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There are 25 species of tenrec which are mostly found on Madagascar, but some are native to mainland Africa. The name lesser hedgehog tenrec is misleading, as tenrecs are not related to hedgehogs. Their closest relatives are moles and shrews. However, like hedgehogs, tenrecs have spines covering much of their bodies. Although the underlying muscular structure is less specialized than a hedgehog’s, tenrecs have well-developed muscles under the skin that allow them to raise and lower their spines.

With all the extra time at home everyone has now, many people may be considering getting a new pet. But, just because your quarantined lifestyle may make sense for a pet, you really need to consider whether your post-social distancing life and schedule truly fits with the animal you may be welcoming into your home. … Continue reading "The Importance of Pet Adoption"

Greetings from the Scaly, Slimy and Spectacular! The first species you will encounter upon entering Scaly Slimy Spectacular (as long as you keep your eyes peeled) are two west African slender-snouted crocodiles (Mecistops cataphractus). The reason you may have trouble spotting our two crocodiles (Meci and Babu) is because they spend a lot of time … Continue reading "How do crocodiles stay submerged so long?"

Water scarcity seems like a silly topic to talk about on a planet that has 71% of its surface covered in water. You might even be wondering why you should ever worry about saving water. After all, there are 326 million trillion gallons of water on Earth, and that amount always remains constant. Even when … Continue reading "Why should I think about water conservation?"

Prepare yourself… the birthdays are coming…for our petting zoo herd! The goats and sheep who live in the petting zoo area are amid an exciting time, as this is birthday season for them! We currently care for a herd of 14 goats and five sheep, and all their birthdays fall within about two months of … Continue reading "Baa, baa birthdays"

Elegant spaces meet wild places at Atlanta’s newest special event destination. A historic treasure comes alive for an exciting new chapter as Atlanta’s newest premier event destination with the debut of Savanna Hall, now open for special events at Zoo Atlanta. Savanna Hall is the second phase of the Zoo’s landmark Grand New View, which … Continue reading "Announcing the Opening of Savanna Hall"

Elegant spaces meet wild places at Atlanta’s newest special event destination. A historic treasure comes alive for an exciting new chapter as Atlanta’s newest premier event destination with the debut of Savanna Hall, now open for special events at Zoo Atlanta. Savanna Hall is the second phase of the Zoo’s landmark Grand New View, which … Continue reading "Announcing the Opening of Savanna Hall"

I spend a large proportion of my scientific career tracking down and formally naming species that are new to science. I’ll admit that this is fun and rewarding, and that I feel a personal kinship with every amphibian or reptile that I have named. Personal feelings aside, I feel strongly that this is an endeavor—whether … Continue reading "Chasing new species"

Okay folks, time is up! Have you conquered all of your 2019 New Year’s resolutions? Zoo Atlanta’s Bird Department sure did! Read along to learn some of the ways we went above and beyond to achieve our 2019 New Year’s reZOOlutions.  Last January, we decided to make 2019 the year of native birds by resolving to increase public … Continue reading "New Year’s resolutions for native birds"

Ninety-nine percent of the giant panda’s diet consists of bamboo. Here at the Zoo, we also supplement their diet with leafeater biscuits and produce to ensure we’re meeting all of their nutritional needs. Giant pandas eat the leaves of the bamboo, but they also eat the culm of the bamboo. This means that they are … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, December 30"