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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ana Bowie
abowie@denverzoo.org
303-376-4841
Tiffany Barnhart
tbarnhart@denverzoo.org
303-376-4844
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December 2005
LION CUB BORN AT DENVER ZOO - NOVEMBER 23 Newborn Cub Can Be Watched Via Live Video Feed At Denver Zoo
November 2005
DENVER ZOO PLANS TO MOVE FOUR-YEAR-OLD POLAR BEAR - Cranbeary to Share Habitat with Two Male Polar Bears at Memphis Zoo
October 2005
DENVER ZOO ORANGUTAN TO MOVE TO GREAT APE TRUST OF IOWA 10-Year-Old Female to Receive Specialized Care in Des Moines
September 2005
EXTREMELY RARE INFANT GIBBON BEING HAND RAISED AT DENVER ZOO - Young Female is one of 14 Gibbons in North America
DENVER ZOO REACHES CHILDREN THROUGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS - Tailored Programs Help Students of All Ages Learn About Wildlife
RELOCATION OF THREE DENVER ZOO LIONS PLANNED Move to Support Species Survival Plan Breeding Recommendation
DENVER ZOO'S NEW BABY CLINGS TO MOM FOR TRANSPORTATION - Baby Saki Monkey on Display with Parents in Primate Panorama
August 2005
Visitors March to Denver Zoo to See Penguins!
Denver Zoo Helps Little Piggy with Bottle Feedings
One of Four Piglets Born July 25 Needs Extra Assistance from Keepers
DENVER ZOO MOVES FLOCK TO MAKE NEW HOMES FOR BIRDS
July 2005
DENVER ZOO'S NEWEST RESIDENT ILLUMINATES GUEST'S VISIT - Moon Jellyfish Are the Newest Species on Exhibit at the Zoo!
ENDANGERED CELEBES MACAQUE BORN AT DENVER ZOO
Rare Birth is the Second of this Species Born in North American Zoos this Year
June 2005
RARE SNOW LEOPARDS BORN AT DENVER ZOO
Young Cubs Are The First Born At The Zoo Since 1998!
DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES RARE BIRTH OF AN OKAPI CALF
Birth Is Third In Denver Zoo History!
FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS RETURN TO FLOCK AT DENVER ZOO
Ostriches Are Living Large with the Zebras after a Three-Year Exhibit Hiatus
DENVER ZOO'S NEW BABY GORILLA MAKES MEDIA & PUBLIC DEBUT
Eight-day-old baby girl gorilla goes on display to the public.
May 2005
RARE WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA BORN AT DENVER ZOO Rapunzel Gets Second Chance at Motherhood with Help from Zookeepers
NEW SUMMER SHOWS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND EVENTS AT DENVER ZOO
Memorial Day Weekend Brings Memorable Animal Encounters
GROWING POLAR BEAR CUBS MOVE TO LARGER EXHIBIT
LIONESS TAWNY CHOSEN AS FAVORITE DENVER ZOO MOTHER - Denver Zoo Gives Special Mother "Lion Leg of Lamb" for her Honor
DENVER ZOO FLAMINGOS GET FIRST CLASS ESCORT OUTDOORS
April 2005
HYENA CUB MAKES MEDIA DEBUT AT DENVER ZOO Cub - Is the First Birth of This Species at The Zoo Since 1987
NO FOOLIN' - DENVER ZOO BEGINS EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2005
March 2005
DENVER ZOO POLAR BEAR CUBS VENTURE OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME
HYENA CUB BORN AT DENVER ZOO, FIRST SINCE 1987 - Visitors Can View Newborn Hyena Cub Via Closed Circuit Television Monitors
NEW BABY GIRAFFE SPOTTED AT DENVER ZOO
February 2005
AFRICAN WILD DOG PUPPIES POUNCE INTO THEIR BIG YARD
January 2005
DENVER ZOO LION CUBS ROMP THROUGH "MANE" YARD Cubs can now be seen playing in the large yard of Predator Ridge exhibit.
BRIGHT EYED BEARS SHOW THEIR BIG EYES! DENVER ZOO'S SIX-WEEK OLD POLAR BEAR CUBS OPEN EYES - Two Cubs Can Be Seen Live Via Cub Cam Monitor at Northern Shores Exhibit
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December 1 , 2005
LION CUB BORN AT DENVER ZOO - NOVEMBER 23
Newborn Cub Can Be Watched Via Live Video Feed At Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of a female African lion cub (Panthera leo). Born to lioness, Baby, on November 23, the cub weighs more than four pounds and already has her eyes open! The cub is currently bonding with mother behind the scenes, but visitors can watch the pair via live video monitors in "Pahali Ya Simba," the Interpretive Center of Predator Ridge.
Zookeepers say this first-time mom is doing well caring for her newborn. During this critical bonding period, both animals will remain off-exhibit. This is the first cub born to Baby who came to Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo with the opening of the zoo's Predator Ridge exhibit in June of 2004. This is the second litter for father, Krueger, who had three cubs with lioness Tawny in September of 2004.
Krueger and Baby are both seven-year-old African lions on breeding loan to Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo as part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The newborn cub is highly valued in North America for its genetic uniqueness.
Lion cubs usually are born with their eyes closed and have spotted coats. For the first two months, they drink only their mother's milk.
Download a lion cub background image for your computer!
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November 29, 2005
DENVER ZOO PLANS TO MOVE FOUR-YEAR-OLD POLAR BEAR - Cranbeary to Share Habitat with Two Male Polar Bears at Memphis Zoo
As part of a Species Survival Plan recommendation from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Denver Zoo plans to move a four-year-old polar bear named Cranbeary to Memphis Zoo in early January. Cranbeary, who has been on exhibit by herself at Denver Zoo, will share a habitat with a pair of polar bears in Memphis Zoo's new Northwest Passage exhibit, a three-acre exhibit for bears, sea lions and seals.
Born the day before Thanksgiving on Nov. 21, 2001, this female polar bear was aptly named Cranbeary by Denver Zoo keepers. Over the last four years, Cranbeary has captured the hearts of many zoo visitors with her boundless energy and curiosity. An avid swimmer, Cranbeary delights guests watching her through the underwater viewing area of her exhibit, often diving down and getting nose-to-nose through the glass.
Visitors can see Cranbeary in Denver Zoo's Northern Shores exhibit where she will rotate the use of the polar bear habitat with other bears throughout daytime hours and Zoo Lights.
About Polar Bears Koda & Nuka
The status of polar bears Koda and Nuka remains the same. Although these two bears will most certainly move on from Denver Zoo someday to start families of their own, a final decision has not been made on where or when the bears will move. Denver Zoo administrators have been in talks with other zoos and committee members of the American Zoo & Aquarium Association's Species Survival Plan (SSP) to decide the bears' future home. The SSP helps maintain genetic diversity of rare and endangered species in captivity. Denver Zoo will make an announcement once a final plan has been developed for the bears' future, allowing the public time to visit these charismatic animals before their departure. In all likelihood, the bears will be at Denver Zoo for several more months before a decision is made.
