch the next spring into 8 inch long red Nymphs which will undergo five molts and metomorphose until they reach the adult stage the following summer. Wheels cannot be seen on nymphs. Wheel Bug eggs have been said to resemble brown bottles with fancy white stoppers. They are 3.7 mm long and are laid end to end, side by side, hexagonal cluster of 42-182 eggs. The cluster is glued together and covered by a gummy cement that will protect the eggs from foul weather, parasites, and predators. Egg clusters can usually be found attached to tree trunks and limbs, shrubs and miscellaneous objects.

A WHEEL BUG'S LIFE:

Wheel Bugs have one generation per year and overwinters in the egg stage. In Florida, some adults live into the winter months, particularly in the southern and central portions of the state.

CHARACTERISTICS:

It has been reported that Wheel Bugs can be cannibalistic, with the females often eating the males after mating is complete. Nymphs will eat other nymphs. This insect is primarily diurnal but has been found at lights, apparently attracted to the prey that is also attracted to the lights.

The Wheel Bug produces a "chirping" sound by rubbing the tip of the rostrum back and forth over transverse ridges on a longitudinal groove on the prosternum although there is not much evidence to determine what the functions of these sounds are exactly.

It has been noted that the Wheel Bug also possesses two scent sacs (red-orange in color) that can be fired from its anus, usually as a reaction to being disturbed. The scent they produce is not as powerful as scent produced by the Stink Bug, but it is still powerful enough to be detected by the human nose.

(Article Sources: http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/trees/wheel_bug.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wheel_bug_back.JPG)

Coming Up...

2010-06-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

I saved a very interesting creature today and I have been seriously thinking about blogging about this particular creature. I even have a picture! Hopefully I will have something up soon as apparently this type of creature is very common, but it is not often seen by us Humans so I am considering myself extremely lucky!

~Zoogirl

This Past Weekend

2010-06-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

I recently had the privelege of visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, one of the few places in the United States to play host to one of the most unique creatures in this world: The Bonobo, a critically endangered species of Great Ape which is only found in one small section of the Congo River Basin, right at the equator at 22 degrees East, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Along with the Chimpanzee, the Bonobo is the closest living relative to Humans. Bonobos have no national park, nothing to protect them from poaching and human encroachment except for the tropical diseases that limit human habitation in the area.

One of the world's leading scientists studying bonobos in Africa says an area that once had hundreds of the apes now has fewer than two dozen and that, if conditions persist in the Wamba forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), "bonobos will be extinct very soon."
Last week, Dr. Gen'ichi Idani of the Great Ape Research Institute (GARI) in Okayama, Japan, presented new findings from his Wamba field study to members of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Bonobo Species Survival Plan Program meeting in Columbus, OH, in summer 2005.

Dr. Idani said the once bonobo-rich region of Wamba has seen a catastrophic decline in the past 10 years. Five out of six bonobo research groups have disappeared from the 150 square kilometer region. An area that held 300 bonobos now has only 22 – a 93 percent decline in the Wamba bonobo population.

According to Idani, the people of Wamba allowed bonobos to co-exist with them for generations and had a taboo against eating bonobo bushmeat. However, two wars in the past decade have had a significant influence on Wamba, its people and bonobos. Violence forced villagers to take refuge in the forest which resulted in deforestation, poaching and the eating of bushmeat.

“If we leave the Wamba forest as it is, bonobos will be extinct very soon,” says Idani. “The countdown for extinction has already begun.”

(Article Source: http://williamcalvin.com/teaching/bonobo.htm)

For more information on what you can do to help Bonobos you can visit these websites:

http://greatapetrust.org/

http://www.bonobo.org/whatisabonobo.html

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org

http://www.zoosociety.org/Conservation/Bonobo/SSP.php (to learn more about the Bonobo Species Survival Plan)

http://www.milwaukeezoo.org

Rescuing Orphaned Chimpanzees (The Jane Goodall Institute)

2010-06-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary chimpanzee pictured. JGI does not endorse approaching or handling wild chimpanzees.

To protect chimpanzees from extinction we must address the root causes of numerous threats, including habitat loss, the illegal bushmeat and exotic pet trades, armed conflict, and infectious disease. But we also face an immediate crisis -- the continual growth in the number of

“bushmeat orphans.” Commercial bushmeat hunters kill many chimpanzees every year. Infants, too small to be killed for meat, are often put on the black market for sale as pets or entertainers.

We work on a number of fronts to help the young victims of the illegal commercial bushmeat trade:

Rescue: Working with African governments, JGI ensures that illegally held chimpanzees are confiscated from poachers or market vendors and placed in sanctuaries across Africa.
Sanctuary: JGI operates the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa -- the Tchimpounga

Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in one of the Congo Basin regions where the commercial bushmeat trade is having the greatest impact on endangered species like chimpanzees. It provides a refuge where chimpanzees are cared for and given the chance to live full lives in spacious conditions. Tchimpounga is in the heart of the Congo Basin’s illegal commercial bushmeat corridor.

Rehabilitation: Our comprehensive conservation strategy includes an ambitious goal: introducing orphaned chimps back into the wild. A generous grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is helping JGI staff to conduct a biodiversity survey and other assessments to find a site suitable for chimpanzee reintroduction into the wild. For Jane Goodall, a successful reintroduction program would be a dream come true.

Community Development and Education: Tchimpounga also provides tangible benefits to surrounding communities by supporting local development projects such as the construction of wells for clean drinking water, employing local people as staff, and buying all the fruits and vegetables needed to feed the chimps from local markets. Tchimpounga staff members also conduct public awareness workshops and other events to raise awareness about the problem of bushmeat and the value of biodiversity.

Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center (Sanctuary chimpanzee pictures. JGI does not endorse handling or approaching wild chimpanzees.) Chimps orphaned by hunters’ bullets and snares are traumatized. Not only have they been removed from their forest homes, most have witnessed the killings of their mothers and other family members. The health of these orphaned chimpanzees quickly declines. Some will die.

For Jane, abandoning these chimpanzees was never an option. “How could I turn my back on their outstretched hands, their pleading eyes and the orphans’ pathetic, malnourished bodies?” she says. Many people discouraged Jane from even contemplating saving these abandoned chimpanzees. To take care of the youngsters would be a large undertaking, since in all likelihood the animals would need to be cared for their entire lives – an estimated 50-60 years.

But in 1992, at Jane Goodall’s behest, the Conoco oil company built the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center – one of the first safe havens for victims of the bushmeat trade. The opening of this center meant many orphaned chimpanzees would be given a second chance at happier lives.

Tchimpounga is situated on a coastal plain of savannah and galleried mosaic forest patches. It is located within the Tchimpounga Natural Reserve, 31 miles (50km) north of the city of Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo’s Kouilou region. Its mission includes chimpanzee protection, education, ecotourism and involvement of local populations in sustainable development. There are more than 140 chimpanzees there today, living in six age-graded groups that have access to several large outdoor forest enclosures.
One of the Sanctuary’s most famous residents, a gentle old chimp named Gregoire, was something of a Congolese national hero. When he died in his sleep in 2008, hundreds of people wrote Jane online to express their condolences and sorrow at Gregoire’s passing.

Getting Involved: Become a Chimp Guardian!

Look What Taz Did!

