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I have recently been working with the giant pandas on blood draw training. All four of the giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta participate in training to obtain voluntary blood draws. We have a custom-made sleeve insert that can attach to the mesh in some of the dens behind the scenes. In this sleeve, the pandas … Continue reading "Panda Updates – Friday, October 8"

What does it look like to be a youth conservation hero? The word “conservation” may make you think about traveling to new places and participating in hands-on projects, but conservation can also mean efforts taken right here at home. Our Volunteens (ages 14-17) study conservation information about our animal species throughout the year, including current … Continue reading "Youth Conservation in Action "

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"

Thinking back to movies and TV shows I enjoyed growing up, many of them included non-human primate actors. Primates are cute, funny, and smart. It is understandable that they would be considered entertaining. Although a small factor, use in the entertainment industry is a potent driving force for primate wildlife trade worldwide. Unfortunately, the price … Continue reading "“No Animals Harmed”… the price of fame"

Here at Zoo Atlanta, we are lucky enough to care for the only drill monkeys in North America. In the early 2000s, their Species Survival Plan (SSP) made the difficult decision to stop breeding, due to a lack of genetic diversity in the North American population. As time has passed and the population has grown … Continue reading "Drill, mandrill, or baboon?"

Update on our western lowland gorilla population: As a follow-up to the news we shared on Friday, September 10, about the gorillas and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, please check out the update below. Of the 20 gorillas here at the Zoo, 18 have shown clinical signs consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection. As of today, … Continue reading "UPDATE ON GORILLA POPULATION — SEPT 17"

Update on our western lowland gorilla population: As a follow-up to the news we shared on Friday, September 10, about the gorillas and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, please check out the update below. Of the 20 gorillas here at the Zoo, 18 have shown clinical signs consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection. As of today, … Continue reading "UPDATE ON GORILLA POPULATION — SEPT 17"

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"

Zoo Atlanta has received presumptive positive test results indicating that members of its western lowland gorilla troops are positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Recently, Gorilla Care Team members observed coughing, nasal discharge, and minor changes in appetite in several members of the gorilla population. Upon the onset of these signs, the Animal … Continue reading "Update on Zoo Atlanta gorilla population"

Zoo Atlanta has received presumptive positive test results indicating that members of its western lowland gorilla troops are positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Recently, Gorilla Care Team members observed coughing, nasal discharge, and minor changes in appetite in several members of the gorilla population. Upon the onset of these signs, the Animal … Continue reading "Update on Zoo Atlanta gorilla population"