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October 20, 2005
DENVER ZOO ORANGUTAN TO MOVE TO GREAT APE TRUST OF IOWA - 10-Year-Old Female to Receive Specialized Care in Des Moines
Denver Zoo will move a female orangutan afflicted with a neuromuscular illness to the Great Ape Trust of Iowa for specialized care. The decision comes after months of dedicated attention and research into the animal's condition.
In November 2004, the 10-year-old ape named Allie, experienced a neuromuscular disorder. Zoo veterinary staff ran numerous tests and worked with Alameda East Veterinary Clinic and Colorado State University Veterinary Clinic conducting cat scans and MRIs in an attempt to diagnose the condition. Results were inconclusive but her symptoms suggest a viral infection that attacked the spinal cord and left her temporarily paralyzed.
Denver Zoo veterinarians and zookeepers have provided intensive physical therapy throughout this process and the orangutan often was fed by hand when she was unable to feed herself. Slowly Allie has shown improvement and now has use of her hands and arms and some use of her legs and feet.
"Although we hate to see Allie go, we know this is in her best interest. At the Great Ape Trust, Allie will be able to continue her physical rehabilitation as well as receive mental stimulation via a cognitive learning program," says Denver Zoo's VP for Biological Programs, Dr. Lynn Kramer.
Allie will move to Des Moines to the Great Ape Trust of Iowa, a certified institution of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), by the end of the month. The Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a world-class research center dedicated to great apes.
"We plan to continue the excellent care Allie has received at Denver Zoo," says Dr. Rob Shumaker, the lead scientist for orangutan research at the Great Ape Trust. Shumaker has visited Ali twice and is pleased with her medical progress.
At the Great Ape Trust, Allie will be at a facility designed to meet this species unique physical and social needs. The expansive orangutan area features three stories of climbing space and both indoor and outdoor habitats designed to encourage this ape's natural movement. With a one-to-one ratio of staff to orangutans, Allie will work daily with her caretakers and the staff of the Trust, which also includes a neurosurgeon, a neurologist and three veterinarians. Allie will join Knobi, a 26-year-old female, and Azy, a 27-year-old male at the Great Ape Trust, two apes participating in the Orangutan Language Program at the Trust.
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September 29, 2005
EXTREMELY RARE INFANT GIBBON BEING HAND RAISED AT DENVER ZOO - Young Female is one of 14 Gibbons in North America
A rare 10-day old female golden-cheeked gibbon (Hylobates gabriellae) named Lily is doing well under the careful watch of zookeepers at Denver Zoo. Zookeepers decided to hand raise Lily when her mother failed to care for her.
A rare site, there are only fourteen golden-cheeked gibbons in four zoos in North America. "We prefer animals to be raised by their parents. In this case, we were forced to intervene for the well-being of this little gibbon. She's extremely rare in captivity and we're relieved she's doing so well," says Curator Beth Jo Schoeberl.
Zookeepers believe that the inexperienced first-time mother was unsure of how to raise the newborn. Although primate keepers attempted to reintroduce Lily to her family, her mother still did not understand how to care for her.
Lily is kept warm in an incubator with sight access to her gibbon parents in the Emerald Forest building of the Zoo's Primate Panorama exhibit. She is not on public exhibit. Although Lily weighs about a pound now, she will grow to be about 11 pounds. She will also change colors throughout her growth, turning black within the first year and then buff colored when she reaches sexual maturity in five to seven years.
Gibbons are a threatened species found in Central and Southeast Asia. The arboreal primate eats mostly fruits, leaves and flowers with an occasional insect or small bird.
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September 29, 2005
DENVER ZOO REACHES CHILDREN THROUGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS - Tailored Programs Help Students of All Ages Learn About Wildlife
A leader in wildlife education, Denver Zoo staff ramps up for another busy school year with programs tailored for preschool-aged to high school-aged students. Last school year, Denver Zoo reached more than 99-thousand school children of which, 77-thousand were admitted for free thanks to the support of the Zoo's Red Apple Scholarship Fund and the Scientific Facilities & Cultural District (SCFD) tax approved by Denver voters.
"Our programs help students learn through hands-on exploration. Together, our tailored programs, outstanding exhibits, and diverse animal collection provide an outstanding resource to any life, earth or science curriculum," says Vice President of Education and Volunteer Services Jacque Taylor.
Denver Zoo's Education staff offers on-site programs, home school workshops, middle and high school programs, outreach programs and teacher programs. This school year Denver Zoo will offer expanded class programs at the zoo and at schools, allowing classes more flexibility. Each zoo class includes live animals and biofacts such as skulls and skins and many allow students to learn science inquiry skills through hands-on hypotheses testing.
Students within the seven county boundary of SCFD may attend Denver Zoo on a school group self-guided tour free with a reservation. Students residing outside the boundaries of SCFD area are admitted for a $2 fee per child.
Denver Zoo's Education Department plays a significant role in the Zoo's mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems. The Zoo's staff of professional educators and trained volunteers is dedicated to providing meaningful programs which promote public awareness for local, regional, and global conservation. Denver Zoo offers a wide variety of fun-filled learning opportunities for both children and adults. To learn more about Denver Zoo's educational programs visit www.denverzoo.org.
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September 9, 2005
RELOCATION OF THREE DENVER ZOO LIONS PLANNED - Move to Support Species Survival Plan Breeding Recommendation
Three lions born last year in Denver Zoo's new Predator Ridge exhibit will be moving to other zoos later this month as part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) breeding recommendation for the lion Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative population management program among AZA-accredited zoos.
In the past year, these three cubs have grown and are close to matching the adults in size. The cubs will make their new homes at the Abilene Zoological Gardens, the Bronx Zoo, and Zoo Atlanta, where zoo administrators have matched each lion and lioness with an ideal mate.
"The move is bittersweet. We have enjoyed having these lions in our collection. However the time has come for them to move on and become part of other lion prides in support of the SSP," says VP for Biological Programs Lynn Kramer.
The SSP helps maintain genetic diversity of rare and endangered species in captivity. Animals often move to and from different zoos to help ensure the safety of the species for years to come through this plan. The three lions being moved are highly valued for their genetic uniqueness because they are not related to any other lions in North America.
Born on Sept. 2, 2004, these three cubs were the first born to lioness Tawny (Tahwn-ee, age 7) and male Krueger (Crew-ger; age 7) a pair that came to the Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo. The male cub was named Kamau, a Swahili word for "quiet warrior" and the female cubs were named Saba, Arabic for "morning" and Sukari, Swahili for "sugar."
Although these lions will be missed, Denver Zoo says they hope to have more cubs. Staff says Krueger has been seen mating with the other two females in his pride, Natal and Baby.
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September 1, 2005
DENVER ZOO'S NEW BABY CLINGS TO MOM FOR TRANSPORTATION - Baby Saki Monkey on Display with Parents in Primate Panorama!