2010-06-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

See, humans are not the only ones who do not like going to the doctor sometimes...

http://www.11alive.com/rss/rss_story.aspx?storyid=145248

One thing people have to remember is that, although Taz was born and raised right here at Zoo Atlanta, he is still a wild animal and we have to respect that. Some people may read this and say that Taz did this because he was unhappy about being "caged up" or because he wasn't being treated right in some way shape or form. This is totally not true! Yes, there are zoos out there who do not treat their animals the way that they should, but Zoo Atlanta is not one of them. Zoo Atlanta's message, first and foremost, has always been educating the public about the conservation of these remarkable creatures. They give people a chance to see and learn about animals that they might not ever get a chance to. Many people don't even realize that without the efforts from people like the ones working at Zoo Atlanta, many creatures may have already gone extinct. These animals are not "caged up" just for the entertainment for the public (although in some zoos out there that is exactly the case), but instead they are ambassadors for their species, teaching visitors the importance of valuing life because for every bit of life here on Earth that we do our best to save, we are actually saving a bit of ourselves. For every species that dies, WE die a little bit as well.

Remember that.

-Zoogirl

Zoo Atlanta Mourns Passing of Sumatran Tiger

2010-06-04T00:23:00.001-07:00

I am very sad to report the passing of Jalal, a 16 year old, male Sumatran Tiger. Jalal had been experiencing a severe decline in his health and the Animal Management and Veterinary Teams decided it would be best to euthanize him based on this decision. He would have been 17 in two weeks, making him one of the oldest male Sumatran Tigers currently living in a zoo.

Born on June 14, 1993 at the Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington D.C), Jalal arrived at Zoo Atlanta in 1998. He is survived by one offspring, Bahagia, born in 2,000 and now a resident of the Sacremento Zoo (she also just recently had a female cub so congratulations to her!)

With only an estimated 400 left in the wild, Sumatran Tigers are believed to be amongst the rarest Tiger species. This critically endangered big cat is threatened primarily by habitat loss and fragmentation, and poaching for traditional medicines.

Jalal and his female companion, Sekayu who passed away last year, were unique in the sense that they lived together. Normally Tigers are solitary animals are usually only interested in ech other when it comes time for mating. However, Jalal and Sekayu were able to live together in a friendly manner for many years.

As is the case with all animal deaths, regardless of age, a necropsy will be performed (it's sort of the animal equivalent to an autopsy) at the University of Georgia via Zoo Atlanta's partnership with the Department of Pathology in the college of Veterinary Medicine and there should be results within several weeks.

Zoo Atlanta is also home to a younger pair of Tigers, Chelsea (female) who is six years old and Kavi (male) who is nine. They are set to make their long awaited return to a brand-new habitat with the opening of Trader's Alley: Wildlife's Fading Footprints on Friday, June 11. In addition to breathtaking new views of these beautiful, charismatic big cats, as well as the exciting debuts of our new Sun Bears and Tanuki, Trader's Alley will feature a thought provoking series of educational exhibits dedicated to the global issues of wildlife trade.

Zoo Atlanta's Facebook Page
Zoo Atlanta's Official Website

Questions, comments, concerns, complaints? Don't be afraid to comment!

~Zoogirl

Welcome to Kuchi's New Infant

2010-05-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

I went to see Kuchi's new baby today and what a little cutie! No word as to whether the little one is a boy or girl, but it seems to be doing quite well. Kuchi is a very experienced mother who is very protective of her children so I have a feeling that this little one will grow up happy and healthy. Both mother and infant are doing well and hopefully I will have more updates to come!

~Zoogirl

Zoo Atlanta Gorilla, Kuchi, Gives Birth!!

2010-05-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Gorilla mother who's name has become synonomous with motherhood has been given another chance at motherhood. Kuchi, a 25 year old Western Lowland Gorilla who resides right here at home at Zoo Atlanta gave birth to an infant in the wee hours of the morning on May 23rd. This is the fifth time Kuchi has become a mother and the second time she has produced offspring with 21 year old Silverback, Taz.

Kuchi recieved international fame by becoming the first Gorilla mother to raise twins independently after the birth of fraternal twins, Kali (boy) and Kazi (girl) on October 31st, 2005. Kuchi's other offspring are: 19 year old Stadi (fathered by Ozzie) and ten year old Lulu (fathered by the late Willie B.). Kuchi and her new infant are on exhibit right now and can't wait to see you!

See pictures and find out more about Kuchi and her new infant at: http://www.zooatlanta.org

This Post Is Dedicated to Robin and Theo And Their New Little One

2010-05-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

(Robin, Zoo Atlanta's Female Golden Lion Tamarin. Photography: Me.)

Golden Lion Tamarin

Scientific Name: Leontopithecus rosalia

Description

This tree dwelling monkey has a small, rounded head surrounded by a thick, golden, lion-like mane that obscures its large ears.

The Tamarin's body and tail are covered with long, silky hair, ranging in color from pale blond to reddish gold with occasional orange, brown, or black on the tail and forefeet.

Their nearly bare faces can range in color from beige to almost black. The soft, leathery soles of the hands and feet are black.

They have extremely long toes and fingers that end in claws. Only their big toes (halluxes) have nails. Long digits and claws help the Tamarins grab branches and probe crevices in the tree bark for insects and spiders.

Tamarins live in monogomous family units that consist of one breeding pair and their offspring from usually one or two litters. Sometimes they also consist of other extended family members.

Twin births are a common occurence, and everyone pitches in to help raise the new infants.

Diet

In the wild, Golden Lion Tamarins may eat insects, spiders, snails, and occasionally small vertebrates.

Size

The average size of an adult Tamarin is about 1 1/2 half lbs. They have about a 10 inch long body with a 15 inch long tail.

Habitats

The habitat of these monkeys is shrinking rapidly. They were once found in the coastal rainforest of the Brazilion states of Rio de Janeiro. Now they are only found in the scattered remnant forests of Rio de Janeiro.

Status

The Golden Lion Tamerin is listed as endangered by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)

Only an estimated 800 are said to be left in the wild, with 30% of these having been relocated from depleted areas or released as part of a reintroduction program.

Threats

The primary threats to this species are loss of habitat and population fragmentation due to agriculture and resort and development.

What's Being Done

Several Golden Lion Tamarin reserves are being established (public and private) in an effort to save this species. The International Cooperative Research and Management Committee (headquarted at the Smithsonian National Zoo) oversees the management of both the wild population in Brazil, and the zoo population worldwide. The goals of this group are to protect and increase the wild population of Golden Lion Tamarins and maintain a stable, and genetically viable captive population of 500 individuals.

Predators

Their primary predators are birds of prey, snakes and small carnivores such as Coatis and Margay.

Humans also hunt Golden Lion Tamarins illegaly for meat and also for pets.

Source

Click here for information on Zoo Atlanta's Golden Lion Tamarin program.

Warthog Piglets Make Their Debut!!

2010-05-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Veteran parents, Vern and Shirley are parents once again! In case I have not already mentioned it...

The two wee ones have made their official debut!! The little oinkers were introduced to their father, Vern, and the entire family can now be seen on exhibit at Kalahari Connections, Zoo Atlanta's Warthog/Meerkat exhibit (sponsored by Georgia Power) near Boundless Budgies and the zoo's African Elephant exhibit.

Warthog piglets are generally weaned by the time they are six months old, although the older kids usually stick around until the next litter is born. While wild Warthog fathers generally don't have anything to do with their offspring, Vern has proved himself to be a very dedicated parent.

You can read the article here.

They are waiting to meet you!!

~Zoogirl

New Pictures of Mei Lan!

2010-04-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

There are some new pictures of Mei Lan that have been posted!!

The website is in Chinese, but the pictures are beautiful!!

~Zoogirl

Boma Has A New Girlfriend!!

2010-04-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

Zoo Atlanta recently welcomed the arrival of Andazi, a 3 year old Eastern Black Rhino from the Miami Metrozoo on April 21, 2010. The zoo hopes that she will make a great match for long-time zoo resident Boma. She journeyed here via trailer to her new quarters where she will complete a routine 30 day quarantine period before making her debut.

