The Official Sacramento Zoo Blog

Education Doesn’t end with Elementary School

2017-01-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

After Little Peeps in pre-K, summer and winter camp classes during the elementary years, what could the Sacramento Zoo have left to offer the teenage animal conservation lover? The next step is the Zoo Teen program where teenagers learn life skills and help inspire the next generation. Those skills are showcased at the annual teen-led event, I Heart Sacramento Zoo.

On Sunday, February 12, Sacramento Zoo Teen volunteers will transform the Sacramento Zoo into a world of activities and learning experiences at their annual I Heart Sacramento Zoo Valentine’s Day event.

Wander the Zoo to discover Zoo Teen run activity tables where you can test their knowledge about the animals in the Zoo. Watch as the animals forage through enrichment created by the Teens with the specific purpose of stimulating mental health and encouraging natural instincts. Listen as Zoo Teens use their public speaking skills to teach visitors about the animals and answer questions about the enrichment. Attend the event and encourage tomorrow’s animal and environment ambassadors, tomorrows leaders.

“I Heart Sacramento Zoo means so much to the Zoo Teen program because it allows the Zoo Teens to show visitors how dedicated we are to making sure everybody is happy and how much we appreciate our Zoo,” said Zoo Teen volunteer Bella Hopkins.

The Sacramento Zoo Teen volunteer group was started with an interest in the earth, animals and the community at its heart. Ranging in ages 13-19 years of age, the Sacramento Zoo has opened its doors to teens wanting to make a difference, while giving the teens real world experience communicating with the public.

Support is the number one reason for the success of the Zoo Teen program. With the support of Zoo visitors and the Sacramento Zoo itself, these teens will have a very successful sixth annual "I Heart Sacramento Zoo" event.

Death of Malindi, Aging Grevy's Zebra

2017-01-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

We are heartbroken to announce another difficult death at the Sacramento Zoo. Veterinary and animal care staff did everything they could to help Malindi, a 25-year-old geriatric Grevy’s Zebra with existing age related health issues. While we are saddened by the loss, the Sacramento Zoo continues its commitment to giving geriatric female zebras a home during their twilight years.

The Sacramento Zoo’s oldest Grevy’s Zebra, Malindi, was humanely euthanized Monday, January 9. This is the second death of a geriatric Grevy’s Zebra in the last two weeks at the Zoo and deeply touches everyone from zookeepers and veterinarians to visitors and volunteers. The two deaths are not related. A full necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed at UC Davis.

Malindi was the ninth oldest female Grevy’s Zebra in the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program population and the oldest zebra in the Sacramento Zoo’s herd. As an older zebra with several medical conditions, she was receiving ongoing monitoring and medical management for abnormal stone formation within her GI track (enteroliths) and dental disease.

Early Monday morning Malindi was found unresponsive in her exhibit. She was quickly transported to the Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital where the veterinary team performed diagnostics and provided medical treatments. She was found to have very low blood sugar, evidence of inflammation, and an abnormal neurologic status that did not improve with intensive care efforts and correction of her low blood sugar. Several of the most common causes of low blood sugar in veterinary patients include cancer, severe infections, and other metabolic diseases. Based on all of Malindi’s diagnostic results, her advanced age, and her overall poor prognosis, veterinarians and zookeepers made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Malindi.

The Sacramento Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Grevy’s Zebra Species Survival Plan®. The main focus of this plan is captive breeding and educational awareness to prevent the extinction of this species. From 1978 to 1999 the Zoo had 22 foals born. In 2000 the Sacramento Zoo made the decision to participate in the SSP in a different way, to give females who are past breeding age or have never conceived with a proven stallion, a home. The non-breeding females that live at the Sacramento Zoo are animal ambassadors for their species and serve an important role in educating the public.

“As a zoo that is committed to housing geriatric, non-reproductive females for the remainder of their lives, this is sad for all of us, but is not unexpected,” said Leslie Field, Supervisor of Mammals at the Sacramento Zoo. “Many of the zebra that arrive at the zoo are already older; when they arrive we know the risks and the likelihood of a short time with us.”

Malindi was born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park in January 1992. During her time there, she gave birth to three foals.

The wild population of Grevy’s Zebras has been drastically reduced in the past few decades. Although protected by law, their beautiful coats demand a good price on the black market. Loss of habitat and competition from cattle are also threats to their survival.

The Sacramento Zoo has been a longtime supporter of the Grevy's Zebra Trust, a program founded to address the urgent need to conserve Grevy's Zebra in the rangelands of Kenya and Ethiopia by incorporating human and wildlife interests into all of their programs.

18,000 Apples in 2016

2017-01-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

At the end of each year, we account for things like produce we've ordered for the animals, attendance for the year and also for fundraising events and notable milestones. Here are just a few fun facts for 2016!

1 Fulvous Whistling Ducks that thought it was a Crested Screamer

7 months of growth for Rocket the Masai Giraffe included a weight gain of 465 pounds (163 at birth to his current 628) and he grew 2’11” (making him 9’2” currently)

12 times Pantanal the Rainbow Boa shed (the 7-year-old gal is still growing!)

