What's New at the Zoo?

WHAT’S NEW AT THE ZOO?

We have been very busy with this year’s BIG Zoo Lesson this fall. It is time to update everyone on zoo happenings as well as some new options for BIG Zoo Lesson programs. There is some news for everyone – whether you have been here already this fall or if your visit is yet to come.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tiger Cubs

As many of you know, we have three new tiger cubs at the zoo. They were born on September 13. Not long after birth, the cubs were sick with pneumonia. We had to take them to the clinic to take care of them. Unfortunately, we had to break the mother-cub bond to save them. They got better and have been hand fed by zoo medical staff and zookeepers. You may have seen them on the zoo’s Tiger Cub Cam on the website.

They tiger cubs are now on exhibit in the Feline/Primate House, usually in the indoor snow leopard enclosure. Repairs in the building may necessitate moving them off exhibit from time to time in December. Mom and Dad are also on exhibit in separate enclosures.

They are great animals to observe. You will want to give everyone in your class some time with them. The Tiger Cub Cam will continue to be available on our website when the cubs are using the indoor snow leopard enclosure. Note that they are not always in that exhibit and will not be online at those times. Check out www.potterparkzoo.org and go to “Tiger Cub Cam.”

• The Mandfill Family

The mandrill family continues to provide must-see viewing. Little Brother just turned one, and Big Brother just turned four. Add in Mom and Dad and you will see some fascinating family dynamics, not unlike some you’ve seen in human families. You will want to spend some time with this group too.

• Rhinos are Back!

Our rhino yard renovations have been completed, and once again, we have black rhinos! We have a young male and a young female. They are the subject of a new program that you may select for your week. (More on that later.)

OTHER ZOO NEWS

• We recently sent 1200 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Puerto Rico to be released into the wild. (Remember they are SSP animals.) The zookeepers in the Bird and Reptile House have worked very hard to produce the right conditions for our toads to breed successfully. We are very excited about the “bumper crop” produced this fall.
• A male tree shrew has recently joined our female in the Bird and Reptile House. We now have a “couple” and more action in the building.
• A young male camel joined our female last spring. They get along well.
• The rock island that used to house the bighorn sheep is gone. The exhibit was very old and not fit for man or beast. It will likely remain a green space until long-range plans (as in years from now) materialize.

NEWLY ARRIVED OR COMING SOON

• A new female red panda arrived on December 7 and is in quarantine for 30 days. She is part of a trade for our female, Daisy, that SSP recommended. Daisy left last week for Denver. As you may have seen in the news, our male, Harley, died unexpectedly the day after Daisy left. As Dr. Tara explained, “Harley suffered from gastric torsion, which is a condition in which the stomach twists and becomes overstretched by excessive gas. This is common among dogs and other deep-chested animals. It is thought to be uncommon in red pandas, though research on the species is fairly new…” Needless to say, we will miss both Daisy and Harley.

• Two new lionesses arrived on December 9. They are part of a trade for our previous lioness that SSP recommended. They will be off exhibit in quarantine for 30 days.
• A new young female wolf will arrive in the next few weeks to become a companion for our lone female wolf. Again, quarantine.

PROGRAM NEWS

Jeff Wood, a former BIG Zoo Lesson teacher from Waverly, has joined the BZL team. He will be working with teachers on BZL planning and coordinating with Margaret on preparations for your BZL week. Welcome, Jeff!

We have some new programs available this school year. If you have not yet been here yet this year, you will receive more details as your planning meeting approaches. To get you interested -

• Rhino Encounter. This program is a docent- and zookeeper-led lesson that includes artifacts and a visit to the exhibit, including a behind-the-scenes experience.

• Scientific Method at the Zoo. Teachers and docent work as a team: teachers introduce students to the scientific method before the lesson, and the docent leads the students through a “wild” experiment with an education animal.
• Skulls. We have an assortment of carnivore, herbivore, and omnivore skulls available for use here at the zoo for a teacher-led lesson. There are some terrific materials online, e.g., Wildlife Skull Activities put out by the University of Arizona, which provide information about “reading skulls” and sample activities for students. Pelts are also available for teacher use.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Wonderland of Lights

November 25-27, December 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, and 22-23 - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Thousands of lights create extraordinary animal exhibits and holiday displays at the 19th annual Wonderland of Lights. Enjoy strolling carolers, musical performances, and more! Wonderland of Lights is open only on the days listed above from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Admission for Wonderland of Lights: $4 for adults | $2 for kids ages 3-16 | Free for kids under age 3 and all zoo members

• Winter Gifts for the Animals Enrichment Event

Sunday, January 22, 2011 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join us as the Potter Park Zoo wraps up the holiday season with a special enrichment event for the animals. See the animals in action as we deliver our recycled Wonderland-of-Lights trees and special treats in boxes.

• Winter Hours

Note that no admission or parking fees are charged at this time of year, except for Wonderland of Lights. Kids wishing to bring their families to check out the tiger cubs, mandrill family, or other animals can do so at no cost.

Check out www.potterparkzoo.org for more details.