Andazi is expected to be able to meet zoo visitors sometime next month and she has been recommended by the Rhino SSP as a potential mate for 23 year old Boma. Born at the Zoo Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic, Boma has sired no offspring during his 20 years here at Zoo Atlanta. His long time companion, 19 year old Rosie, was sent to to the Columbus Zoo via the recommendation from the Rhino SSP in November 2009.

Black Rhinos are so endangered that they are only found in zoological facilities and wildlife preserves in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and South Africa making them extremely rare animals. Hunted for their horns, which are primarily harvested for use in traditional eastern medicine, Rhino populations have declined drastically as a result of poaching and habitat fragmentation. Of the 100 Rhino species known to exist only five are left - the Black Rhino and their relatives the White Rhino, the Indian Rhino, Javan Rhino, and Sumatran Rhino- and they are all critically endangered.

Stay tuned for news on Andazi's debut onto the African Plains.

~Zoogirl

(You can read the article here: http://www.zooatlanta.org)

Back From Vacation!

2010-04-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I'm back from vacation and I had a really great time! The family and I took a trip to Alligator Farm in St. Augustine, Florida and I do have several pictures! I will be posting them as soon as I can so stay tuned!!

As for my animal friends here at home...

Blaze, Zoo Atlanta's new Sumatran Orangutan is still in quarintine but she will be outside and hopefully with Alan in a few weeks!

Vern and Shirley, Zoo Atlanta's veteren Warthog parents have become parents again! Shirley gave birth a litter of five piglets on April 7th. Unfortunately, three of the piglets passed away suddenly over night. This is very common in large litters like this so it was not unexpected. You can check out the articles here and here.

Miri, our female Borneon Orangutan gave birth to a little boy on the 30th of March. Although Miri is an extremely experienced mother, there were initial concerns the little guy was not as active as he should be and he was also a bit small. Removing an infant from it's mother is probably one of the hardest decisions anyone has ever had to made, but zoo officials decided that it would be best for the infant at this time. He is currently under 'round the clock care by a very dedicated veterinary and other zoo staff. You can keep up with his condition at http://www.zooatlanta.org

Still no word on Glenda the Giraffe! Zoo visitors may notice that her belly is indeed getting bigger and bigger, however there is no word as to when she will actually give birth.

I've got several new pictures that I am currently uploading to my flickr photo account. You can come and check those out at this link.

Things Are A-Blaze At Zoo Atlanta

2010-03-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

The populace better prepare for the second burning of Atlanta! Blaze, a 14 year old Sumatran Orangutan has arrived. She hails from the Audobon Nature Institute in New Orleans, LA.

You can read more about Atlanta's newest primate resident here.

Also, Spring Break is upon us and in the current economy many families may be electing for stay-cations instead of vacations. Therefore, the zoo is expecting record crowds. Also, we all know that spring is usually the season for babies! Come down to Zoo Atlanta and check'em out!!

I'm going on vacation for the next week so I wont be there myself unfortunately, but maybe I will see some interesting animals while I am gone!!

-Zoogirl

A Little Bit Of Sad News...

2010-03-23T18:50:00.001-07:00

I am making a quick post to let everyone know that one of the Golden Lion Tamarin twins, born on March 18th to new parents Robin and Theo, has died.

You can find a link to the note on Facebook and I would also go and check the website (http://www.zooatlanta.org) for more information.

One of the many lessons you learn very quickly while volunteering at Zoo Atlanta and places like it is that life is precious and there are too many times when a promising life is cut short.

I think that you just have to learn not to take anything for granted.

-Zoogirl

THE BABIES ARE COMING, THE BABIES ARE COMING!!

2010-03-19T14:30:00.001-07:00

I found some very interesting articles on the zoo's website just now and I think that some of you might enjoy them!!

Twin Golden Lion Tamarins Born at Zoo Atlanta

The Babies are Coming!

It's 3 in the morning and I'm blogging..go figure...

2010-03-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

So, I wont be able to go to the zoo this weekend due to some special circumstances, or probably for the next couple of weekends to be totally honest with you so I don't think I will be doing any blogging about any experiences I will be having....

I can tell you that I have been waiting for an e-mail telling me that Miri, our adult female Borneon Orangutan, has had her baby. She's due sometime this month and she could basically have her baby at any minute. I am hoping that the baby's a girl, but that's just my opinion. I am also waiting and hoping for Kudzu, one of our adult female Gorillas. Her baby is not due until May. Since she already has a girl (Macy), maybe she will have a boy this time? It makes it even. Miri has a son (Satu).

Spring has defintily sprun at Zoo Atlanta and this is about the time when the zoo turns into one giant maternity ward. I can't say much but I believe that there are some exciting things just around the bend. The new carnivor complex is coming along fairly well and I am hoping that Chelsea, Kavi, and Jalal (our three Sumatran Tigers) and Moby (our Clouded Leopard) will be able to come back from "vacation" and be able to enjoy their new home very soon. We are also bringing in Sun Bears, which suddenly gives me an idea for a new blog post, which I might post very soon. Sun Bears are extremely cute by the way and I am hoping that I will have more information on them.

Well..it is time for me to sign off now. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Complaints? Leave me a comment! Keep in mind that while I am a zoo volunteer, there are things that I am not allowed to release over the Internet as there is a chance that it could be taken out of context. :) Sorry!

~Zoogirl

Zoo Atlanta's Lion Cubs Have Now Moved To Mexico!!

2010-03-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Zoo Atlanta's three young male African Lions ("the boys" as I call them sometimes), Mikalos, Christos, and Athanaisi left for Mexico on March 11th (sorry I have not posted until now! Things are crazy!)

You can check out the article posted on the website in its entirety here.

As it says in the article, the AZA has also issued a breeding recommendation for their parents, Kiki (female) and Kamau (male) so hopefully we will be hearing the pitter patter of little cubbie feet again soon!

If you want to see any photos, you can check out my flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/girlzilla09

Soo...the Hornbill Video Got Picked Up..

2010-03-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

Okay so it's not THE World News Tonight with like..Diane Sawyer but the website for the website for World News (http://www.wn.com) picked up the Hornbill Picassos video that I posted on http://www.youtube.com not to long ago. I'm uber excited about it because not only is it good advertisement for zoo atlanta but it's also good promotion for the zoo's enrichment program as well as for the daily demonstrations that Zazu and Gumby have been doing weekly for the past 3-4 weeks.

So anyway, you can go to http://www.wn.com or you can go to http://www.youtube.com and type in "Hornbill Picassos" in the search box and you'll find it. :)

Thanks to everyone who stops by and reads my ramblins. I know I'm not very educated but some day I hope to be. :)

~Zoogirl

2010-03-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

So some little boy came up to me the other day and asked me if he could give his dollar to the Giant Pandas. Too cute! I guess that is how you are supposed to do it, teach them early.

Biji the Orangutan is adjusting fairly well. I'm pretty sure she misses J.T but she's getting lots of extra love and attention from the keepers and they are giving her her favorite toys to keep her from getting depressed. She really likes bubble bath so I brought her some that I hope she'll enjoy.

Xi Lan was so cute yesterday! I am really proud of the picture that I took of him yesterday (posted above). He's doing pretty well being independent and Lun Lun is enjoying her time off. They've been letting her relax in an off exhibit area for the last couple of days. Giant Panda breeding season is just around the corner, and I think the keepers and vet staff wanted to make sure she had some time off to relax. Her estrus period will come sometime around the end of this month or in early April and then hopefully her and Yang Yang can perform some magic for us once more.

