Denver Zoo Mourns Loss of Polar Bear "Soosha" – Soosha, a beloved 25-year-old female polar bear at Denver Zoo, passed away March 14, 2012. The elderly bear was euthanized after a severe decline in health. The longevity of polar bears is 20-25 years. She began to show increased joint pain, decreased mobility and lethargy the past few months. Examinations did not offer conclusions as to why Soosha began to decline food and eventually quit eating altogether. Veterinary staff humanely euthanized Soosha after she had not eaten pain medications her last few days. Soosha was a very popular resident of Denver Zoo for 24 years. She arrived from Riverbanks Zoo (Columbia, South Carolina) in 1987 and was one of the first residents of the newly-opened Northern Shores exhibit. Denver Zoo remains home to Soosha's niece Cranbeary and Cranbeary's mate, Lee.
The Tour de Tuk Tuk Begins – Five Denver Zoo staff members left town today with a tuk tuk in tow to talk about gasification. The three-wheeled, motorized rickshaw is a working prototype of the "gasifier" that will eventually turn animal poop and trash into power for Toyota Elephant Passage. The Tour de Tuk Tuk, as the trip is being called, will allow staff members to stop at accredited zoos in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona to discuss gasification and other green technologies before arriving at Palm Desert, California, to demonstrate the tuk tuk at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Green Summit early next week. Learn more about the trip and this patent-pending technology here.
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Zoo Hatches Javan Hump-Headed Lizard – Denver Zoo zookeepers are celebrating the hatching of a Javan hump-headed lizard! This species, which can grow to about 10 inches long, will soon live in Toyota Elephant Passage. The hatchling, whose gender is undetermined at this point, won't go on exhibit until it's an adult, though. Not much is known about the species because they are so secretive and good at hiding. They are native to the humid tropical forests of central Java, an island in Indonesia. Named for the prominent ridge on its head, this vibrant lizard is also called the chameleon forest dragon. Females are green, while males are bluer in color, with touches of yellow. Both change color according to their moods. No matter which one they choose, these lizards are well hidden in leafy Asian rain forests.
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Join Our Zoo Career Panel – Teens: Have you ever wondered what it's like to work at a zoo?
Sign up for Denver Zoo's new Career Panel program in April and learn what a zoo profession is all about from zookeepers and other zoo professionals. Participants will speak to experts in an intimate setting about their day-to-day tasks and then visit stations about specific job fields, such as veterinary care or husbandry. Panel dates and times are April 4, from 4 to 6 p.m.; April 14, from 1 to 3 p.m.; and April 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Each date will offer a similar experience and mix of speakers. These panels are for middle and high school students between the ages of 11 and 18. Learn more and sign up for a panel today!
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