On August 5, a baby pale-headed saki monkey was born to mother, Kalei, and father, Naga at Denver Zoo. The infant monkey can be seen clinging to mom's belly as a mode of transportation around their exhibit in the Emerald Forest building inside Primate Panorama. The baby is very active and can be seen using mom as a jungle gym, running laps around mom's torso.
This is the fourth baby for Kalei and this veteran mother has been very nurturing, holding the newborn so close that zookeepers have not been able to identify the sex of the infant.
Pale-headed saki monkeys are small tree-dwelling primates weighing 3.5 to 4 pounds. Males and females have different colorings. The males are almost all black apart from their cheeks, forehead and chin, which are pale, giving the animal its apt name. Females, however, have brown fur with only a bright stripe down each cheek. Babies are born the same color as their mothers but change color once they reach sexual maturity. In the wild, sakis inhabit the rainforests of northwestern South America.
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August 26, 2005
Visitors March to Denver Zoo to See Penguins!
Denver Zoo currently has two young Humboldt penguin chicks! One is being raised by its parents with the rest of the Humboldt colony on exhibit and the second is being hand-raised behind the scenes by zookeepers. The hand-raised chick was hatched on July 19 and has progressed from tube feedings of a special formula of pureed fish and vitamins to hand-feedings of a fish diet that includes capelin, herring and smelt. Zookeepers still don't know if the chicks are male or female and haven't named either one yet.
Denver Zoo bird keepers made the decision to hand raise one of the hatchlings, when this Humboldt's parents abandoned a "dummy egg" during the nesting process. Bird keepers typically artificially incubate the real egg and allow the parents to incubate a fake "dummy egg" in the nest.
This results in a higher success rate of hatchings due to decreased egg breakage by parents, as well as the ability to change incubation temperatures and humidity. Ideally, when the egg begins to hatch, bird keepers replace the "dummy egg" with the hatching egg or already hatched chick, and the proud penguin parents raise the chick.
In the case of this new chick, the parents rejected their dummy egg just days before the egg was due to hatch, leaving bird keepers to raise the chick. The chick is housed in an off-exhibit area in the Bird World building, where the temperature is carefully controlled to suit the youngster's needs. The chick is joined by a surrogate parent - a plush penguin stuffed animal - during feedings! The stuffed animal helps the chick identify with penguins to help make for a smooth transition when the chick is old enough to join the rest of its colony.
Penguin Conservation
It's not easy being a Humboldt penguin! These birds face a number of natural and man-made hazards. Penguin populations have declined seriously during the past century due to many factors including loss of good nest sites, reduced food supply, predation, and the impact of increasingly severe El Niņo fluctuations.
In the ocean, leopard seals, fur seals, sea lions, sharks, and killer whales all prey on Humboldts. On land, their eggs and chicks can fall victim to foxes, snakes, and introduced predators like cats and dogs. Zoos, including Denver Zoo are working together to help penguin conservation.
Denver Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Humboldt penguins. SSPs are cooperative breeding and conservation programs among North American zoos. One goal of the Humboldt Penguin SSP is to make sure that the populations of penguins in zoos are genetically healthy. In the case of the zoo's hand-raised penguin, this chick's parents were matched by the SSP for breeding. Eventually this chick will be paired with a mate and their genes will help to keep the penguin population in zoos diverse and healthy in the future.
Denver Zoo also helps with the conservation of wild penguins. The Denver Zoo has worked with other zoos in North America to help protect the breeding grounds of the Humboldt penguin along the coast of Punta San Jan, Peru from the over harvesting of the guano. Guano, or bird droppings, is harvested for soil fertilizer. Penguins burrow in guano to nest and have a much harder life as this habitat diminishes. Denver Zoo has also participated in the study of the breeding ecology of Humboldt penguins in a colony located near Algarrobo, Chile. Staff members also have traveled to Cape Town, South Africa to assist with a world wide effort following the "Treasure" oilspill that affected over 40,000 African penguins in 2000.
At Denver Zoo, we are committed to providing a wildlife conservancy and engage in numerous scientific programs which make meaningful contributions to the conservation of animals and their ecosystems. You can support Denver Zoo and our conservation projects in many ways. Whether it is through a donation or joining the zoo as a member, find out how you can make a difference today! Learn more about penguin conservation at www.penguintag.org. The penguin Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) is the group that oversees penguin conservation through the SSP in zoos.
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August 23, 2005
Denver Zoo Helps Little Piggy with Bottle Feedings - One of Four Piglets Born July 25 Needs Extra Assistance from Keepers
The runt of a litter of red river hogs born on July 25 has gotten some tender-loving care from zookeepers to ensure his well-being. A tiny piglet named Liam was not big enough to squeeze his way in to his mother Rosie to nurse, so zookeepers are supplementing his diet by bottle-feeding the piglet formula.
"Although he's a bit smaller than the other piglets in his litter, Liam has grown considerably and is doing well with the supplemental feedings," says Zookeeper Rhonda Pietsch.
The four piglets add to Denver Zoo's already large sounder. Three males and one female were born to Rosie and Rambo on July 25, 2005. Denver Zoo continues to be the largest exhibitor of this species in the country with 12 pigs. The piglets have been named Isabel, John, Matthew and Liam. All four can be seen with mom in the Shamba area of Primate Panorama. This is Rosie's sixth litter.
Red river hogs are often called the "world's prettiest pig" because of their strikingly red coloration, distinctive ear tassels and unusual facial markings. At birth, red river hogs, native to central Africa in the Congo basin, weigh approximately two pounds each and measure approximately 10 inches in length. The animals will be fully grown in two years and will weigh between 100-250 pounds. Piglets are very playful and engage in activities such as chasing their own tail and each other.
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August 2, 2005
DENVER ZOO MOVES FLOCK TO MAKE NEW HOMES FOR BIRDS
Several bird species at Denver Zoo will be moved into temporary new homes throughout the zoo to make space for a new Lorikeet Adventure exhibit and Bird Propagation Center.
The area west of Bird World will be the home of the new Bird Propagation Center. This 4,000 square foot structure will help the zoo with its conservation goals providing new breeding aviaries, as well as new incubation and bird rearing facilities to support endangered bird species.
The new Lorikeet Adventure exhibit will include the construction of a new entry building into the exhibit, a walkthrough mesh aviary, and a lorikeet holding building just west of Primate Panorama. The 3,500 square foot mesh walkthrough aviary will be built to allow visitors to hand feed these brightly-colored parrots nectar throughout the year weather-permitting, unlike the current exhibit which is open only during the summer. The structure will also provide more room for bird housing.
The new Lorikeet Adventure exhibit is expected to be completed by spring of 2006 and the Propagation Center will be finished by the end of 2006. The construction process is on the outer west side of the zoo and is expected to have little impact on surrounding areas and should not effect the zoo visitor experience. The main pathways and exhibits will remain open throughout the projects.
The wattled crane is one of a few species of birds that will move for the new construction. A pair of hooded cranes can now be seen on Monkey Island, sharing the island with the capuchin monkeys, a pair of pelicans and a pair of crested screamers. Two white-naped cranes will also move from their current habitat to reside in the waterbuck exhibit.