The three Lion cubs that were born in May of 2008, Mikalos, Christos, and Athanaisi, will be leaving us for Mexico where they have more than a few acres of land waiting for them on March 11.

The Southern Ground Hornbills are doing very well with their painting demos, but they need more fans!! Stop by on Sundays at 1:45 after the Elephant keeper talk at 1:30.

Miri the Orangutan is pretty much due any day now and I am hoping for a little girl to be honest. Kudzu, one of our female Gorillas is pregnant and due in May and I'm looking foward to her baby as well. Kashata, a female Gorilla that we sent to Disney's Animal Kingdom to become part of the group there last March (I believe) just recently had a baby girl of her own. A zoo keeper friend of mine sent me the photo and I will probably upload it here at some point.

Until next time...

~Zoogirl

Xi Lan

2010-03-04T23:11:00.000-08:00

So our very own "Atlanta's joy", Xi Lan, has successfully completed the weaning process and is now his own man!

Giant Pandas normally wean off of their mother's milk at around the age of eighteen months (and anyone who may be familiar with Mei Lan, his older sister, or any other of the cubs that are here in the U.S and around the world) may know that already. Zoo Atlanta used a step-wise process invented by the Zoological Society of San Diego. This process involves gradually increasing the time mother and cub spend apart until the cub is completely independent of his/her mother. In the wild, the cub would leave his/her mother to go off and find their own territory.

You can look for updates on Xi Lan and the rest of the Panda gang at http://www.zooatlanta.org (click on the Panda Cam link). Panda Cam operates between 10 AM and 5 PM Monday-Friday. You can also check up on Xi Lan's older sister, Mei Lan, on the zoo's Farewell to Mei Lan page. So far it seems that Mei Lan is doing extremely well and she is in extremely capable hands. :)

Also, come see Zazu and Gumby! The zoo's male and female Southern Ground Hornbills will possibly be performing painting demonstrations (weather permitting, certainly) at 1:45 on Sunday. If you're interested, you might even get to meet Yours Truly! I'll be the one doing all the talking. :)

Check out Zazu and Gumby showing their stuff on Youtube!

Thank you so much to all the people who read my blog!

~Zoogirl

The Southern Ground Hornbill

2010-02-25T22:46:00.000-08:00

Scientific Name: Bucorvus leadbeateri

Physical Features:

Primarily black plumage with the exception of white primary feathers.

Adults have bright red skin around their eyes and neck. Their eyes are pale yellow and their bill is completely black in color.

The juveniles exhibit brown plumage before becoming adults. Both their eyes and bill are grey. The skin on their face is brownish yellow.

They typically will remain in pairs or small groups, typically 2-11 individuals.

They are sexually dimorphic (meaning males look different than females) - the females are smaller than the male and she has a small violet-blue patch on the chin and upper throat.

Range and Habitat:

Range: Africa (Central Kenya (Nairobi) and Zaire south to northern towards Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa).

Habitat: Grasslands and woodlands.

Diet:

Wild: Insects and a variety of small vertebrates, such as hares, rodents, snakes, lizards, and toads.

Zoo: Bird of prey diet (i.e rats, crickets, mice, mealworms, and quail)

*The Hornbills' lifespan in the wild and in captivity are unknown.

Reproduction:

Courting may involve all adult males within the group, but only the dominate male will actually copulate. The remainder of the group may aid in the care of the young.

Nests are typically made in trees (often in a baobab tree), cliffs, or banks.

The female will lay one or two eggs and they will be laid between the months of September and November.

Incubation: Approx. 40 days.

The offspring are often naked, blind, and pinkish in color.

Offspring will often fledge after about 86 days, but will remain with the group for several years. The adults will often still feed the young until they are two years old.

Young Hornbills usually reach sexual maturity about three years old.

Conservation:

Major threats: Habitat loss

The population is declining due to human encroachment and habitat loss due to agricultural development.

Other Facts:

Ground Hornbills will take flight if threatened or alarmed by surrounding predators.

Their vocalization consists of a low-pitched booming sound. The vocalization is often produced at dawn and is used to establish territory.

(Zazu and Gumby will hopefully be showing off their painting skills which were mentioned in the post made before this one, on Sundays at 1:45 PM and they may even be doing it on Saturdays. If you decide to come and visit, be sure to check the back of your zoo map for scheduled painting times as well as to see a list of other scheduled activities that will be going on throughout the zoo during the day! ~Zoogirl)

Hornbill Picassos

2010-02-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

Check out a video I recorded of Zazu and Gumby, Zoo Atlanta's Southern Ground Hornbills, showing off their skills with the paintbrush for the public:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzbX0o_wSEE

I am hoping that everyone will be able to view this. It's a five minute video of the entire painting demonstration so I hope you enjoy!

Palm oil deal 'a threat to the rainforest'

2010-02-20T23:40:00.000-08:00

I wanted to highlight a link to an article that I found in one of my followers' blogs. It highlights the threat that the palm oil industry is having on the rainforest. Palm oil is the primary reason for Orangutan habitat loss in Borneo and Sumatra. Keep in mind that this also effects the Sumatran Tiger as well as many of the flora and fauna that grow in the rainforests that are being cut down for palm oil.

Here is a link to the article.

The Cheyanne Mountain Zoo is a leading expert on the palm oil crisis and what we can do to help conserve habitats that are being destroyed by the industry. You can go to the link that I have posted in order to figure out some of the things you can do to help.

As for our Orangutans here at home...

Biji is adjusting fairly well from what I am hearing. The keepers are giving her extra attention and, as always, they are taking excellent care of her and the other Orangutans. Miri, our only adult female Borneon Orangutan is due to give birth in March!! Stay tuned!

Top 25 Most Endangered Primates

2010-02-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the top 25 most endangered primates. These creatures are our most closely related relatives yet we are killing them and by killing them we are, in a sense, killing a part of ourselves. How do you think you would feel if your homes were being destroyed, or if your family was being picked off just to be food on someone else's table?

Here is a list of the top 25 most endangered primates:

http://www.primate-sg.org/T25full07.htm

Weaning Process Begins For Xi Lan

2010-02-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Atlanta's favorite toddler will soon be reaching a very big milestone: weaning!

Zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda cub, Xi Lan, who will be turning 18 months on March 2nd, will soon be weaned from his mother, 12 year old Lun Lun.

The zoo's Animal Management Team will be using a stepwise process developed by the San Diego Zoological Society. It's the same process they used when weaning Mei Lan, Xi Lan's 3 year old big sister. It was successful with Mei Lan, as well as all of the other Giant Panda cubs that have been born in the U.S. This process includes a gradual increase in the time that Lun Lun and Xi Lan spend apart over a period of several days until Xi Lan is fully independent of his mother which should be sometime in early march.

Weaning for a cub Xi Lan's age is completely normal for wild Giant Pandas, which are solitary animals. Xi Lan is already eating bamboo, fruit, and leafeater biscuits, and this process allows for a healthy transition for Xi Lan from nursing.

After the process of weaning is complete, Xi Lan will live in a seperate habitat inside Zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda exhibit: the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center. Lun Lun will likely enter her annual estrus cycle about late April or early May, which within normal Giant Panda breeding season.

(Article Source)

Incelment Weather

2010-02-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

So the zoo is closed for today due to the weather which I know that it is a little late to report that. For someone that does not see snow very often it's definitly amazing to me! I'm from the state of Georgia so this not something that I see everyday.

I did not see an update on Mei Lan for today just yet, but if you wanna go and check out the updates that are posted on on the zoo's website go to http://www.zooatlanta.org and click on the Panda Cam link (the updates will be below the Panda cam). Zoo Atlanta's Giant Panda cam runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Biji the Orangutan...