42 Star Wars characters visited the Zoo on Star Wars Day

116 birthdays were celebrated at the Zoo

200 bananas were consumed by April the Kinkajou

445 pounds of food collected for the River City Food Bank

528 gallons of ice cream were served at Ice Cream Safari

730 walnuts and almonds were cracked by Julio the Blue & Gold Macaw

6,336 bags of popcorn were popped

7,659 students, adults and seniors participated in 243 ZooMobile programs

9,613 miles were run/walked at ZooZoom

18,000 apples were consumed by the animals

19,784 pounds of trash was transformed into sustainable methane gas to fuel local school buses and not end up in landfills

26,400 mice were donated to the Zoo by Jackson Laboratories

369,740 pieces of candy were handed out at Boo at the Zoo

532,322 guests visited the Zoo

A LOT of plants were planted

Death of Geriatric Grevy's Zebra, Akina

2016-12-30T12:13:00.002-08:00

We are terribly sad to share that 24-year-old Akina, the geriatric Grevy's Zebra passed away last night from suspected colic.

On December 28, Akina was behaving abnormally and was placed under veterinary observation and treatment for suspected colic. Colic is a relatively common, but serious, disorder of the digestive system. The next day, after her conditioned failed to improve, Akina was brought to the Sacramento Zoo’s veterinary clinic where she received a full exam. During the exam, Akina was given fluids, pain medications, antibiotics, intestinal protectants and mineral oil to assist with resolving the colic. Over the course of the afternoon Akina was slow to recover from the exam and unfortunately died at the end of the day. Akina was taken to UC Davis for a full necropsy.

Born in 1992, Akina was the second oldest Zebra at the Sacramento Zoo, and one of the oldest Grevy’s Zebras living at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institution – the oldest being 27 years-of-age.

“Akina was a Grand Old Equine who was never shy about chatting,” said Lindsey Moseanko, Primary Ungulate Keeper at the Sacramento Zoo. “Her vocalizing could be heard throughout the zoo. She loved coming to her keepers at the fence-line for apple slices and ear scratches,” she continued. “Her spunky personality will be missed.”

The Sacramento Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Grevy’s Zebra Species Survival Plan®. The main focus of this plan is captive breeding and educational awareness to prevent the extinction of this species. From 1978 to 1999 the Zoo had 22 foals born. In 2000 the Sacramento Zoo made the decision to participate in the SSP® in a different way, to give females who are past breeding age or have never conceived with a proven stallion, a home. The non-breeding females that live at the Sacramento Zoo are animal ambassadors for their species and serve an important role in educating the public.

This species of zebra lives in a dry, nutrient-poor habitat in Africa. Their social organization is very different from that of other zebras. Intense competition among females for limited resources prevents long-lasting bonds from being formed. Life on the African plains is also full of danger and predators are a constant threat to the zebras’ survival. Because Grevy’s Zebras are more solitary, they do not have the safety of a large herd to protect them and instead rely on excellent hearing, with large ears that can rotate in any direction. The wild population of Grevy’s Zebras has been drastically reduced in the past few decades. Although protected by law, their beautiful coats to demand a good price on the black market. Loss of habitat and competition from cattle are also threats to their survival.

The Sacramento Zoo has been a longtime supporter of the Grevy's Zebra Trust, a program founded to address the urgent need to conserve Grevy's Zebra in the rangelands of Kenya and Ethiopia by incorporating human and wildlife interests into all of their programs.

Zoo Employee Receives Patriot Award

2016-12-28T13:32:00.001-08:00

Sacramento Zoo’s assistant guest services supervisor, Serena Bagshaw recently received the Patriot Award by the National Guard Reserve after being nominated for it by fellow employee Jesse Espinoza. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Craig Morris a representative of the Department of Defense presented Serina with the award at the Zoo on December 16th.

Congratulations Serena!

Death of Percy, the North American River Otter

2016-12-22T13:09:00.001-08:00

We are heartbroken to share the passing of Percy the North American River Otter who had been diagnosed with a nervous system disorder in July. The decision was made to humanely euthanize her the morning of Thursday, December 22.

In early July, Percy, began to have difficulty with her mobility. An examination by the zoo’s veterinarians revealed a disorder of the nervous system that affected her ability to walk. Percy was immediately treated with pain and anti-inflammatory medications as well as decreased activity. After a few weeks of treatment and rest in the Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital, she regained her ability to walk and was medically cleared to return home to her exhibit. Earlier this week, Percy’s difficulty with mobility recurred and evaluation by the veterinary team indicated progression of her neurologic disease. Due to the severity of Percy’s condition and a poor prognosis for recovery, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize Percy. A full necropsy will be performed at UC Davis.

In addition to treatment and monitoring for her nervous system disorder, she was also being treated for arthritis in her hips as well as renal disease as a part of her comprehensive medical management. At almost 17 years of age, Percy was a geriatric otter. She received special care by keeper staff daily including modifications to her exhibit and den areas to allow her to continue to swim and play in her more advanced years. In the wild North American River Otters can live up to 10 years, with care in a zoo a setting, North American River Otters can live up to 20 years.

“Otters each display unique personalities and Percy is no exception, making her a favorite among visitors and staff,” said Matt McKim, Animal Collection Director. “This loss is very tough for the staff who have cared for and loved Percy for many years. We are extremely grateful for everyone’s hard work in the general care of Percy, as well as the exceptional care given during her recent health situation.”

Percy was wild born in Florida in early 1999. Shortly after birth she was orphaned and had to be hand-reared. Due to the hand-rearing she was considered non-releasable by authorities. She came to the Sacramento Zoo in December of 1999.

North American River Otters are native to the freshwater rivers and streams in the United States. The largest concentration of otters in California is the Suisun Marsh, about 40 miles from Sacramento. They can also be found in the Yolo Basin, and the American River range, even stretching to the foothills.