About the Wattled Crane:
The wattled crane is the largest and rarest of the six crane species that occur in Africa. The main population is found in south-central Africa, with smaller populations in Ethiopia and South Africa. These large graceful birds can grow up to five feet tall and are aptly-named after the bird's wattle, a fold of skin hanging below the beak.
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July 28, 2005
DENVER ZOO'S NEWEST RESIDENT ILLUMINATES GUEST'S VISIT
Moon Jellyfish Are the Newest Species on Exhibit at the Zoo!
Denver Zoo's newest residents will be sure to catch the eyes of zoo visitors in their new custom made exhibit. The zoo received sixty-five moon jellyfish from Denver's Downtown Aquarium which are on display in Tropical Discovery. This is the first time this species has been exhibited at Denver Zoo.
The jellyfish can be found in a Kreisel tank, a circular tank containing no corners, which zoo staff designed and built by remodeling an existing tank. The modifications were made to protect these fragile creatures from getting trapped in the corners of a traditional tank. To add to their already unique surroundings, a black-light illuminates the tank, making it easier to spot this transparent species.
Moon jellyfish are the most abundant jellyfish in the mid-Atlantic region and can be found in groups of hundreds. Averaging 250 thin, sticky tentacles along their outer edge to catch planktonic organisms, this species can range from one inch to 18 inches in diameter.
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July 21, 2005
ENDANGERED CELEBES MACAQUE BORN AT DENVER ZOO Rare Birth is the Second of this Species Born in North American Zoos this Year
An exciting new addition to Denver Zoo came on July 18 with the birth of a rare Celebes macaque (sel-uh-beez muh-KACK), an endangered animal commonly knows as a black ape, in Primate Panorama.
A rare sight, there are less than forty Celebes macaques in zoos across the country. This is only the second birth of this species in North American zoos this year and the first black ape born at Denver Zoo since 1998.
The four-day-old ape can be seen on exhibit in Primate Panorama with its mother, Tanya, father, Sluggo and the rest of its troop. Zookeepers say the infant is doing quite well with mother and the rest of its group. Although the sex of the infant is not known for sure, keepers believe it is a male.
The Celebes macaque has all-black fur and a very short tail. The newborn ape is mostly pink with fine black hair. As it ages, the ape's fur will grow in to create the all-black appearance the adults have. Adults grow to be 22 inches in length. In the wild, black apes live on Sulawesi, an Indonesian island.
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June 30, 2005
RARE SNOW LEOPARDS BORN AT DENVER ZOO
Young Cubs Are The First Born At The Zoo Since 1998!
For the first time in seven years, Denver Zoo celebrates the birth of two endangered snow leopard cubs. The cubs were born on May 28 to mother, Natasha, and father, Suba. This is Natasha's first litter!
Zookeepers say the cubs are males and have named them "Amga" (Ahm-gah) and "Gala" (Gahl-ah) after two Mongolian animal conservationists that have worked on Denver Zoo projects. The snow leopard cubs have now opened their eyes and are becoming more active daily.
The cubs are now out, but may not be visible at all times.
At birth snow leopard cubs weigh about a pound and are approximately a foot long. This small size doesn't last long, as the cubs grow very rapidly. Full-grown snow leopards range in weight from 60 to 120 pounds. These beautiful cats have smoky gray fur with a tinge of yellow on the edges and dark gray rosette markings on the upper body resulting in a distinct leopard pattern.
In the wild, this endangered species has fallen prey to poachers in Central Asia. The snow leopard's pelt is highly-valued due to the animal's rarity. Loss of habitat and prey has forced the snow leopard to attack domestic livestock to eat and these animals are therefore often persecuted by local farmers trying to protect their livestock.
Save a background image of the snow leopard cubs! |
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June 23, 2005
DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES RARE BIRTH OF AN OKAPI CALF - Birth Is Third In Denver Zoo History!
A rare event at zoos, Denver Zoo celebrates the birth of a secretive animal, the okapi (Oh-kah-pee), with the birth of a female calf. Born on June 17, the young female is the third of this species born at the zoo. Only 21 zoos in North America exhibit the Okapi, and there are only a half-dozen births of this species at these zoos each year.
The calf, born to mother Iosi (Ee-oh-see) and father Shani (Shah-nee), is currently off exhibit bonding with mom behind the scenes. Zoo staff expects the young calf to explore her outdoor habitat in a few weeks.
It is not known how many okapis exist in the wild and only 76 okapis live in zoos nationally. The okapi has a 12-inch, purple, prehensile tongue and white stripes flanking its chocolate coat. This rare species was first discovered less than 100 years ago in what is now the Central African Republic (formerly Zaire). Very little is known about the behavior of the okapi in the wild due to its shy, elusive nature. Much of what is known has been learned in zoos in the past 45 years.
The calf was born as part of the Species Survival Plan, (SSP), a cooperative population management and conservation program for select species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is genetically diverse.
Adult okapis weigh between 400 and 500 pounds and stand approximately five feet tall at the shoulder. Females are generally larger than males. The okapi's gestation period is between 14 and 15 months. The okapi is the only living relative of the giraffe. The last birth of this species was a female calf named "Baraka" (Bar-ah-kah, a Swahili word for "blessing") who was born on December 20, 2003.
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June 8, 2005
FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS RETURN TO FLOCK AT DENVER ZOO
Ostriches Are Living Large with the Zebras after a Three-Year Exhibit Hiatus
Denver Zoo brings back the largest of land birds, the ostrich (Struthio camelus), to appear on exhibit after a three year absence from the zoo. A male and female ostrich are now on exhibit with seven female Grevy's zebras just east of Predator Ridge.
Zookeepers named the female Omelet, and the male Hamlet. Both birds have become acclimated to their new space and their exhibit mates, the zebras. This is the first time the zoo has exhibited this species since 2002, when this specimen was moved to another zoo during the construction of Predator Ridge.
The ostrich is unmistakable in appearance, with a long bare neck and small head, a massive body and long, muscular legs. The ostrich can weigh more than 300 pounds. The ostrich's wings are small and covered with loosely packed feathers. Although too heavy to fly, ostriches are capable of running up to 45 miles per hour. In the wild, ostrich can be found in central and southern Africa.
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June 2, 2005
DENVER ZOO'S NEW BABY GORILLA MAKES MEDIA & PUBLIC DEBUT
Eight-day-old baby girl gorilla goes on display to the public.
Denver Zoo's newest addition to its family will make its public and media debut on June 2 at 8:45 a.m. There are less than a dozen gorilla births a year in North American Zoos. Three births took place at Denver Zoo in the last year.
The baby can be seen in Primate Panorama at the Great Apes exhibit in the Denver Zoo with mother, Rapunzel and Evelyn a female from the baby's gorilla troop. Zookeepers have determined this gorilla born May 24 is a baby girl and have named her Tinga, which means "to overcome" in Swahili. The aptly-named youngster is the second female born to Rapunzel, but the first to be raised by this new mom.
