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Blue-throated macaws are often called barba azul in Spanish, meaning “blue beard,” because of the bright blue coloration covering their throats. They play an important role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers. These intelligent and colorful birds are critically endangered and threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

Elephant tusks are some of the most valuable commodities on Earth for poachers engaged in the illegal ivory trade. Tens of thousands of elephants are killed for their tusks each year to be valued on a global scale. The U.S. remains one of the world’s largest importers of ivory. The illegal ivory trade is more than just devastating for elephant populations. Funds from the trade enable the trafficking of illegal drugs and firearms. The trade is also highly sophisticated, with poachers using their own technology to avoid detection.

See artists at work during Paint-Out Week, June 3 through June 7. WHAT: Wildlife and the natural world are sources of inspiration at Art Gone Wild, Zoo Atlanta’s signature celebration of art. The sixth-annual event kicks off with Paint-Out Week, coming up Monday, June 3 through Friday, June 7, 2019. Paint-Out Week Art Gone Wild … Continue reading "Art Gone Wild at Zoo Atlanta"

What is the first thing that comes to mind about reptiles and amphibians? Probably it is the term “cold-blooded.” Most of us have learned that one component of being a reptile or amphibian is being “cold-blooded.” And what are mammals and birds? Why, “warm-blooded” of course. If you’ll indulge me for a few moments (okay, … Continue reading "Cold-blooded: What’s it mean?"

Just as quickly as shoot season arrived, it is officially over. Bamboo shoots are seasonal, arriving in the spring/early summer, and we fed the giant pandas the last of our supply a few days ago. We have begun offering mature bamboo again, more specifically a species called yellow groove (Phyllostachys aureosulcata). The pandas are slowly … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Wednesday, May 29"

Here at Zoo Atlanta, we are excitedly awaiting the opening of our new African Savanna! It will be home to our new African elephant habitat. The elephants will roam a new and expanded habitat with dynamic and enriching features designed specifically for their species. Some highlights include a pond with 360-degree access, waterfalls, and a … Continue reading "Animal Highlight: Elephants"

Imagine the African savanna. Wide, open and flat expanses with tall yellow grasses. Sparse trees and shrubs dotting the landscape. Endless blue sky with a bright sun. What’s missing from this scene? The iconic wildlife that roam this habitat, of course! I’m sure you imagine the giraffes, stretching upward to reach the leaves in the … Continue reading "The Animals of the New African Savanna"

Who loves coffee?  I do, I do! Coffee, as we know it, is cultivated as varietals of two species of African shrubs. You may recognize the names as Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (C. canephora). Coffee is now grown in tropical regions around the world, but it is rather specific in its ecological needs. I … Continue reading "For the love of coffee"

When I was very young, I used to think that when birds molted their feathers it meant they dropped every feather at once and were running about looking like a plucked chicken. Thankfully, I quickly figured out that this was not the case. Feather molting in birds is a complicated process that can vary between … Continue reading "What does it mean when birds molt?"

Hello everyone! Courtney here for another Keeper Story. I am currently a Primate Keeper I specifically working with the western lowland gorillas, and today I wanted to share with you a little bit about what it takes to work at an accredited zoo. One of the most popular, and one of my favorite, questions I … Continue reading "My journey to a dream job"