Percy, North American River Otter. Photo by Erik Bowker

Death of Jasper, the Plain-colored Amazon Parrot

2016-12-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

We are saddened to announce and mourn the loss of Jasper, the Plain-colored Amazon Parrot after battling heart disease for the last two years. He was a charismatic favorite of visitors and staff alike.

Jasper the Plain-colored Amazon Parrot was diagnosed with a severe heart condition in 2014 for which he received ongoing medications and treatments to help manage. Jasper was humanly euthanized the afternoon of December 19th after an exam revealed significant worsening of his cardiac disease and development of liver disease. The treatments and care that Jasper received for his cardiac condition were able to control many of his symptoms, giving him several extra years of good quality life that he likely never would have had otherwise. A full necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed at UC Davis.

Jasper hatched at the Phoenix Zoo June 7, 1989 and a year later he moved to his permanent home at the Sacramento Zoo. Jasper was well-known for his loud vocalizations and his knack for chatting away with guests. “Hello!” or “Here, Kitty, Kitty”, and “Meow” were some of his favorite conversation pieces. He certainly was a character, and incredibly important to staff and as an ambassador for his species. Zookeepers and veterinary staff worked hard on providing Jasper a high quality of life with supportive care by catering to his needs and his illness.

Plain-colored Amazon parrots are one of the largest Amazon parrot species. These birds are found in the wild in the Amazon rainforests and foothills of South America as well as parts of Central America and Mexico. Like many parrots, they have a wide variety of vocalizations such as chirps, tweets and squawks as well as the ability to imitate sounds including human speech. Because of their somewhat gentle temperament, Plain-colored Amazons tend to be very social with birds from other species as well as their own.

While these birds are not endangered in the wild, they are considered a vulnerable species. Deforestation in the Amazon is causing a rapid decline in suitable habitat and the pet trade, both legal and illegal, has removed many birds from their natural environment. Although parrots can make great pets, the Sacramento Zoo recommends that prospective parrot owners make well-informed choices and purchase only captive-bred birds.

Jasper, the Plain-colored Amazon Parrot

Goody’s Arthritis Treatment Continues

2016-12-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

Part five of a series documenting the treatment of Goody, one of the Sacramento Zoo’s Reticulated Giraffes.

In addition to her daily care, zookeepers and veterinarians have been providing Goody, the Zoo’s 18-year-old Reticulated Giraffe, treatments for arthritis and a chronic joint abnormality in her front left fetlock (ankle).

Goody has been wearing a specialized boot with a metal shoe support inside and a fetlock brace to help support her joints and the rotation of her foot caused by arthritis. In addition, she can now be seen intermittently sporting a custom anklet. This anklet, made by one of the Zoo’s horticulturists who has a special knack for sewing, includes a HOBO data logger, similar to an activity tracker people wear.

The HOBO data logger

At the Sacramento Zoo we are employing science to better care for Goody and the other giraffes based on information provided by the ankle monitors. The HOBO is a data logger with a three-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer technology in this device shows when a giraffe is standing up versus lying down. It is the same technology utilized in smart phones that changes the view from portrait to landscape mode when you tilt your phone.

Goody’s sister, Skye, is also wearing an anklet. During data collection and analysis, Skye will be used as the baseline of “normal” to better compare Goody’s activity data. We will then be able to track how Goody’s activity compares to Skye’s on a regular day, on a day Goody receives various treatments, when a boot adjustment is made, and so forth. We will also be able to track when and if their activity levels drop or increase depending upon the weather or other environmental changes.

Giraffe anklet with HOBO tracker in the pocket

Goody can’t verbally tell us when something makes her feel better, worse, or has no affect at all. Instead zookeepers and veterinarians continue to monitor how she walks or stands and whether or not she appears more comfortable or in more pain than previous days. By observing these, and other, behaviors we can better understand Goody’s overall wellbeing. We are excited that the HOBO data logger will record her activity and provide information that we can look back on to better understand the treatments that are helping Goody the most.

Along with helping us with Goody, the data collected from her and Skye will be added to data that the Brookfield Zoo is already collecting, using the same methods, to better understand the activity of their giraffes. All of that data in turn will be shared with other zoos to aide overall giraffe caregiving.

Goody the Reticulated Giraffe with her specialized boot and tracker anklet

Holiday Fun for the Animals and Staff

2016-12-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Zoo staff often cite Holiday Magic as a favorite day at the Zoo. This is a special event where staff come together in a unique way to provide holiday-themed treats for the animals!

Though Zoo residents regularly receive enrichments (treats or items to stimulate natural behaviors), guests are often unaware of these activities. If you’ve ever wondered why cardboard or a coffee sack was in an exhibit, it was part of an enrichment. Keepers are always coming up with a variety of treats, puzzles and other ways to keep the animals stimulated and happy.

The enrichments for Holiday Magic are extra special because of the festive touch and the multi-department collaboration. The Zoo’s Digital Media Manager spearheads the planning. It’s a great break-from-routine for her as she works with Animal Care staff, the Education Department and the Sacramento Zoo Teens to come up with the types of enrichments and the fun ideas for how they’ll be presented.

Planning the types of enrichments includes considering individual animals’ dietary needs, their safety and what’s fun for visitors to see. Some of food enrichments include pine cones coated with yams and cranberries, handmade stockings filled with fruits and vegetables, bamboo wreaths and of course the Black and White Ruffed Lemur’s “Santa’s Village” feast. Each item must be veterinarian and keeper approved, then care must be given while assembling the treats.