Zookeepers are pleased with Rapunzel's progress with the baby and say both gorillas appear to be doing well. Regular nursing has been observed and zookeepers feel this youngster is quite a success story. Last year, Rapunzel became a mother for the first time and did not appear to know how to nurse this first baby. Rapunzel, who was hand-raised at birth, was holding the newborn gorilla born in 2004 facing outward, away from her breast. Zookeepers decided to move the baby, named Tulivu, into the nursery to be hand-nursed after 48 hours had passed.
Trying to prevent the same scenario from a year ago, zookeepers tried to teach Rapunzel how to care for her baby by giving her sight access to veteran gorilla mom JoRayK nursing her baby, Jabali. So far, the efforts have proven successful as Rapunzel becomes increasingly comfortable nursing her newborn.
A contingency plan was also developed to try and keep the infant with this gorilla troop, even if Rapunzel did not nurse. Before the Tiga was born, zoo staff practiced teaching Rapunzel to present her infant to be fed by keepers through an opening in her indoor habitat.
"We're very happy that we did not have to use any contingency plans on this infant and that Rapunzel is doing so well with Tinga. She's very nurturing and just needed a little help learning how to be a mom," says Curator of Primates BJ Shoeberl.
The Western lowland gorilla is an endangered species. Denver Zoo is a participant of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) initiated by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). The SSP is a cooperative population management program designed to maintain genetic diversity of endangered species. Animals often move to and from different zoos to help ensure the safety of the species for years to come through this program.
About Rapunzel's Troop:
Rapunzel and her troop are on a breeding loan to Denver Zoo from Los Angeles Zoo during the construction of a new gorilla habitat. They came to Denver Zoo in the spring of 2003. The habitat is still under construction and does not currently have a firm completion date. Rapunzel's troop includes Kelly, the baby's father and a female named Evelyn.
Rapunzel was born on February 20, 1984, at the Cincinnati Zoo, and moved to Los Angeles in November 1991. Denver Zoo's VP of Biological Programs, Dr. Lynn Kramer worked with Rapunzel at Cincinnati Zoo.
Kelly, the baby gorilla's father, was born at the Los Angeles Zoo on April 11, 1987. He was reared by his mother. Kelly is a strong, able silverback.
Tulivu, Rapunzel's first baby born May 2, 2004, was hand raised by Denver Zoo staff for the first two months of her life. This young gorilla moved to Albuquerque Biological Park as the result of a pre-existing breeding loan agreement between Albuquerque Biological Park and Los Angeles Zoo. Tulivu remains at Albuquerque Biological Park.
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May 26, 2005
RARE WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA BORN AT DENVER ZOO
Rapunzel Gets Second Chance at Motherhood with Help from Zookeepers
Denver Zoo is celebrating a new addition to the Zoo family with the birth of an endangered Western lowland gorilla. The infant was born the morning of May 24 to Rapunzel, a 21-year old, female gorilla and father Kelly an 18-year old silverback. There are less than a dozen gorilla births a year in North American Zoos. Three births took place at Denver Zoo in the last year.
Zookeepers are monitoring Rapunzel closely and say both gorillas appear to be doing well. Periodic nursing has been observed. The sex of the infant is still unknown. This is Rapunzel's second baby.
Last year, Rapunzel became a mother for the first time and did not appear to know how to nurse her baby. Rapunzel, who was hand-raised at birth, was holding the newborn gorilla facing outward, away from her breast. Zookeepers decided to move the baby, named Tulivu, into the nursery to be hand-nursed after 48 hours had passed.
Trying to prevent the same scenario from a year ago, zookeepers have attempted to teach Rapunzel how to care for her baby by showing her videos of nursing gorilla infants.
"We have done everything possible to try and prepare Rapunzel for this new baby. We hope this birth will be very different for Rapunzel and that she will understand how to care for her baby. We also have a contingency plan to try and keep the infant with this gorilla troop, even if Rapunzel does not nurse," says VP for Biological Programs Lynn Kramer, DVM.
Zoo staff has practiced teaching Rapunzel to present her infant to be fed by keepers through an opening in her indoor habitat, in an attempt to keep the baby with the troop should Rapunzel fail to nurse it.
Currently, Rapunzel and her baby are not available for public viewing during this important bonding period, but zookeepers say if all goes well, they could be on display to the public in a few days. Guests can see the other gorilla troop which includes an infant gorilla born last May, named Jabali, in the outdoor gorilla habitat.
The Western lowland gorilla is an endangered species. Denver Zoo is a participant of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) initiated by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). The SSP is a cooperative population management program designed to maintain genetic diversity of endangered species. Animals often move to and from different zoos to help ensure the safety of the species for years to come through this program.
About Rapunzel's Troop:
Rapunzel and her troop are on loan to Denver Zoo from Los Angeles Zoo during the construction of a new gorilla habitat. They came to Denver Zoo in the spring of 2003. The habitat is still under construction and does not currently have a firm completion date. Rapunzel's troop includes Kelly (male) and Evelyn (female).
Rapunzel was born on February 20, 1984, at the Cincinnati Zoo, and moved to Los Angeles in November 1991. Denver Zoo's VP of Biological Programs, Dr. Lynn Kramer worked with Rapunzel at Cincinnati Zoo.
Kelly, the baby gorilla's father, was born at the Los Angeles Zoo on April 11, 1987. He was reared by his mother. Kelly is a strong, able silverback.
Tulivu, Rapunzel's first baby born May 2, 2003, was hand raised by Denver Zoo staff for the first two months of her life. This young gorilla moved to Albuquerque Biological Park as the result of a pre-existing breeding loan agreement between Albuquerque Biological Park and Los Angeles Zoo. Tulivu remains at Albuquerque Biological Park.
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May 25, 2005
NEW SUMMER SHOWS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND EVENTS AT DENVER ZOO
Memorial Day Weekend Brings Memorable Animal Encounters
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Denver Zoo visitors will be able to enjoy the expanded shows and demonstrations of the summer season. This season, the zoo is featuring many new activities plus all of the past summer favorites including free wildlife shows. Hands-on animal encounters are back this year under the zoo's new Wild Encounters Theater. Visitors can also enjoy watching Koda and Nuka, the zoo's newest polar bear cubs, African Wild Dog puppies, and lion cubs.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS:
Free Wildlife Shows: Summer visitors can enjoy "Celebrating Our Animal Stars" an entertaining, interactive and educational show, which runs three times daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Audiences will be immersed in the natural talents of free-flight birds and will even be able to participate on stage with hands-on demonstrations. By demonstrating the behaviors of free flight birds and other exotic animals, the zoo's wildlife shows create unforgettable memories and make learning come alive.
NEW! Pachyderm Demonstration - For the first time, zookeepers at Denver Zoo will demonstrate just how skilled rhinoceros can be! Mishindi, the zoo's black rhino will take turns with elephant neighbors Dolly and Mimi to give visitors a look into the world of pachyderms. Mishindi knows many behaviors and even likes to paint in his spare time. Mimi and Dolly also have a trunk full of fun to show visitors during the demonstrations which are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
NEW! Predator Ridge Demonstration - Venture into Pahalli Ya Simba, Denver Zoo's Intrepretive Center and get a peek at how zookeepers use operant conditioning with the lions and wild dogs for husbandry and animal enrichment. Keepers use these techniques behind the scenes to help with medical procedures like vaccinations, to check for pregnancies and to simply encourage natural behaviors. These shows wow visitors with a close-up look at animals putting their best paws forward, daily at 2 p.m.
