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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"

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a long-time Member of Zoo Atlanta, the geocaching program provides guests with a new and fun way to explore the Zoo! Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt in which the journey is often worth just as much or more than the “treasure” that is found. There … Continue reading "Geocaching – A New Way to Explore the Zoo"

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"

Most people are affected by pollination every day, and many don’t even think about it. Almost everyone realizes that honey is the direct result of bees, but what about apples? What about avocados? Almonds? All of these foods and so many others are the literal fruits of pollinators’ hard work. In fact, animal or insect … Continue reading "Conservation Action: Pollinator"

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"

Join Elephant Program Manager Nate for a sneak-peek at the Zambezi Elephant Center and new African Savanna elephant habitat, opening in summer 2019. Nate gives us a tour of the many special features of the new elephant complex, including design elements implemented especially for the enrichment and well-being of Earth’s largest land mammals. The new … Continue reading "Sneak peek at the Zambezi Elephant Center"

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"