Other enrichments include items the animals can play with, such as Christmas trees, ice and cardboard boxes filled with scents like cinnamon. The Zoo Teens are vital in helping design the holiday-themed piñatas made from cardboard, newspaper and flour paste. Making sure to remove any tape and staples, Zoo Teens and staff cleverly decorate the boxes. Other boxes are cleverly decorated using nontoxic paints and Christmas wrap with safe inks after tape and staples are removed. The Grinch’s sleigh, an elf hut and a giant present topped with an elaborately crafted paper bow have all made debuts during Holiday Magic.

This year’s Holiday Magic is Saturday, December 10. During scheduled enrichments, information will be shared so visitors can learn more about the animals. Enrichments will take place every thirty minutes from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm so you’re sure to enjoy this festive day as much as staff. Visit saczoo.org/holidaymagic for the enrichment schedule and more information.

Male African Lion curiously enjoys his enrichment.

Wolf's Guenon eats yam and cranberries from a festive pine cone.

Reticulated Giraffe with edible wreath.

Holiday Magic guests peer into the Aardvark mound.

Goody the Celebrity Giraffe

2016-11-17T10:36:00.001-08:00

*Part four of a series documenting the treatment of Goody, one of the Sacramento Zoo’s Reticulated Giraffes.

For nearly two years, Goody, the Zoo’s 18-year-old Reticulated Giraffe, has been receiving both medical and alternative treatments from zookeepers and veterinarians for arthritis and a chronic joint abnormality in her front left fetlock (ankle). Through it all, Goody has remained strong and has adapted well to her schedule of treatments.

The Arthritis Foundation looks for local honorees who embody a “Yes spirit” and they have chosen Goody as the 2016 Jingle Bell Run Celebrity Honoree! The Sacramento Zoo is grateful for this honor and thrilled the Arthritis Foundation recognizes that arthritis is something, unfortunately, both animals and humans experience. “It’s just one more way of showing how we’re all connected,” states Sacramento Zoo’s Supervisor of Mammals Leslie Field.

The Arthritis Foundation has also named 14-year-old Emily Cook as their Youth Honoree. Emily suffers from polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis, that started when she was just a toddler. Over the years, she has learned to take care of herself with medication routines, hot baths, ice, acupressure, trigger point therapy, massages, a healthy diet, stress management and rest when needed – these are very similar to the treatments Goody receives.

The Jingle Bell Run is an annual holiday-themed 5K run and one-mile walk, to raise funds for arthritis education, advocacy, research and support. This will be Emily’s seventh Jingle Bell run. Her goal is to raise funds for research and to help find a cure. “I hope it will happen in my lifetime,” said Emily. “I’ll know that I was there to contribute to the success of curing this horrible disease.”

The Sacramento Zoo wishes Emily and all those participating in the Jingle Bell Run on December 10 our best. If you would like to participate in honor of Goody, Emily or someone you know who suffers from painful arthritis, you can save $10 by using the discount code “Goody” when you register at: www.jbr.org/sacramento.

Emily and Goody

Goody showing off her special boot

Leading the Way in Veterinary Training, the Sacramento Zoo and UC Davis Partnership

2016-11-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

Written by: Jenessa Gjeltema, DVM, Dipl. ACZM

“I am proud to be involved in the partnership between UC Davis and the Sacramento Zoo. It allows us to provide the highest quality veterinary care for our animals while also providing a unique educational experience for training veterinarians in the field of Zoological Medicine.”

The path to becoming a veterinarian at a zoo requires a lot of hard work and dedication! To become a specialist in the field of Zoological Medicine, a veterinarian typically completes four years of undergraduate college, four years of veterinary school, an internship for one to two years, and then pursues further training such as a Zoological Medicine Residency for an additional three to five years!

At the end of all of this training, they must pass a comprehensive and difficult examination that tests their knowledge related to caring for the wide variety of animals that reside in zoos before they are board certified in zoological medicine and considered a specialist.

Worldwide, there are currently less than 250 veterinary specialists certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine. The need for knowledgeable veterinarians in this field is rapidly expanding to provide specialized medical care for zoo animals and to meet many of the unique developing challenges related to wildlife conservation efforts.

Since the 1970s the Sacramento Zoo has had a robust partnership with the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine to provide the highest quality health care for the Zoo’s much-loved animals.

Veterinary specialists in the field of Zoological Medicine from UC Davis provide top-notch preventive care and treatment for the animals who live at the Zoo. This partnership doesn’t just benefit the animals, however! Veterinary students and residents receive hands-on, onsite training at the Sacramento Zoo, where they gain proficiency under the guidance of knowledgeable and experienced Zoo veterinarians.

The Sacramento Zoo plays an important role in the training of future zoo veterinarians. The very first zoological medicine residency program in the world was started at UC Davis in 1974 by Dr. Murray E. Fowler. This program includes providing veterinary care to the animals at the Sacramento Zoo as part of the training. This successful partnership has trained 38 residents to become specialists in Zoological Medicine as well as given hundreds of veterinary students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working with exotic and endangered species.

Dr. Marinkovich, a veterinarian receiving training through the partnership said, “I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the Sacramento Zoo and UC Davis Zoological Medicine Residency. Being able to train at these world-class institutions provides me with an interesting and diverse caseload that allows me to continue to grow as a clinician.”