Back This Year! Wild Encounters - Families will be glad to see our Wild Encounters Theater is back in 2005, bringing up-close animal encounters with it. The newly-reconstructed theater will provide a shaded seating area where visitors can touch a skink or snake, hear a hissing cockroach, feel the softness of a chinchilla, or investigate an owl. The 20-minute presentations will begin at 10 a.m. and noon in the Wild Encounters Theater at the Gates Conservation and Education Center.
Lorikeet Adventure - Experience the wonder of having brilliantly-colored Lorikeet birds eat right from your hand! Lorikeets, native to Australia, feed on nectar from blooming trees. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day within the aviary in Primate Panorama, you can purchase a small container of nectar and watch the wonder unfold as these friendly parrots fly up to you to sample this treat. You never know, they may even land on your head!
Bird Bug Toss - Zoo guests can help feed the birds everyday at 2 p.m. in the rainforest and tropical rooms of Bird World. Visitors are invited to help bird keepers feed our fine feathered friends mealworms and waxworms. Yum!
Sea Lion Demonstration - Check in with the zoo's resident sea lions for a daily feeding and watch these amazing carnivores strut their stuff. Twice daily, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., watch the sea lions stretch, flex and exercise for their herring and mackerel treats.
Monkeys On The Loose (daily after June 14) - Experience the wonder of free roaming monkeys within Primate Panorama. Denver Zoo is participating in a progressive conservation program for golden lion tamarins. A pair of these endangered Brazilian primates ranges freely and is observed closely by zoo staff and volunteer "tamarin trackers." Both animals are equipped with radio tracking collars and have access to a specially-prepared outdoor habitat within Primate Panorama. These two tamarins will provide valuable research for an international program designed to train zoo-raised golden lion tamarins for release into protected coastal forests within their natural habitat.
African Kraal - A touch of African farm life in the middle of Denver! Meet our baby Pygmy and Nubian goats and other African farm animals daily within Primate Panorama's Kraal, 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. & 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
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May 18, 2005
GROWING POLAR BEAR CUBS MOVE TO LARGER EXHIBIT
Denver Zoo polar bear cubs Koda (Coe-dah), and Nuka, (New-cah) are almost six months old and are now ready to explore the larger polar bear habitat at Denver Zoo's Northern Shores exhibit with their mother Voda. The two cubs are thriving playfully at the zoo and have shown they have matured enough to reach this developmental milestone, and have moved to the larger habitat.
Their new habitat features a large 120,000-gallon pool, a tall rock and diving ledge with underwater viewing opportunities. Koda and Nuka will share the outdoor exhibit on a rotational basis with the zoo's other polar bears, but can be seen on exhibit in one of the habitats daily. Both bears are now enjoying fish icicles and have the strength to climb the tall diving rock.
The cubs were born early Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, 2004. This is the fourth litter of cubs to Voda and Kavek, since the breeding pair arrived at Denver Zoo in 1987. Voda last gave birth to Cranbeary the day before Thanksgiving in 2001. Zookeepers took special care in selecting names for the cubs. One bear was named Koda, a name created from his parents' names Kavek and Voda. The other bear is aptly named Nuka, which is the Inuit word for "brother."
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May 10, 2005
LIONESS TAWNY CHOSEN AS FAVORITE DENVER ZOO MOTHER
Denver Zoo Gives Special Mother "Lion Leg of Lamb" for her Honor
Tawny the lioness is 2005 Denver Zoo Mother of the Year! Online voters and zoo staff selected this outstanding mom who will now receive a special treat of "lion leg of lamb" (a.k.a. goat meat) with her three cubs in Predator Ridge at 10 a.m. on Weds. May 11.
In celebration of Mother's Day and to recognize all the great mothers out there, Denver Zoo asked the public to help choose the Zoo Mother of the Year for 2005 through online voting at www.denverzoo.org. Tawny beat out two other excellent mother candidates for this great honor, polar bear Voda and gorilla mom JoRayK. Tawny won the constest with 191 votes. JoRayK came in second with 118 votes and Voda was narrowly beaten out for second place with 114 votes.
About the Winner:
Tawny - mother of lion cubs Kamau, Saba and Sukari (191 votes)
Lioness Tawny may be a first-time mother, but her zookeepers say she works with her cubs like a pro. "Tawny is very generous and takes great care of her cubs. She is willing to sacrifice her favorite treat - bones - so her cubs may have them. It's very sweet," says Zookeeeper Beth Carroll-Vasquez. Tawny also keeps dad, Krueger, in line and makes sure he doesn't get grumpy with the three cubs, which have often been seen jumping on him. Tawny has also showed great trust in her zookeepers allowing them to teach the cubs behaviors and exam them for veterinary purposes.
About the Competitors:
JoRayK - mother of gorilla Jaballi (118 votes)
Veteran mom, JoRayK has shown zookeepers she has what it takes to make a silverback out of baby gorilla, Jabali. "We're lucky to have JoRayK. She's a gorilla with the experience to care and nurture her babies," says Supervisor Bob Hamill. JoRayK was born in Lincoln Park in Chicago where she was raised by her parents. Many gorillas do not have the skills to raise their young, however, this experienced mom has had six babies and raised them all. At birth JoRayK tirelessly held her baby day and night. As the youngster grew she carried him or allowed him to hitch a ride on her leg. JoRayK also has helped first time father, Jim, through this new experience, always keeping an eye on Jabali and making sure he's not too much ape for this new dad to handle.
Voda - mother of polar bear cubs Koda & Nuka (114 votes)
Voda was nominated for mother of the year by zookeepers because of her nurturing nature toward her twin male polar bear cubs, Koda and Nuka. "Not only did she have two beautiful young, healthy cubs, she also takes great care of them - in the cold I might add - and she is gentle and protective," says Area Supervisor Steve Venne. After giving birth to the cubs Thanksgiving morning, Voda spent several months in her den nurturing her newborns. At birth the tiny cubs weighed about a pound and have grown into healthy, active and playful cubs from their mother's rich milk.
Many may remember Denver Zoo Mother of the Year 2003, when voters overwhelming picked a gentle, quiet Musk ox named Chingatul (Ching- ah-tool) for the special Mother's Day honor. Chingatul nursed another's newborn calf when it was rejected by its mother.
Visit Denver Zoo today to see all the great mothers and their young. Aside from the three favorites above, Denver Zoo is home to young giraffes, a hyena cub, African wild dog puppies, a young Colobus monkey, and a baby bighorn sheep, to name just a few.