2010-02-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

If I remember correctly I posted that J.T (Jantan) a 20 year old Sumatran Orangutan that I had been extremely fond of passed away a few days ago. He had been suffering from respiratory problems for the past ten years or so and had been receiving regular treatment from two very special doctors from Emory Crawford Long Hospital here in Atlanta: Dr. David Shaz, Assistant Professor, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Emory Crawford Long Hospital, and Dr. Allan Pickens, Thoracic Surgeon, Emory Crawford Long Medical Tower. Both of whom did their best to help the Zoo Atlanta Veterinary team try to resuscitate J.T after his sharp health decline on February 9th.

J.T has spent the last several years with Biji, his great-aunt, with whom he had an extremely close personal bond. I am told that sometimes whenever Biji got tired of waiting on J.T due to his timidness, she would often go and take him by the arm and lead him to wherever. I am sure that Biji misses her nephew dearly but I am glad to report that she is doing fairly well. Orangutans are extremely smart animals so I am sure that she will mourn his loss right alongside the keepers. The other night one of the keepers gave her a toy and when they found her again she had made a nest, curled up inside it with her blanket, and was cuddling with it! Unfortunately I have no pictures and even if I did, it is not permissible for someone to take pictures of the animals behind the scenes unless they are using them as documentation for research. I am hoping that I gave you a very nice mental image though!

*********

An update on Mei Lan...

The zoo team has decided to extend Heather Roberts's stay in Chengdu (she was one of Mei Lan's full-time keepers and traveled with her on her trip to China). You can check out updates on our 'Atlanta Beauty' on the Farewell to Mei Lan page on Zoo Atlanta's web page.

Want to light a candle for Mei Lan? You can do that here!

-Zoogirl

Mei Lan has a webpage!

2010-02-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

Here a link to the special webpage that was created just for Mei Lan when she arrived in China.

http://gongyi.sina.com.cn/z/pandaback/index.shtml

More on J.T

2010-02-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

This article came directly from the Zoo Atlanta website:

ATLANTA – February 9, 2010 – Officials at Zoo Atlanta announced today that Jantan (J.T.), a 20-year-old male Sumatran orangutan, passed away early yesterday evening. The Animal Management and Veterinary Teams had been actively treating the great ape for health complications caused by a long-term respiratory illness.

“The Zoo Atlanta family is deeply saddened by the loss of J.T., both as an individual and as an ambassador for a critically endangered species,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Senior Vice President of Collections, Education and Conservation. “Our animal management and veterinary teams demonstrated exceptional commitment and diligence to ensuring that he had the best possible treatment over the course of his long illness.”

In 1999, J.T. began exhibiting early symptoms of chronic infection of his air sacs, ultimately leading to chronic respiratory infections, which are known to be a significant cause of mortality in orangutans. Despite 10 years of aggressive and proactive medical therapies, including two surgeries and consultation with dedicated colleagues throughout the U.S., J.T. had developed severe respiratory disease. Zoo Atlanta is particularly grateful to Dr. David Shaz, Assistant Professor, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Emory Crawford Long Hospital, and Dr. Allan Pickens, Thoracic Surgeon, Emory Crawford Long Medical Tower Thoracic Surgery, both of whom joined the Zoo’s Veterinary Team in attempting to resuscitate J.T. following his sharp and sudden decline on February 8.

Born April 4, 1989, at Emory University’s Yerkes National Primate Research Center, J.T. arrived at Zoo Atlanta with his mother in 1991. He had spent the last several years in the company of his great-aunt, 39-year-old Biji, with whom he enjoyed a close personal bond. J.T. is survived by one offspring, male Bernas, born July 27, 2002, at Zoo Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta houses the nation’s largest zoological collection of orangutans, now with nine individuals. The Zoo’s Director of Animal Programs, Lori Perkins, chairs the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Orangutan Species Survival Plan.

A necropsy will be performed at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Necropsies are performed following all animal deaths at Zoo Atlanta, regardless of the individual’s age.
Native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, Sumatran orangutans are among the Zoo’s most critically endangered primates. The species is threatened by habitat loss, predominantly because of clear-cutting of forests for palm oil production, and risks extinction within 10 years without targeted conservation efforts. The Orangutan Species Survival Plan seeks to maintain a self-sustaining, genetically diverse population within North American zoos.

(Article Source)

**********

Also, one of my followers posted this really informative blog on Giant Pandas and, in light of Mei Lan and Tai Shan's recent departure to China, I wanted to share with you.

Here is the link

If you're looking for updates on how Mei Lan is doing then please go to http://www.zooatlanta.org. For any information on Tai Shan, try going to http://www.nationalzoo.org

Sad News...

2010-02-08T23:57:00.000-08:00

I opened up my e-mail inbox only to find some extremely sad news. J.T (which stands for Jan Tan), a very sweet, timid, and shy Sumatran Orangutan passed away this evening. He was probably one of the prettiest Orangutans I have ever seen. He was a very reserved creature who did not like it much when something new ever came around. He lived with a female named Biji who is actually his aunt. Often, Biji would have to come and take J.T by the hand and lead him into an area because he was too timid to come in. One time, when I had a chance to be back there in their night time holding quarters helping out the enrichment team, I spoke to him as he sat right inside one of the open doors (he and Biji had access to two sections of the holding area) and he hid his face behind the door. J.T was born in April of 1989 at the Yerkes Regional Primate Center in Atlanta (which made him younger than me. I'm going to be 23 on my birthday at the end of this month). He has one son named Bernas who was born to a female named Daisy who now lives at a zoo in Kansas. Daisy was an inexperienced mother and did not want Bernas so he is being raised by a female named Madu (he's seven years old). He also has an adopted brother named Dumadi (3) living with them, and Chantek the sign-language speaking Orangutan living at the zoo also lives with them.

I figured it would not mean all that much but J.T meant a lot to the primate staff and we all held a soft spot for him I think. He suffered from respiratory issues for a long time and had to be given special treatment, although they are not sure if that is the cause of his death at this point. His remains will be taken in for a necropsy (the animal equivalent of an autopsy) and they will do their best to find out what happened.

J.T, I will miss you my Orangutan friend.

~Zoogirl

Mei Lan Update (and Some Other Stuff)

2010-02-08T13:26:00.001-08:00

I just read the most recent update and it seems that Mei Lan is adjusting to her new home. It seems that she has had a little bit of a rocky start, but who wouldn't? There is a 12 hour time change, the food is different, not to mention the language is different.

If you want to read the latest update on Mei Lan and how she is doing in here new home, click here.

As for the rest of Mei Lan's family here at home, things seem to be going pretty well. Lun Lun tried to take a nap on one of the climbing structures but of course her son Xi Lan wasn't going to have any of that! Every time the poor thing tried to lie down for a nap Xi Lan would climb up on top of her and bite her ears, fur, face, or anywhere else he could reach. Lun Lun pushed him off several times but of coures he just kept climbing back up there for more! He kept trying to climb up onto the platform from different angles as if to say, "oh, maybe if I climb up from over here Mom wont be able to see me!" Of course, His Highness Prince Yang Yang was doing just fine. He didn't have to worry about anyone climbing up on him!

Some people may be wondering whether or not the rest of Mei Lan's family will miss her or if they even know that she is gone. Unfortunately the answer is no. Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and Xi Lan would not recognzie Mei Lan is one of their relatives. Sure if they were to come into a habitat that she was recently in they could smell her scent but as her scent fades away the only thing they may recognize is that that particular Panda is not in the area anymore. If Mei Lan were a wild Panda, she would have left her mother and went to find her own home range. This isn't really all that different, she just needed an airplane and a couple of trucks to do it. :)

***********

As for the zoo's other residents the weather hasn't been all that nice. Although Giant Pandas are built for the cold, our more tropical species are not (such as our primate friends). I spent about four hours Saturday helping out the zoo's volunteer enrichment team making things for the animals to play with and occupy their time while they are in doors. It's actually pretty fun because you get to make some really cool stuff for the animals to play with plus you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making them happy.