If you’ve ever passed by the windows of the Dr. Murray E Fowler Veterinary Hospital at the Sacramento Zoo, you’ve probably seen students and residents being mentored and instructed. It is one of only a handful of similar programs across the country designed to train the next generation of bright, innovative and compassionate zoo veterinarians.

Dr. Wack, Sacramento Zoo Veterinary Director said, “This partnership between the number one veterinary school in the world and the Sacramento Zoo is a triple win – win – win resulting in the animals receiving the best care.” In this way, the partnership between the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Sacramento Zoo fits well with the Zoo’s mission to inspire appreciation, respect, and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation and conservation.

Dr. Gjeltema providing an exam to the Zoo's sloth

Dr. Marinkovich training under the direction of Dr. Wack

Visitors witnessing a medical exam at the Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital

Myth-busting Bat Tales

2016-10-27T10:21:00.002-07:00

Animals have certainly been inspiration for folklore, tales and fears. With their unique adaptations, behaviors, and physical features, it’s not surprising they conjure mystery and intrigue. Yet these adaptive qualities serve very important purposes.

One often misunderstood animal is the bat. The bat is often thought of as a blood-sucking, disease-spreading beast. But this Dracula-like picture couldn’t be further from the truth. Bats are mammals – the only mammals capable of true flight. There are 27 bat species in California and none of them suck blood.

Another myth is that bats are blind; most actually see well. Insectivorous (insect-eating) bats also use echolocation. This provides an accurate sense of their surroundings as they emit sound waves from their mouths or nose that bounce off objects and then return back as echoes. From these echoes, bats determine how large something is, its distance, how fast it’s traveling and even the item’s texture in less than a second. A single Little Brown Bat can eat up to 500 mosquitoes in an hour – nature’s pest control!

Bats may seem creepy as some seek shelter in caves, but many species also commonly roost in tree cavities or among rock and building crevices. Like all animals, shelter is important to safely raise their young and to provide protection from predators during rest. Unfortunately, there are many threats to bats, including habitat loss, diseases and even deaths due to human fear.

The Sacramento Zoo is home to a colony of Straw-colored Fruit Bats. These are the second largest bats in Africa, ranging from Sub-Saharan Africa to South Africa and on several islands off the African coast. In the wild, colonies can range from thousands, up to a million individuals. Straw-colored Fruit bats can consume up to two times their body weight, eating fruit, seeds, nectar, flowers, buds and young leaves. Fruit bats are a significant source of seed dispersal, which helps forests regenerate. The Zoo’s colony enjoys bananas, apples, and melons. Like all fruit bats, they do not use echolocation.

You can see the Straw-colored Fruit Bats and learn other myth-busting animal facts at the All New Daytime Boo at the Zoo on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30 from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information on this rain or shine event, please visit saczoo.org/booatthezoo.

Straw-colored Fruit Bat

Straw-colored Fruit Bat Eating

Bat-inspired Dracula Pose at Boo at the Zoo

Hatching of Three Endangered Parrots

2016-10-13T16:04:00.002-07:00

Thick-billed Parrots are one of the long-term success stories at the Sacramento Zoo. In 1985, Susan Healy, the Zoo’s Supervisor of Birds and Herps became the studbook keeper for this species, and in 1988 she was given the added task of coordinating and managing the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) under the guidance of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Sacramento Zoo has been a home to this species since 1975 and is the most successful zoo in the world to breed Thick-billed Parrots. The success continued this year with three chicks hatching on August 5, 6 and 10. The parents are both zoo-bred birds with the female hatching here is 2001 and the male hatching at the Queens Zoo in 2008.

Keepers were excited to see that two pairs laid clutches of eggs this season. After evaluating the pairs’ clutches they decided to move one egg (from a clutch of three eggs) into the nest of the other. The second nest contained two eggs (one known to be infertile). The newly introduced egg hatched but the seemingly-viable first egg did not. By making the decision to move an egg, keepers enabled the parents with the unsuccessful eggs to be able to still raise a baby, allowing both pairs the experience of raising healthy chicks. In essence, these three hatchlings have the same parents but were incubated by two sets of bird pairs. These chicks represent the fourth generation of successful breeding of an endangered species at the Sacramento Zoo.

Thick-billed Parrot chicks, including ours, fledge from the nest at around two months of age. While learning to navigate in their environment, the chicks continue to receive care and feeding from parents, occasionally up to a year’s time. As the chicks venture from the nest box you will be able to distinguish them from the adults by their juvenile white beaks; adults have black beaks.

Thick-billed Parrots are the only parrot native to the United States, but loss of habitat due to deforestation and fires drove them out of Southern Arizona and New Mexico in the early 1920s, to ranging only in Northern and Central Mexico.

Newly hatched chicks.

Juvenile Thick-billed Parrot with distinctive white beak at 2 months old.

Charlie the Great Horned Owl

2016-10-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that Charlie was born in 2014. He arrived at the Sacramento Zoo in early 2015. Charlie was a wild owl who found himself at the Abilene Zoo rehabilitation program. During his examination he was found to be in full health and able to go back into the wild. On release day, when the crate doors opened, all of the other Great Horned Owls flew off, but Charlie stayed right where he was. At that time it was recognized that he preferred people and was well suited for a zoo. From there Charlie found a home at the Sacramento Zoo.