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May 5, 2005
DENVER ZOO FLAMINGOS GET FIRST CLASS ESCORT OUTDOORS
Birds of a feather flock together. especially in warm weather! Denver Zoo's flock of flamingos will get a first class escort from zookeepers as they move to their outdoor habitat, a sure sign of spring. The zoo will host a photo opportunity on May 5.
Pretty in pink, 50 flamingos - 44 Chilean Flamingos and six American Flamingos - will be carried one by one to their outdoor home for the warm summer months. Veteran flamingos, some as old as 43 years, are quite familiar with this annual routine, but some of the younger birds have only experienced this hand-held migration a few times before.
Denver Zoo exhibits two male and four female American flamingos and 26 male and 18 female Chilean flamingos. American flamingos are found in areas of the Caribbean; Chilean flamingos are native to Chile and Peru. The American flamingo's plumage is brighter red in color, while the Chilean's feature a lighter pink plumage. Adult flamingos grow to 31" - 57" in height and weigh between four and six pounds.
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April 1, 2005
HYENA CUB MAKES MEDIA DEBUT AT DENVER ZOO - Cub Is the First Birth of This Species at The Zoo Since 1987
Denver Zoo's spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) born on March 16, is now big enough to explore the maternity den of Predator Ridge after spending its first few weeks behind the scenes with mother.
Visitors can watch the cub, named Isoke (Eye-soak) through its stages of development at Predator Ridge. The cub and its pack will rotate use of its yard with the African wild dogs and lions. Although born completely brown, Isoke will develop spots on its coat and a short mane on its neck and back. The mane slopes forward and the hairs of the mane stand erect when the hyena is excited.
The youngster was the first of this species born at Denver Zoo since 1987. Born to mother, Ngozi (Nuh-Go-Zee), and father, Kibo (Kee-boe) at approximately 10:15 a.m. on March 16, zookeepers have not identified the sex of the cub yet. It is difficult to discern the sex of hyenas because both males and females have sexual organs that are very similar in appearance.
The three adult hyenas in the Predator Ridge exhibit came to Denver Zoo as a donation from University of California at Berkley and have been sharing the use of the exhibit with African Wild dogs on a rotational basis since the opening of the new exhibit in June of 2004. Like the other animals in Predator Ridge, spotted hyenas are native to Africa. Hyenas are mostly found south of the Sahara Desert, excluding the southern tip of Africa and the Congo Basin.
The spotted hyena is the largest of the four hyena species and can grow up to four feet tall and weigh up to 250 pounds. These hyenas have longer forelegs than hind legs and feature sandy brown spotted coats. Spotted hyenas scavenge carcasses or kill prey in packs. These packs can bring down large prey like zebras and can force lions to abandon a kill. A single hyena is capable of chasing and killing prey three times its own weight. The spotted hyena has very powerful jaws that can crunch large bones.
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April 1, 2005
NO FOOLIN' - DENVER ZOO BEGINS EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2005
Denver Zoo will begin extended summer hours Friday, April 1, 2005. The Zoo's new hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with the admissions gates and ticket sales closing at 5 p.m. These hours will remain in effect through September 30, 2005. Don't miss Denver Zoo's Predator Ridge exhibit featuring lions and their cubs, African wild dogs and their puppies and hyenas. This popular exhibit allows close up views of these amazing animals and their young and has become a family favorite. In Northern Shores, see baby polar bear cubs, Koda and Nuka. These two youngsters recently left their den with their mother to explore their outdoor habitat for the first time. Visitors can be entertained by these active cubs as they swim, run, jump and tackle each other.
Don't miss Denver Zoo's daily events going on now:
- Penguin Feeding - 10:15 a.m. at the Humboldt Penguin Exhibit
- Sea Lion Feeding - 10:30 a.m. at Northern Shores
- Elephant Demonstration - 11:30 a.m. at Pachyderms
- Red River Hog Feeding - Noon at Primate Panorama Shamba
- Gorilla Feeding - 12:15 at Primate Panorama Shamba
- Bird Bug Toss - 2:00 p.m. inside Bird World
- Sea Lion Feeding - 2:30 p.m. at Northern Shores
- Tiger Feeding - 3:00 p.m. at the Feline Building
- African Penguin Feeding - 3:30 p.m. Outside Bird World
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Denver Zoo's extended programs and events will begin offering special demonstrations, talks and shows around every corner. The Wildlife Show will entertain visitors with live animals showcasing their abilities on stage and the Kraal, an African farmyard, gives kids the chance to get close to goats, chickens and guinea fowl. Also opening Memorial Day weekend, don't miss Denver Zoo's new animal demonstrations beginning this year with rhinoceros and the animals at Predator Ridge!
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March 23, 2005
DENVER ZOO POLAR BEAR CUBS VENTURE OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME
Denver, CO (March 23, 2005) - Denver Zoo's new baby polar bear cubs, Koda and Nuka, have showed they are ready to venture outside on public exhibit. The media is invited to attend and watch these two brothers as they experience the world outside their den for the first time.
The cubs have been feeding off their mother's rich milk in their den since their birth on Thanksgiving morning 2004. Much like the experience they would go through in the wild, the cubs will now have outdoor access after four months in their den with their mother.
The cubs have shown the physical maturity needed to go outside on public exhibit. "These two are quite adventuresome and have climbed over a den barrier to explore other areas of their indoor habitat. They've even tested the waters of their shallow pool behind the scenes," says Area Supervisor Steve Venne.
Until this time, visitors have watched the newborn polar bear cubs on monitors in the Northern Shores exhibit at Denver Zoo thanks to a live closed-circuit video feed from the cubs' den which is behind the scenes. This is the fourth litter of cubs to Voda and Kavek, since the breeding pair arrived at Denver Zoo in 1987. Voda last gave birth to Cranbeary the day before Thanksgiving in 2001.
Zookeepers took special care in selecting names for the cubs. One bear was named Koda (Coe-dah), a name created from his parents' names Kavek and Voda. The other bear is aptly named Nuka (New-cah) which is the Inuit word for "brother."
Download a background image of the polar bear cubs! |
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March 16, 2005
HYENA CUB BORN AT DENVER ZOO, FIRST SINCE 1987 - Visitors Can View Newborn Hyena Cub Via Closed Circuit Television Monitors
One spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) was born to mother, Ngozi (Nuh-Go-Zee) and father, Kibo (Kee-boe) on March 16 at approximately 10:15 a.m. This is the first of this species born at Denver Zoo since 1987. The hyena cub weighed approximately three pounds at birth. Zookeepers have not identified the sex of the newborn, yet. The cub is bonding with mother, Ngozi (Nuh-Go-Zee), behind the scenes in a private maternity den in Predator Ridge and is not on public exhibit. A closed circuit video feed shows the hyena being cared for by his mother behind the scenes in the exhibit.
The three adult hyenas in the Predator Ridge exhibit came to Denver Zoo as a donation from Berkley University and have been sharing the use of the exhibit with African Wild dogs on a rotational basis since the opening of the new exhibit in June of 2004. Like the other animals in Predator Ridge, spotted hyenas are native to Africa. Hyenas are mostly found south of the Sahara Desert, excluding the southern tip of Africa and the Congo Basin.
