Search Results for: ju

Protecting the critically endangered species still with us

Every few years there is a frenzy in the media about efforts to use modern genomic technology to recreate long-extinct or recently extinct species. Often referred to as de-extinction, it first became heavily discussed after a series of TED talks were posted in 2013; see links below. Extinct species getting all the attention are, unsurprisingly, … Continue reading "Protecting the critically endangered species still with us"

Managing birds in mixed-species aviaries

Hello everyone! Kyle here from the Bird Team! A lot of you who have gotten to visit our Zoo have probably noticed that we have quite a variety of bird species to care for. One of the joys I get from being a Bird Keeper is being able to observe how the different species relate … Continue reading "Managing birds in mixed-species aviaries"

Training big cats for vaccines

Vaccines. At times it seems like that is one of the most common words we are all hearing these days; however, a lot of people are not accustomed to hearing it regarding animals in zoos. Well, to animal care professionals, this medical procedure is nothing new. In fact, it is something that we begin planning … Continue reading "Training big cats for vaccines"

Why zoos matter: Educate and take action! 

Why DO zoos matter? Why is it important, not only for humans, but also for the animals, to continue to have zoos? Over the decades, zoos have shifted from just showing off exotic animals to scientific institutions geared toward conservation and education. These types of facilities do not have “animals on display,” but rather animal … Continue reading "Why zoos matter: Educate and take action! "

Rearing diamondback terrapins

Hi everyone!  It’s Kelly here again!  Boy, have I got some exciting news for y’all!  Next time you walk through Scaly Slimy Spectacular,  don’t forget to peek in the salt marsh habitat by the exit door.  You might notice things look a little different, “little” being the key word here.  And you might have to … Continue reading "Rearing diamondback terrapins"

Trading turtles and tortoises 

“Suitcase Filled with 185 Live Baby Tortoises Wrapped in Plastic Discovered at Galápagos Airport” – March 2021  “DNA Test Stops Illegal Shipment of 2,200 Matamata Turtles” – June 2021  “Memphis Zoo caring for 40 Mexican box turtles seized at Memphis port” – May 2021  “Turtle Survival Alliance Launches Rescue Mission to nearly 11,000 Critically Endangered … Continue reading "Trading turtles and tortoises "

Happy hatch month, Zazu!

Early this month, one of our birds with a big personality celebrated her 26th hatch day … Zazu the southern ground hornbill! Even though it sounds like she is old for a bird, southern ground hornbills can live up to 40 years under human care. Zazu is just a couple of years older than her companion … Continue reading "Happy hatch month, Zazu!"

One big lemur family

If you have been around the Monkeys of Makokou complex or seen the lemurs of The Living Treehouse recently, then you know the primates who call Zoo Atlanta home come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Each species has a unique set of traits and behaviors that are specifically adapted to thrive in … Continue reading "One big lemur family"

Saving our scavengers

Although a lot of my day as a member of the Bird Team is spent caring for the animals here at the Zoo, I also devote as much time as I can to working on conservation initiatives to help the birds in my care, as well as their wild counterparts. A lot of conservation work … Continue reading "Saving our scavengers"

Panda Updates – Monday, August 16

Here at Zoo Atlanta, we use positive reinforcement training to work with many of the animals in assisting in their own care. Because giant pandas are bears, we work with them in a protected contact setting to ensure the safety of both the humans and bears involved. This means there is always a barrier between … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Monday, August 16"