Search Results for:

Radiated tortoises are only native to the island of Madagascar but have been introduced to two other small islands to the east - Réunion and Mauritius. They are named for the yellow lined patterns on their shells. They are herbivores and much of their diet comes from grazing on grasses, which helps keeps plants trimmed back. The illegal pet trade and poaching are major threats, and conservation efforts are underway to save this critically endangered tortoise.

Wildlife trafficking is a serious problem. In fact, it’s the fourth largest transnational crime behind drug, firearm and human trafficking. Many people don’t realize that the United States is one of the largest markets for illegal wildlife products. For a variety of reasons, despite the thought of numerous animal species going extinct, the demand for … Continue reading "Do You Know How to Spot Trafficking?"

Even when a female giant panda is not pregnant, she may still exhibit behaviors or undergo physiological changes as if she is. This phenomenon is called pseudopregnancy. Because certain behavioral changes and hormonal indicators might suggest pregnancy, it can be hard to tell if a giant panda is actually pregnant (although in our case, we … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, August 14"

Zoo Atlanta has participated in the Quarters for Conservation program since 2016. This initiative contributes 25 cents of every general admission ticket to programs for wildlife. I know a quarter may seem small, but they really do add up, and the positive impact that it provides for wildlife is immense. As a member of the Hoofstock Team here at … Continue reading "Update from the field: Giraffe Conservation Foundation"

You’re invited to the biggest party of the year! On August 24, the Bird Team will be celebrating a very special day – Cecil’s 40th hatch-day! If you’ve never had the opportunity to meet him, Cecil is our beloved double-wattled cassowary. Double-wattled cassowaries, also known as the southern cassowary, live on average to be 30 years old in human care. Reaching well above this average, Cecil is the oldest … Continue reading "Celebrating Cecil!"

Hello! My name is Sam, and I am the newest addition to the Carnivore Team as a Seasonal Keeper. A little bit about me, I am originally from Orlando, Florida. I just graduated in May from the University of South Florida. Throughout my college career, I was able to do internships at other zoos and … Continue reading "What’s on the menu for giant otters?"

All life is connected in one of Earth’s most legendary wild places. In the highly anticipated first phase of an unprecedented transformation at Zoo Atlanta, the all-new African Savanna opened on August 8, 2019. While animals continue to acclimate to their new habitats, visitors now have an opportunity to experience the immersive landscape that brings … Continue reading "Zoo Atlanta opens all-new African Savanna"

All life is connected in one of Earth’s most legendary wild places. In the highly anticipated first phase of an unprecedented transformation at Zoo Atlanta, the all-new African Savanna opened on August 8, 2019. While animals continue to acclimate to their new habitats, visitors now have an opportunity to experience the immersive landscape that brings … Continue reading "Zoo Atlanta opens all-new African Savanna"

We get a weight on each of the giant pandas twice a day (They are both currently about 60 kg). For the twins, we will put a piece of sweet potato and a piece of apple on the scale and ask each sub-adult to come in one at a time. As you might already know, … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, August 7"

Kelly is very social and active and enjoys spending time with and training with her keepers. She is socially dominant over Tara. Kelly is a lean and red elephant due to the Georgia clay. She is also the elephant missing the hair on the tip of her tail. Some of Kelly’s favorite activities are being … Continue reading "Kelly"