Search Results for: jo

I’m going to veer off animals for just a moment and talk about your second favorite subject, zookeepers! After looking at my own experience and talking to other keepers and interns, I have come to the conclusion that becoming a zookeeper has similar stages as a person deciding what they want to be when they … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, March 9"

Ya Lun and Xi Lun the giant panda twins have reached a new milestone: all-day play in their dayroom habitat  WHO: The only giant panda twins in the U.S., Ya Lun and Xi Lun, were 6 months old on March 3, 2016, and the duo has reached a new milestone: all-day play in their dayroom … Continue reading "Ya Lun and Xi Lun reach new milestone"

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"

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"

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"

The animals at Zoo Atlanta represent so many opportunities for biologists around the world to learn basic information about, well, animals! We get research proposals all the time from researchers, both among our own staff and globally, seeking permission to include the animals in their research. We approve the proposals that are of the greatest … Continue reading "Sun Bear Tongues and Frog Tongues"

Trying to weigh squirmy cubs is rather difficult.  We offer the cubs supplemental formula three times a day, and weigh the cubs before and after receiving the formula.  When they are sleepy, it’s quite easy to place them in the tub and get an accurate weight. However, later they’re usually quite awake and ready to … Continue reading "Panda Update – Wednesday, Feb. 15"

As any regular reader of keeper stories knows, there is no such thing as a typical day as a zookeeper. There are a multitude of projects, big and small, that take up our time when we aren’t with the animals. Some projects are so large that they require all hands on deck, so the Bird … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Tuesday, February 14"

Hey y’all! My name is Sara and I am the newest Keeper I in the Herpetology Department here at Zoo Atlanta! Prior to taking this job, I was living in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a Georgia native, I am very excited to move back to my home state! Obviously, Zoo Atlanta’s location is a perk for … Continue reading "Keeper Stories – Thursday, February 9"