Charlie is a full-grown owl and weighs just over two pounds. He enjoys admiring and hooting at the handsome bird he sees in the mirror in his enclosure. He also spends a great deal of time keeping tabs on what his neighboring Laughing Kookaburra is doing, and watching the world around him. Great Horned Owls like Charlie vocalize the classic hooting noise attributed to owls. He can be seen participating in a variety of activities including Wildlife Stage Shows, Overnight Safaris, going out to schools on ZooMobile programs and making media appearances. His training also includes walkabouts around the Zoo to desensitize him to a variety of sights and sounds.

Great Horned Owls range from the Arctic tree line in Canada and Alaska, south through the United States and Central America, and into South America. They are the second largest and one of the most common owls in North American and exert 28 pounds of pressure with their foot grip.

Sapphire and Ruby, Burrowing Owl Sisters

2016-09-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ruby and Sapphire both hatched at the Sacramento Zoo in 2013. Their mother is a rescue owl that can be seen on exhibit in the Zoo’s Backyard.

As with many sisters they have opposite personalities; Ruby is high strung while Sapphire is more easy going. Ruby has also been known to be very chatty with a docent or two. The pair regularly dig burrows together under the logs and various houses in their enclosure. They can also often be found sitting together on a stump. One of their favorite things to do is chase crickets that zookeepers give them. Their zookeepers will also tell you that they have the worst mouse breath that has ever been encountered.

Ruby and Sapphire and very important Animal Ambassadors that represent a species native to our Sacramento region. Also, if you happen to visit the San Francisco Zoo, you may see one of their clutch mates acting as an education ambassador in their outreach programs.

Sapphire Ruby

Celebrate Red Panda Day

2016-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo is celebrating International Red Panda Day a bit early on Saturday, September 10. Thanks to the dedicated zookeepers of the Greater Sac Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, this interactive and educational event will raise awareness about Red Panda conservation.

Join the fun by becoming a “Red Panda Ranger” after visiting various Red Panda Stations and completing activities. Other stations include face painting and the opportunity to decorate your own flag that will be added to the ones currently surrounding the Claire Mower Red Panda Forest.

A lot will be happening near the Red Panda exhibit with special Keeper Chats at 12:30 and 2 pm. VanGo Girl Paint Parties will demonstrate how to paint a beautiful Red Panda. Raffle tickets can also be purchased for themed artwork, décor and other keepsakes. The raffle drawing will begin at 3 pm and attendance is not required, winners will be contacted. All proceeds will benefit Red Panda Network, an organization committed to the conservation of wild Red Pandas and their habitat through the education and empowerment of local communities in Nepal.

Of course, you’ll want to see the Red Panda residents Pili, a 5-year-old female, and Takeo, an 8-year-old male. The pair have lived at the Sacramento Zoo since 2012 on recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative to sustain healthy, genetically diverse populations. Until recently however, the duo lived in an outdoor behind-the-scenes exhibit and older pandas occupied the public viewing portion. After exhibit renovations, the pair are now in public view.

Red Pandas are native to Eastern Asia, including Nepal, Myanmar, Tibet and south-central China. They are mostly solitary small carnivores whose markings mimic the reddish-brown tree trunks of their habitats. Also known as a “fire fox” or “bamboo cat”, Red Pandas are Endangered. The Sacramento Zoo has been an active participant in the Red Panda SSP since 1999.

Red Panda Takeo

Red Panda Pili

Red Pandas are arboreal

Red Pandas are endangered but together we can help!

Welcome New Bongo

2016-09-08T10:57:00.001-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo is excited to welcome Eastern Bongos back to our Zoo! Having spent the last 30 days in quarantine at the Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital, Sukari, a young male Eastern Bongo, is now on exhibit. He was born on December 23, 2014 and joins us from Cincinnati Zoo as part of a cooperative with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Sukari began exploring his new exhibit by munching on leaves and listening to the sounds around him. You can see him, located near the Red River Hogs and the Conservation Carousel. Every time you ride the carousel or any of the additional attractions at the Zoo, you are helping donate funds to wildlife conservation efforts.

The Eastern Bongo is a large, African forest antelope with a chestnut colored body with white vertical body stripes, patches of black and white on the legs, white chevrons on the chest, large ears and spiral horns. Mature males are larger and darker than adult females. They live in isolated populations in the high elevation montane forests of Kenya. Eastern Bongos are considered critically endangered; it is estimated there are fewer than 200 individuals left in the wild. They face threats from poaching and habitat loss.

The Sacramento Zoo works to increase awareness of conservation issues that affect Eastern Bongos and other large animals in African habitats. For more than 20 years the Sacramento Zoo has actively participated in AZA’s Eastern Bongo Species Survival Plan® (SSP) to cooperatively manage this critically endangered species.

Death of Jane the Red Panda at 19 Years

2016-09-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo is saddened to announce the death of Jane, at the age of 19, she was the oldest Red Panda in an American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program. The average life expectancy for Red Pandas in zoos is 10.5 years.

Over the past year, Jane had been treated for some gum infections and dental problems. She was receiving daily treatments for arthritis in her hips and knees. After an active day of exploring her exhibit, she died in her sleep.

“Jane was very old for a panda and the keepers took excellent and special care with all her geriatric needs,” said Leslie Field, Supervisor of Mammals at the Sacramento Zoo. “All the pandas have very unique personalities, but Jane was exceptionally so for the species in her very even-keeled ‘panda’ personality.”

Jane with a biscuit from her cake on her 19th birthday, June 2016.

