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Okay, it used to be simple for us biology nerds to distinguish “poisonous” organisms from “venomous” organisms. In lectures, I always boil it down the basic distinction of “whom is biting/stinging whom?” In other words, if you put it in your mouth or on your skin, and you get sick, then you have encountered a … Continue reading "Venomous or Poisonous? "

The cubs are growing like weeds! I have been on a mini vacation for the last five days and came back to cubs that looked about the same size-wise, but were definitely a little heavier! I’m trying my hardest to enjoy them while they are “pint-sized” and still really goofy in their coordination. Their current … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, March 8"

The days are getting warmer, the trees are blooming, and the birds are singing. Spring must be right around the corner! And with spring comes our main breeding season in the Bird Department. Some of our birds are already showing off their breeding behaviors, and nowhere is this more evident than at the flamingo habitat! … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Tuesday, March 7"

Yesterday was my first day working with the pandas in three weeks. I get regular updates from the primary panda keepers about how all of the pandas are doing, but I wasn’t prepared for just how big the girls had grown in that time. Both girls have gained around a kilogram (2.2 pounds) since I … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, March 6"

Throughout the day, we bring the pandas into the back so that we can clean up leftovers and give them fresh bamboo, biscuits and produce. Yesterday, we brought Lun Lun inside, but the cubs remained sleeping on the climbing structure, which is typical. As always, while I was cleaning, I kept my eye on the … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, March 3"

As you’re walking by the bald eagle habitat, you may notice some new faces nearby. In a new space built behind the eagle, you have the chance to see either our beautiful Toco toucan, Lupe, or our charismatic hooded vulture Baobob. Neither of these birds are new to the Zoo, but typically they live behind … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, March 2"

Even though the cubs are only just under 6 months old, and weigh around 9 kilograms (give or take, depending on if they’ve gone to the bathroom), they have gotten incredibly strong! We usually have to wake them up after lunch to give them their supplemental formula. This means we have to go and pull … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, March 1"

I think one of my very favorite things about working with animals is the ability to work with individuals throughout all stages of life. Luckily for me, the gorilla area has individuals from 5 months old to 57 years in age, so all life stages are represented! Though each age group is fun to work … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Tuesday, February 28"

As Lun Lun and the cubs get more comfortable in the tepee dayroom, you will notice that they will be spending more and more time in there. While the cubs haven’t quite found a good napping spot in that dayroom, they have found some fun new toys. The other morning, as Lun was eating, Ya … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, February 27"

This morning we gave Lun Lun, Ya Lun and Xi Lun access to the other dayroom. Lun Lun walked in immediately and spent several minutes sniffing around. Xi Lun was right behind her and investigated the shift door and drinker. Ya Lun was quick to join Xi Lun. After Lun Lun sniffed every log, she … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, February 24"