-Gail

We All Knew This Day Would Come...

2010-02-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

We all knew that this day would come, but that doesn't make Mei Lan's departure from Zoo Atlanta tomorrow any less hard.

Early tomorrow morning Mei Lan fly to Dulles airport to pick up her cousin Tai Shan (Tie Shahn), the Giant Panda born in 2005 at the National Zoo before departing for China. Mei Lan will be going to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Tai Shan will be going to the Bifengxia Panda Base which I believe are both in the Sichuan province of China.

I wish them both well.

~Zoogirl

P.S: Here is the video from the report that local television news station 11 Alive did on Mei Lan today! I'm tall one with the curly brown hair and the brown jacket. :) http://www.11alive.com/video/default.aspx?aid=115840&storyid=140434#/News/Mei%20Lan%27s%20Last%20Day%20in%20Atlanta/49906865001/50317397001/64731199001

Donate Your Old Cell Phone to Save Gorillas!

2010-01-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

For many years now the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and Zoo Atlanta have teamed up for years to promote the recycling of old cell phones to save the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla. You can help out too by donating your old cell phone!

WHY SHOULD I DONATE MY OLD CELL PHONE??

Cell phones contain hazardous substances that can have a serious impact on the environment.

Cell phones also have a direct effect on the wild population of Gorillas. A critical component used to make cell phones and other small electronics is called Coltan. Coltan is found in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - right in the middle of Gorilla habitat! As a result of the mining of Coltan, Gorilla habitat is being destroyed and the Gorillas are being displaced as well as killed by poachers.

Zoo Atlanta and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International are teaming up with Eco-cell to recycle cell phones, help the environment, and help raise money for Gorilla conservation. The Zoo gives 100% of the proceeds from the cell phone recycling program to DFGFI, their partner in Gorilla conservation.

These donations will help DFGFI further their work in Africa to protect Gorillas and the reuse of cell phones to reduce the demand for fewer new ones, which in turn reduces the need for Coltan mining.

ANY cell phone will be accepted. Even the old clunky ones from ten years ago that are so big and wont even come close to fitting in your pockets now. Accessories are also accepted.

Bring in your old cell phones to the zoo. Cell phones that are brought to the zoo can be recycled in special containers that are located in the administration building (look for the building right up front with all of the giant-sized animal pictures on the sides of the building) or at the Willie B. Conservation Center (right in front of the Gorillas. The recycling container is located right inside the building where the viewing glass is).

Can't make it to the zoo? Cell phones mailed to the zoo should be labeled:

CELL PHONE RECYCLING PROGRAM, ZOO ATLANTA, 800 CHEROKEE AVENUE, ATLANTA GA 30315

Splish Splash Baby Elephant in the Bath

2010-01-30T23:31:00.001-08:00

Someone mentioned this cute video to me and I thought that it would be nice to share it with all of you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6ajcuUx1Qg

Farewell Mei Lan

2010-01-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

Mei Lan, Zoo Atlanta's very own "Atlanta Beauty" will soon be making the trip to her parents' (Lun Lun and Yang Yang) native home land of China where she will become a vital contributor to the Giant Panda population. Media outlets in Washington D.C have been reporting that Tai Shan, the Smithsonian National Zoo's Giant Panda, and Mei Lan will be traveling together to China on Feb. 4. It has been confirmed that Mei Lan will be traveling to China on Feb. 4. Stay tuned for more details on that one!

Many people ask us this question, "don't we get to keep the babies because they were born here?" Or something to that effect. Unfortunately, Zoo Atlanta does NOT. As part of the loan agreement set out between Zoo Atlanta and the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda breeding, any and all offspring produced by Lun Lun and Yang Yang during their stay at Zoo Atlanta are required to go back to China to become part of the Giant Panda breeding program. The same goes for the other three zoos in the U.S that host Giant Pandas (the San Diego Zoo in California, the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C, and the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee). Su Lin from the San Diego Zoo is also scheduled to go to China at some point this year.

Here is a list of all the Giant Panda cubs that have been born in the U.S as well as the zoos they were born in and their birth dates:

San Diego Zoo:

Hua Mei ("China/USA"). Female. Born: August 21, 1999. Arrived in China: February 2004
Mei Sheng ("Born in the USA" or "Beautiful Life") Male. Born: August 19, 2003. Arrived in China: November 5, 2007
Su Lin ("A little bit of something very cute"). Female. Born: August 2, 2005. (Will soon be moving to China!)
Zhen Zhen ("Precious"). Female. Born: August 3, 2007
Yun Zi ("Son of Cloud"). Male. Born: August 5, 2009

Zoo Atlanta:

Mei Lan ("Atlanta Beauty"). Female. Born: September 6, 2006 (Will soon be moving to China!)
Xi Lan ("Atlanta's Joy"). Male. Born: August 30, 2008

Smithsonian National Zoo:

Tai Shan (" Peaceful Mountain"). Male. Born: July 9, 2005 (Will soon be moving to China!)

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Also, save the date because there will be a farewell party for Mei Lan on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Stay tuned for more details on that one as well.

Check the website here: http://www.zooatlanta.org

Want to see ALL of the Pandas in the U.S? Check out their panda cams!

http://www.zooatlanta.org (operates from 10:00 to 5:00 Monday-Friday)
http://www.sandiegozoo.org
http://www.nationalzoo.org
http://www.memphiszoo.org

My Zoo Friends..

2010-01-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

Want to see some pictures of some of my best pals? Check out my flickr account!!

http://www.flickr.com/girlzilla09

Also, Mei Lan, our very own "Atlanta Beauty" will be making the trip of a lifetime very soon! Soon she will be traveling to her parents' native homeland, China, where she will be able to make valuable contributions to the dwindling Giant Panda population. Don't let her go without saying goodbye!!

Also, thank you to everyone who contributed to Zoo Atlanta's Give so They Stay campaign. Zoo Atlanta is currently tallying up the totals and right now they are at $402,000.00! Continue to tune in to http://www.givesotheystay.org for updatesvand you can also go to http://www.zooatlanta.org

African Elephants

2010-01-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

African Elephant:

Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana 

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Basic Facts:

Elephants have four brick-sized molars.

There are 40,000 muscles and tendons inside an Elephant's trunk which allows them to pick up anything from a log to a single piece of grass.

Elephants are highly intelligent animals who collect a large degree of information throughout their lives.

Size

Male Elephants are, on average, 10.5 feet tall at the shoulder while the females are about 8 feet tall at the shoulder. A male Elephant can weigh up to 15,000 lbs. while a female can weigh up to 8,000 lbs.

No Boys Allowed!

Elephants live in a matriarchal society are led by the oldest female. Elephants travel in herds which are made up of related females and their calves. Males leave the heard when they reach sexual maturity and form bachelor groups before venturing out to live their own lives.

Food

Elephants are herbivores. Food is based on regional and seaonal availability. They are both grazers and browsers. Because of their size, an Elephant may eat up to 200-300 lbs. a day and drink more than 100 galleons of water.

An Elephant's Life Cycle

Elephants can live for years. They have a 22 month gestation period and calves generally weigh 200 lbs. when they are born and can be up to 42 inches tall at the shoulder. Maturity is reached in the teens at which age males leave the herd.