Jane was born at the Knoxville Zoo in 1997 and came to the Sacramento Zoo in 2001. While at the Knoxville Zoo she gave birth to one litter of two offspring and at the Sacramento Zoo she had two litters with three cubs each. Jane delighted guests when she participated in Wildlife Stage shows at the Zoo in 2012. Jane is well known amongst many Red Panda caretakers across the country. Keepers who have worked with Jane over the years think of her fondly.

“Jane was well-loved by all staff and all that interacted with her,” said keeper, Amanda Mayberry. “She was one of a kind, and definitely not your typical standoffish panda. While it is heartbreaking to lose her, Jane had a great, long life.”

Red Pandas are native to Eastern Asia, including Nepal, Myanmar, Tibet and south-central China. They are mostly solitary small carnivores whose markings mimic the reddish-brown tree trunks of their habitats. Also known as a “fire fox” or “bamboo cat”, Red Pandas are Endangered. The Sacramento Zoo supports the Red Panda Network, an organization committed to the conservation of wild Red Pandas and their habitat through the education and empowerment of local communities. The Sacramento Zoo has been an active participant in the Red Panda SSP since 1999.

Jane being trained during her stint in the stage show in 2012.

Jane the Red Panda, photo by Mike Owyang

Zoo Partner, Nugget Markets

2016-08-30T08:19:00.002-07:00

The local grocery store chain, Nugget Markets, recently joined the Zoo as a partner, sponsoring the Zoo’s Green Team as well as the Zoo’s Earth Fest in April. Earth Fest is the Zoo’s annual celebration of the world through environmental and cultural appreciation featuring information tables, games and entertainment.

Nugget hosted an interactive composting exhibit where kids learned the importance of conserving through hands-on composting. Nugget is no stranger to conservation. Their storewide sustainability program seeks to maximize efforts in three categories: water reduction, waste elimination and energy savings. Nugget’s sustainability coordinator works closely with a store-based “Green Guru” and their leadership teams to identify programs and processes that will help them reach their sustainability goals.

In 2015, Nugget’s associates rose to the challenge and collectively made a huge impact: more than 12 million gallons of water saved, 2.3 million pounds of food waste converted into biofuel or fertilizer, 4.8 million pounds of recyclables diverted and ambitious energy-saving retrofits for each store location. In addition, Nugget partnered with food banks and nonprofits in the communities they serve to make sure that good food makes it to those who are most in need.

In 1926, Nugget Markets founder, Mack Stille, said, “We are here for our neighbors just as they have been here for us. There is only one race in the world: the human race. We support our neighbors through charitable giving and providing the finest products and services.” Four generations later, Nugget Markets continues to serve their communities and to recognize their responsibility to steward resources well and minimize their impact on the environment.

The Sacramento Zoo is excited to partner with Nugget Markets to maximize our impact on conservation.

Nugget staff teaching kids about composting.

Nugget was giving away compost as well!

Boys helping to turn the compost bins.

How to Train a Bat

2016-08-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, Primary Bird Keeper Carolyn Volpe embarked on a whirlwind two-day training adventure at the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida. The bat training workshop was attended by zookeepers from around the United States, as well as animal rehabilitators interested in bat care.

Carolyn, who happens to love bats due to the social dynamics and interactions of the flighted mammals, spent the time taking in as much information as she could. During the two days, her knowledge of bat diets, how to train for voluntary blood draws for heath checks, nail trims, enrichment and social needs grew exponentially. Prior to the trip, Carolyn and other zookeepers were already training the bats at the Sacramento Zoo to climb on a scale for weighing and visual body condition checks, making it easier to continually asses their overall health. At the workshop she picked up some new tips on other ways to engage the bats in voluntary training. Carolyn is hopeful that after the Zoo’s colony of 20 bats, some more eager than others, have mastered getting on the scale, they will then enthusiastically begin crate-training which will allow for a less stressful transportation method to the veterinary hospital when needed.

Continuing education for zookeepers and other Zoo staff helps us give the best care possible to all of the Zoo’s residents and helps us stay up-to-date on the most current animal conservation news and needs.

Home Remodel Surprise for Percy

2016-08-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Percy the North American River Otter. Photo Credit: Erik Bowker

Imagine, on a return from an unexpected and extended stay at the hospital you come home to a surprise house remodel that includes new ramps, rearranged furniture, landscape pruning and in-pool additions for those times you want to float in the water without a lot of effort. What a great surprise it would make, just like a reality TV home-makeover show. This is exactly what Percy the North American River Otter will be surprised with when she returns to her exhibit from the Veterinary hospital at the end of the month.

Percy, an approximately 17-year-old otter, is receiving treatment for age-related ailments including arthritis in her hips, early renal failure and a “slipped disc” in her back. In late July, Percy had a disc rupture in her back causing pressure on her spinal cord that resulted in limited mobility. She was taken to the Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital to be treated. She has been recuperating under the care of veterinarians and her zookeepers. While she still has a way to go in the recovery/rehab process, she is making great improvement and regaining her mobility. The exhibit modifications will allow her to remain in her home that she is familiar with after she leaves the hospital. Much like a remodel to make a home more comfortable for an elderly person, we hope our changes to Percy’s home will help her be comfortable as she ages.

Percy has lived at the Sacramento Zoo for the majority of her life, over 16 years. She was a wild otter pup that ended up at the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida as an orphan via Florida Fish and Game in early 1999. She then came to the Sacramento Zoo in December 1999.