The spotted hyena is the largest of the four hyena species and can grow up to four feet tall and weigh up to 250 pounds. These hyenas have longer forelegs than hind legs and feature sandy brown spotted coats. Spotted hyenas scavenge carcasses or kill prey in packs. These packs can bring down large prey like zebras and can force lions to abandon a kill. A single hyena is capable of chasing and killing prey three times its own weight. The spotted hyena has very powerful jaws that can crunch large bones.
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March 9, 2005
NEW BABY GIRAFFE SPOTTED AT DENVER ZOO
Several Denver Zoo visitors witnessed the beginning stages of a giraffe birth on Friday, March 4, when Janie, a female reticulated giraffe, went into labor while on exhibit. Janie finished in the privacy of the Giraffe House where she gave birth to a healthy six-foot-one, 135-pound male giraffe.
Zookeepers named the newborn Dudley. Dudley and his mother Janie have been spending quiet-time in the Giraffe House since his birth. The new calf will make his media debut on March 10, at 10 a.m. Weather permitting, it is anticipated that Dudley will have access to his outdoor exhibit and can be seen with the rest of his family, including his parents, aunt, and three-month-old brother, Dash. Dudley is the fourth calf born to Janie and Dikembe (Dah-kem-bay), the zoo's male bull giraffe. Dudley, who weighs 135 pounds, was much anticipated by zoo staff. Giraffe's are born after a 15-month gestation period. The calf will nurse on his mother's milk for approximately 6 months, at which time he will be weaned. During the first two years of a giraffe's life, it doubles its height to be almost 12-feet tall.
Giraffes are the world's tallest land mammal and can grow up to 17 feet tall. An adult female is 1,540 to 2,600 pounds at maturity, and an adult male is 2,420 to 4,215 pounds at maturity. Like human fingerprints, the markings of a giraffe's coat are unique to each individual. Reticulated giraffes are native to the dry savannahs and open woodlands of Southern Africa. Denver Zoo is now home to a herd of five giraffes, Janie (f), Masika (f), Dikembe (m) Dash (m) and Dudley (m).
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February 24, 2005
AFRICAN WILD DOG PUPPIES POUNCE INTO THEIR BIG YARD
Denver Zoo is going wild over seven African wild dog puppies that were born Nov. 18, 2004. For the last 14 weeks, the puppies have been behind the scenes in their private maternity den under the protective care of their mother Daisy. Weather permitting, Daisy and the puppies will venture out for their public debut on Thursday, Feb. 24.
Denver Zoo has become the most successful zoo in North America at breeding this endangered species. This is the third litter born at Denver Zoo to mother, Daisy and father, Judd. The seven puppies have eight brothers and sisters from two previous litters, bringing the Denver Zoo pack to 17 dogs. As an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), Denver Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan, (SSP), which oversees the breeding of this species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
Denver Zoo has been the leader in breeding and managing African Wild dogs within the AZA since the zoo began exhibiting three dogs in 2001. A total of 28 puppies have been born at Denver Zoo, since that time. Currently, there are 126 African Wild dogs on exhibit in 26 zoos in North America.
Denver Zoo staff has been recognized for the role it has assumed within the AZA in regards to the management and training of Africa wild dogs. At the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) conference last year, Zoo staff received two awards on a paper outlining the management, training and enrichment of African wild dogs. Judges awarded zookeepers the "Training Achievement Award" and conference attendees awarded the zookeepers the "Trainer's Choice Award" for their efforts.
African wild dogs live in packs and all help raise the litter. African Wild dogs are native to the open woodlands and plains of sub-Saharan Africa. The species has been reduced to no more than 5,000 wild dogs as a result of disease and habitat destruction.
Each African wild dog has its own unique markings of yellow, black, brown and white. Full-grown dogs weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and stand 30 inches tall at the shoulder. The slim, long-legged dog features large round ears contributing to its acute sense of hearing. Another unique characteristic is it only has four toes on its front legs, rather than the typical five.
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January 27, 2005
DENVER ZOO LION CUBS ROMP THROUGH "MANE" YARD Cubs can now be seen playing in the large yard of Predator Ridge exhibit.
Denver Zoo's three African lion cubs (Panthera leo) are growing up and are now big enough to play in the "mane" yard of the Predator Ridge exhibit. The active cubs are approximately 35 pounds now and can be seen romping, rolling and exploring this yard on weekends, weather permitting.
The five-month old cubs, Kamau, (Kah-mauw), Saba (Sah-bah), and Sukari (Sue-car-ee) are now mature enough to make the move from "Pahalli Ya Mwana," the maternity den habitat, to the big yard of the Predator Ridge exhibit. The large yard gives the active cubs plenty of room to explore in this next phase of their development.
The public can watch these animals romp through this large space with their entire pride of four lions, including their mother, Tawny, father, Krueger and two other lionesses.
The three African lion cubs were born on Sept. 2 and are the first born at Denver Zoo since 1975 and the first cubs born to lioness Tawny (Tahwn-ee, age 6) and male Krueger (Crew-ger; age 6) a pair that came to the Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo as part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The cubs are highly valued in North America for their genetic uniqueness. The male cub was named Kamau, a Swahili word for "quiet warrior" and the female cubs were named Saba, Arabic for "morning" and Sukari, Swahili for "sugar."
background image of the lion cubs! |
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January 6, 2005
BRIGHT EYED BEARS SHOW THEIR BIG EYES! DENVER ZOO'S SIX-WEEK OLD POLAR BEAR CUBS OPEN EYES - Two Cubs Can Be Seen Live Via Cub Cam Monitor at Northern Shores Exhibit
Denver Zoo's newborn polar bear cubs, Koda and Nuka, have opened their eyes and are becoming more active as they grow under their mother's care. During a recent exam, veterinarians measured and weighed the growing cubs. At six weeks old, the cubs now weigh about 9 pounds and are 18 inches long. The cubs have grown four inches in length and have gained about six pounds since their first exam four weeks ago.
Visitors can watch the newborn polar bear cubs on monitors in the Northern Shores exhibit at Denver Zoo thanks to a live closed-circuit video feed from the cubs' den which is behind the scenes. The cubs were born early Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, 2004.
This is the fourth litter of cubs to Voda and Kavek, since the breeding pair arrived at Denver Zoo in 1987. Voda last gave birth to Cranbeary the day before Thanksgiving in 2001. Although Voda appears to be attentive, the cubs are under 24-hour observation by Denver Zoo keepers via a closed circuit video camera. Denver Zoo staff allowed Voda access to a special polar bear maternity den this fall after observing behavioral signs indicating pregnancy.
Zookeepers took special care in selecting names for the cubs. One bear was named Koda (Coe-dah), a name created from his parents' names Kavek and Voda. The other bear is aptly named Nuka (New-cah) which is the Inuit word for "brother." The cubs will spend the winter with Voda in the den and if all goes according to plan, will be introduced to their outdoor exhibit sometime in the spring. Download a polar bear cub background image for your computer! |
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