Threats

A fully grown African Elephant has no predators besides humans. Young calves and elderly individuals are susceptible to predation from Lions and other predators that roam the savannah. While Elephants are considered vulnerable their status in the wild walks a thin line and is determined by country. Disease and poaching are a huge threat, but regulations on the ivory trade have had a huge impact.

Elephants Showing Emotions?

The Elephant is distinguished by its level of intelligence, methods of communication, highly complex social structure and interesting behavior. In fact, Elephants are one of the few animals that are known to express emotions. They can show great joy and happiness and they have even been known to mourn their dead.

I speak from personal experience when I say that I have seen what it is like for an Elephant when a fellow herd member dies. Zoo Atlanta had a wonderful Elephant by the name of Dottie. She and her friends, Tara and Kelly, came to Zoo Atlanta when they were approximately 3 years of age in November of 1986 and had been to together for 26 years. 2 years ago Dottie became pregnant with her first calf, but unfortunately 16 months into the pregnancy we lost both Dottie and her unborn calf. In an act of mourning Tara and Kelly spent a long time with the body, holding vigil. For a long time Tara could be seen standing in Dottie's favorite spots and it was not until the end of last year the two remaining girls began spending the night together in the same area without their friend.

An Elephant Never Forgets

And they don't! Elephants have amazing memories which consist of knowledge that have been passed down for generations. The matriarch has a mental map of every single nook and cranny of the area from where to find food to where all of the best watering holes are. In fact their brains are wired much the same as a humans, but the "wires in their brains are just stretched farther apart.

Elephant Picassos?

The dedicated keepers of Zoo Atlanta continue to work hard to make sure that our animals are at their best. This includes activities that allow the animals to use their brains, mentally stimulating them. Painting is one of these activities. The Elephants pick the brushes with their trunks and swish them across the canvas. Kelly in particular is very well known for her paintings. In fact her works have been featured nationally in several galleries and have gone up for sell at auction for as much as $1,800.00. You can also find her and Tara's paintings onsale at the zoo's gift shop for about $60.00

(Painting by: Kelly the Elephant)

(Article Sources: http://www.zooatlanta.org/, http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/elephants/elephant_famstrucbehave.html)

Keeping Zoo Animals Warm

2010-01-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

With much of the country experiencing extremely cold temperatures this time of year, many zoo visitors may get there only to find that some of our animal friends might just be taking the next few days off.

Many animals are not quite as adapted to the cold and therefore have to be kept inside. The Primates at Zoo Atlanta for example are not well adapted for cold temperatures (come to think of it, neither are we!) If it gets to be any lower then 40 degrees, it's time to come inside. Abu, Mona, and Glinda, the zoo's three Giraffes don't adapt well to the cold either. Icy, slippery patches could be distasterous if one of them were to fall so you can expect them to be inside their nice warm barn until it warms up enough for them to come out and play again.

Of course, the animals might be getting a few days off, but not for the people who take care of them. Our very dedicated keepers work extra hard to keep our animal friends safe and warm.

For those who want to brave the cold temperatures anyway, Zoo Atlanta offers 50% general admission when the temperatures fall under 45 degrees. While you might not get to see all of our animal friends, that doesn't mean that you can't make some new ones! Tara and Kelly our African Elephants, Slasher the Komodo Dragon, Shandy the Red Panda will surely be glad to see you! Also, let's not forget nature's weirdest underground family, the Naked Mole Rats are always willing for company! And let's not forget the zoo's Giant Pandas: Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Mei Lan, and Xi Lan! Zoo Atlanta's World of Reptiles houses many of the zoo's most beautiful and fascinating creatures from around the world as well as right here in Georgia and the Wild Like Me exhibit is the zoo's indoor, interactive play experience for kids.

Check with the zoo admissions representatives at the front gate to get information on animal visibility. Rides and shows may be weathe-dependent. The zoo may also close early for inclement weather. Discount may not be combined with other discounts, offers, or promotions. Temperature will be determined at the time of purchase.

(Article Source: http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/hours_and_rates/chill)

Zoo Atlanta's Give So They Stay Update

2010-01-07T23:57:00.000-08:00

Zoo Atlanta is currently calculating the final totals from all of the money raised by memberships, donations, and it's many campaigning partners.

Thank you to all of those who made a donation and showed your support to our black and white friends!

Tune into http://www.givesotheystay.org for updates!

This Might Be Worth Looking At...

2010-01-06T00:39:00.001-08:00

I was doing some surfing around and I found this:

http://empathyforanimals.blogspot.com/

I think that it might be worth looking at.

Endangered Gorillas

2010-01-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

(Photo Credit: the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International)

Gorillas are the largest of all the primates - a group that includes Monkeys, Lemurs, Orangutans, Chimpanzees, Bonobos, and even humans. Known as the "gentle giant" the Gorilla is a peaceful, plant-eating, family oriented creature.

Many people like to compare Gorillas to humans, but there are differences. Like us, Gorillas do have the capability of walking upright, but they prefer to walk on their hands as well as their legs. Their arms are longer than their legs and they can use the backs of their fingers as extra feet when they walk. This is called "knuckle walking." Gorillas walk on their knuckles to preserve the extra sensitivity they possess in their fingertips to help them find their food while they are foraging.

THE SILVERBACK

A group of Gorillas living together is called a "troop." There can be as many as 30 individuals living together, led by a single dominant male known as the silverback. He is the one responsible for the safety and well-being of the rest of the troop. He makes all the decisions such as where the group will eat, how far they will travel and in what direction, and where they will stop to rest each night. The silverback can always be identified by the beautiful silver hair that runs down their back.

Males do not usually begin getting their silver hair until they are around 12-13 years old which is sort of like when a human child hits puberty. Also, like humans, it varies between individuals meaning that some could begin getting their silver hair earlier then others.

Gorillas are generally peaceful creatures (hence the nickname), but sometimes a younger male will come in and challenge the current silverback. To scare away unwanted intruders, he will beat his chest with cupped hands to make loud noise, scream, bare his teeth, then charge foward. Sometimes he will break of branches and shake them at the intruder. Gorillas only use actual fighting as a last resort.

BREAKFAST IN BED?

How would you feel if you got to wake up each morning surrounded by food? Gorillas are plant eaters, so life in the forest is like living in one giant restaurant! Their food includes leaves, fruits, stems, seeds, and roots.

Gorillas do not stay in the same area for long. They don't want to deplete their food source! The silverback will lead his troop to a different area every day to find food. After breakfast the adults will gather material to build day nests to rest while the kids play. After their nap, the family eats until bedtime when they will make new nests to sleep in for the night.

BABY BOOM

Female Gorillas are ready to begin having babies at about eight years old. But first, they must leave the safety of the group they were born in and find another troop, or hook up with a lone silverback. Babies learn to walk at about 5-6 months of age and at 18 months they can follow their mothers on foot for short distances. Still, the safest place to be is on Mom's back as she travels through the dense vegetation.

Youngsters learn how to do everything what others in the troop are doing and play fighting with other youngster. Even the normally stern silverback will be gentle with the little ones as they learn new skills. Young Gorillas will share a nest with their mothers until they are about 4-6 years of age.

GREAT APES IN GREAT DANGER

Gorillas have no natural predators, yet they are extremely endangered thanks to humans. People hunt Gorillas for food known as bushmeat. Logging companies are destroying their habitat.

AFRICA MAY SEEM FAR AWAY, BUT YOU CAN STILL HELP!!!

Here are a few ways you can help our Gorilla pals:

1.) When you buy wood furniture, ask if the wood has been certified. This means that the wood was taken in a way that has been approved by forestry experts. Buying certified wood will encourage logging companies in Africa to follow wildlife laws that help protect Gorilla habitat as well as the habitats of other African animals.