North American River Otters are native to the freshwater rivers and streams in the United States. The largest concentration of otters in California is the Suisun Marsh, about 40 miles from Sacramento. They can also be found in the Yolo Basin, and the American River range, even stretching to the foothills. The median life expectancy for a North American River Otter is 11.7 years.

On your next visit to the Sacramento Zoo see if you can spot the changes in the exhibit and how Percy might use them.

Truffle the Ice Cream Ambassador

2016-08-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

Meet Truffle the Turtle! She is the newest staff member at the Sacramento Zoo and she’s an official Ice Cream Ambassador. Truffle spends her time job-shadowing staff, finding out what your favorite ice cream flavor is and talking about the Ice Cream Safari fundraiser on August 20th.

After her Ice Cream Ambassador job is done at the Zoo, she’ll find a new home with a very lucky GiRaffle winner at Ice Cream Safari! Until then, follow along as she explores the Zoo!

Truffle's question for you: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Ice Cream Safari - August 20th, 4 to 8 pm
All-you-can-eat Baskin-Robbins ice cream.
Buy early & save! Early bird tickets on sale now: www.saczoo.org/icecreamsafari

Truffle helping guests at the Member & Visitor Services office

Truffle doing what she does best - telling folks about Ice Cream Safari!

Truffle got a ride from zookeepers & even had some training with the Zoo radios.

Truffle learning how to run an giraffe encounter for the visitors!

Truffle got distracted by the meals prepped for the primates.

Certified Green Gardener

2016-08-05T13:47:00.002-07:00

When you visit the Sacramento Zoo, you may come to see the animals but you also can't miss the wonderful plant collection that surrounds the exhibits and lines the pathways. Our dedicated horticulture team works hard to keep the flora looking great year-round. They manage the different species (including some very rare plants!) all the while being considerate of drought conditions and cognizant of fertilizers and pesticides that could be harmful to the animals and environment.

Larry Hintz, who has a degree in horticulture, has been on the team for over three years. Always learning more, he recently completed the Green Gardener Program through the River Friendly Landscaping Training Program. It was an intensive 10-week professional program that covered everything from how to manage runoff and utilize organic fertilizers to composting and much more.

“What I came away with from this training program is that we can still have nice green yards and save water by using drip irrigation and alternate plants to replace turf, like Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), Little John bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus ‘Little John”), blue oat grass, (Helictotrichon sempervirens), and Siskiyou Blue Fescue (Festuca idahoensis 'Siskiyou Blue'). A good resource for choosing and grouping plants that have similar irrigation needs is the California Irrigation Management Information System.”

Larry was honored to be chosen by the Zoo to participate in the Green Gardener program and the Zoo is proud to have a certificated Green Gardener on staff!

For more information about the Green Gardener program and other eco-friendly landscaping tips, visit www.ecolandscape.org.

Only at the Sacramento Zoo

2016-07-26T16:13:00.001-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo is home to more than 500 rare, exotic and endangered animals. Some of the animals at the Zoo can only be found in a few Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities and in rare cases, only at the Sacramento Zoo. Next time you are at the Zoo, be on the lookout for some of the not-often seen animals representing their species in Sacramento.

Green Acouchi
You will not see another Green Acouchi like our girl in the country, that is because she is the only female of her species in the United States. The Green Acouchi is native to areas of South America and is represented in European Zoos as a European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) program, but not in the United States. At six-years-old Sami is enjoying her middle age retirement years at the Sacramento Zoo.

Yucatan Dwarf Club-tailed Iguana
The Yucatan Dwarf Club-tailed Iguana is the only one of his kind at an AZA-facility. He was donated to the Sacramento Zoo in 1992 and has lived in the Reptile House ever since. The species is native to the Northern Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico.

Giant Garter Snake
When winding your way through the Zoo’s Reptile House you will come across many native animals to California, including the Giant Garter Snake. The Sacramento Zoo is one of two facilities in the country, the other being the California Living Museum, to have a representative of the species. The female at the Zoo was injured in the wild and unable to care for herself which is how she ended up at the Sacramento Zoo. The Giant Garter Snake is considered a Threatened species due to loss of habitat throughout its endemic range in central California and is a species of concern for the state of California.

The Sacramento Zoo’s Veterinary Medicine Department participates in the Giant Garter Snake Recovery Program by giving full examinations and placing transmitters into wild Giant Garter Snakes so that their movements and behaviors can be tracked by biologists in an effort to better understand their survival needs.

Buton or Knobbed Hornbills
There are nine Knobbed (or Buton) Hornbills in the United States, two of which live at the Sacramento Zoo. They are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Vulnerable, are one of 54 species of hornbills. An amazing fact about them is that their wing strokes can be heard up to a half mile away! This is because they lack the cover layer of feathers (coverts) so air passes loudly through their flight feathers.

CFO of the Year!

2016-07-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

We are very happy to announce that our Director of Finance & Business Operations Robert Churchill was named 2016 CFO of the Year in the Small Public Agency category by the Sacramento Business Journal. Robert is one of 17 CFO’s selected by a panel of independent judges as the area’s best with the ability to meet challenges head on and create new opportunities.

Robert has been at the Zoo for three years, moving from his previous tenure at for-profit companies to the nonprofit Sacramento Zoo. We are lucky to have him at the Zoo. While here he has proven himself to be a strong leader, calming presence, and passionate employee.

Congratulations Robert!