2.) Recycle your old cell phone! Zoo Atlanta is currently working with The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and Eco-cell to recycle old cell phones, help the environment, and raise money for Gorilla conservation. Stop by the Administration building or drop them in the recycling container stationed at the Willie B. Conservation Center. Can't make it to the zoo but would like to donate anyway? You can mail your old cell phone to:

Cell Phone Recycling Program

Zoo Atlanta

800 Cherokee Avenue

Atlanta, GA. 30315

Or check with your local zoo to see if they have their own cell phone recycling program. If they don't, encourage them to! For more information on Zoo Atlanta's cell phone recycling program click here. For more information on Eco-cell, click here.

2.) Adopt a Gorilla through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

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Credits:

1.) The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park: http://www.sandiegozoo.org

2.) My own knowledge

Photo Credits:

1.) The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International: http://www.gorillafund.org

2.) Ivan the Gorilla: http://www.flickr.com

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This post is dedicated to a very good friend of mine who is one of the best Gorilla keepers that Zoo Atlanta has as well as to all of the zoo keepers who are responsible for the well being of our animal ambassadors.

Sea Lions Mysteriously Dissappear From Pier 39

2009-12-30T00:58:00.000-08:00

Following a herd of record proportions, hundreds of Sea Lions have suddenly dissappeared from Pier 39 and have been gone for over a month.

Here's the video: http://news.yahoo.com/video/sanfranciscocbs5-15751300/sea-lions-mysteriously-disappear-from-pier-39-17346489

Cool Animal Sounds

2009-12-26T01:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of some really cool animal sounds that I have found during my travels on the Internet's virtual high way. Take a listen!

1.) Clouded Leopard

2.) Orangutan

3.) Zebra

4.) Discovery Channel's website has some very interesting sounds from a multitude of sea creatures!

5.) Giant Panda

6.) Lion

Reindeer

2009-12-25T00:33:00.000-08:00

I thought that since it was Christmas and everything, that it might be interesting to do a piece on Santa Claus's Reindeer. We all know them: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen and sometimes that red nosed reindeer named Rudolph.

The Reindeer, sometimes known as Carbou is an artic and sub-artic dwelling deer. Originally they were found in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Northern China, Russia, and Mongolia north of the 50th latitude. In North America it could be found in Canada, Alaska, and the northern most conterminuous U.S from Washington to Maine in the 19th century. Apparently, it still has a presence in Idaho. It also occured naturally in Sakhalin, Greenland and it may have seen some historical times in Ireland. Reindeer were found as far south as Nevada and Tennessee in North America and Spain in Europe during the Pleistocene Era. Today, Reindeer have vanished from pretty much every party of this historical range, especially in the southern parts where it has vanished pretty much everywhere.

Wild Reindeer can still be found in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Siberia, and Norway. There is also a small wild population of about 50 Reindeer in Scotland's Cairngorm's regions.

Domestic Reindeer can be found in Fennoscandia, Norway and Iceland where humans introduced them in the 18th century. The last remaining wild Reindeer can be found in southern Norway. The boundary of their natural range being about 62 north latitude.

There were a few that were introduced to south Georgia (the country, not the state!) and can now be found in two distinct herds that are permanently seperated by glaciers. Their numbers are no more than a few thousand. They were introduced in the early 20th century and the flag and coat of arms of the country features the image of a Reindeer. Unfortunately, Reindeer populations are declining due to climate change for migratory herds, and industrial disturbances to sedentary, non-migratory herds.

Females usually weigh between 130 and 370 lbs. and males are usually between 220 and 700 lbs. Both genders grow antlers and in the Scandinavian variety, the old males' antlers fall off in December, young males in early spring, and for the females, it's in the summer. The antlers usually have both an upper and lower point. Domesticated Reindeer have shorter legs than their wild cousins and they are also heavier. The male Reindeer's antler size is rivaled only by the Moose, with their antlers reaching 39 inches in length and 53 inches in beam length.

Their hooves are adapted for the different seasons. In the summer months their footpads. become soft and spongy and provide extra traction for when the tundra is soft and wet. In the winter they tighten and shrink, exposing the rim of the hoof which cuts into the ice and crusted snow to keep them from slipping. This helps them dig for their favorite food, Lichen, sometimes known as Reindeer moss. The knees of many a Reindeer are adapted to making a clicking sound as they walk ("up on the roof top click click click...").

Reindeer mainly eat Lichen in the winter time. However they also eat willows, birches (the leaves) as well as sedges and grasses. There is also some evidence to suggest that they feed on Lemmings, bird eggs, and arctic char. Reindeer that are looked after by the Chukchis have been known to enthusiastically devour mushrooms in the late summer.

As far as reproduction, mating occurs in September-November. Males battle for access to females by locking antlers and trying to push their opponents away. The most dominant males may collect 15-20 females to mate with. A male will stop eating during this time and lose much of his body reserves.

Calves are generally born the following May-June. After 45 days the calvs are able to graze but will continue to nurse until the following fall when they will be independent from their mothers completely.

THE REINDEERS INVOLVEMENT IN CHRISTMAS...

Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by eight flying Reindeer. They were first named in the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" in which they are named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, and Blixem. Dunder was later changed to Donder and - in other works - Donner (which means "thunder" in German) and Blixem was later changed to Bliksem, then Blitzen (German for "lightening). Rudolph is considered by some to be part of this group, although he was not part of the orginal poem. Rudolph was added in 1939 by Robert L. May in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Also, there has been some dispute over the years as to what gender Santa's Reindeer may actually be. As mentioned before, fully grown males lose their antlers in December so it has been suggested that the famous eight (and sometimes nine) may actually be female but this author will leave it up to you to decide.

Now it is time for the Zoogirl to sign off. No matter what holiday you celebrate, may it be a happy one. :)

~Zoogirl

(article source: wikipedia and some of the author's own memory)

It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To.

2009-12-21T00:17:00.001-08:00

It was rainy and cold on Saturday so of course the Orangutans would not get to come outside. This is unfortunate because the Enrichment team painted so many pretty bags for Chantek, who's birthday was on the 17th of December. They were going to be stuffed with treats and given to him as presents.

A small group of people had a celebration in Chantek's honor inside the ARC (Action Resource Center) in what is known as World Studio. It was pretty cool because they had a presentation about Orangutans and they showed this movie called Green which documented the stay of a Borneon Orangutan at Nyaru Menteng, an Orangutan rehab center that you may know from the show Orangutan Island. The movie also shows the devestation caused by Palm Oil Plantations.

You can learn more about Green and Orangutas in general at http://www.redapes.org which is the website for Orangutan Outreach.

(There will be more to this blog coming soon!)

Keep Those Panda's Rockin!

2009-12-17T23:51:00.000-08:00

Select Hard Rock Cafe locations here in America have decided to help us keep the Giant Pandas rockin'! Hard Rock has decided to partner with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help support Giant Panda programs in all four of the zoos in the U.S that currently host the popular black and white bears. Our friends at the Hard Rock have decided to make lapel pins that honor each of the zoos: Zoo Atlanta, the Memphis Zoo, the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C, and the San Diego Zoo. Each pin has a Panda playing a different instrument (for example: in Atlanta, our Pandas are rockin' the drums!)

Guests that are visiting Zoo Atlanta can recieve a free appetizer or dessert (jumbo combos not included) with the showing of any membership or Zoo Atlanta ticket stub.

For more information you can visit the Zoo Atlanta Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#/notes/zoo-atlanta/keep-pandas-rocking-on-with-exclusive-new-hard-rock-cafe-lapel-pins/204855974331

Pick up an Atlanta pin and $2 of your purchase will directly benefit Zoo Atlanta's Give so They Stay Campaign.