The Official Sacramento Zoo Blog

Tiger Cub, Week 11 Update & Video

2013-05-20T16:48:00.002-07:00

In his 11th week CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is 21.7 lbs and starting to roughhouse with mom. His baby blue eyes have changed to a golden-brown. If you listen carefully in the first few clips of the video below you can hear him growling.

70 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker.

71 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker.

River Cats Zoo Night!

2013-05-17T13:16:00.001-07:00

Have you ever seen a cat in a turtle shell?

You can come see it and some great baseball at Raley Field, Friday, May 31 when you cheer on the Sacramento River Cats and support the Zoo!

Sacramento River Cats players will wear a special edition turtle shell print jersey that simply cannot be missed (shown below). Dinger will be sporting one too! Through the game you can bid on these jerseys in a silent auction on the concourse. Net proceeds will go to the Sacramento Zoo. If you win, at the end of the game, the jersey on your favorite player (or Dinger) could be yours!

Get to your seats early to see Gus the Green Tree Frog, our Zoo mascot, throw out the first pitch! Dinger will be rooting him on with you.

Purchase your tickets here and enter the special offer code “saczoo”, when prompted. A portion of ticket sales through this link will also go back to support the Sacramento Zoological Society.

Go wild for our home team and support the Sacramento Zoo! The Zoo crew will also be there, and may have a treat for you. We’ll see you there.

Baby Mongoose Lemur

2013-05-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

The pair of Mongoose Lemurs that live across from the Tall Wonders giraffe deck had a baby! Mom gave birth during the day on Saturday, May 11th to her second baby. Their first youngster is also in the enclosure and learning important parenting skills from watching her mother with this infant.

The mom carries her infant like a fanny pack so you will see the baby around her waist. The sex of the baby will be known in a few months. The throat will stay white if it's a female but change to a rust-brown if it is male.

The whole family is on exhibit now. This species of lemur is monogamous and the typical “group” is an adult pair and their offspring, usually one per year. Adults weigh just over 3 lbs.

Like other lemur species they are found on the island of Madagascar. Approximately 200 years ago they were also introduced to the Comoro Islands by man. Mongoose Lemurs are endangered and under extreme pressure in their range habitats due to forests becoming fragmented and degraded and also from hunting.

Mom & baby with big sister. Photo credit: Mike Owyang.

Baby Mongoose Lemur. Photo credit: Mike Owyang.

Mom with 1 day old baby. Photo credit: Christa Klein.

Tiger Cub, Week 10 Update & Video

2013-05-13T13:58:00.001-07:00

At almost 20 lbs, CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is developing well and in his 10th week. All of his teeth have come in, he is drinking water and trying out moms chow biscuits but is still nursing. CJ is becoming much more agile and practicing his jumping, pouncing and running skills.

You can see him grooming, pestering mom, jumping around and biting his own tail in the video below.

63 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker.

64 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker.

65 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker.

69 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker.

Wolf's Guenon is Named Zuri!

2013-05-10T12:15:00.003-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo’s charismatic Wolf’s Guenon monkey, born on January 26th, 2013 has a name. With 96,389 votes from the public, the name “Zuri” has been chosen. Zuri means good, nice, pretty, lovely and cute in Swahili. Five names, submitted by Zoo employees, were presented to the public as potential names for the baby guenon.

Wolf’s Guenons are native to central Africa where they inhabit forests and forage for fruits, seeds, and an occasional insect. Forming loose family groups in the wild, these monkeys are even known to spend time with other primate species including Bonobos, Colobus Monkeys and other guenons. A larger mixed-species group may mean that there are more eyes on the lookout for predators, and many guenons have learned to recognize other monkeys’ alarm calls so that they know how to respond correctly if a neighbor spots a leopard or eagle.

The guenon family is currently on exhibit at the Zoo’s Lower Monkey House awaiting the completion of Small Wonders, a soon-to-be renovated habitat across from Tall Wonders (the giraffe deck). Small Wonders will encompass three distinct animal living areas and will house exciting new species to the Sacramento Zoo. In addition to the Wolf’s Guenons, the Zoo will welcome Straw-colored Fruit Bats, Aardvarks, Banded Mongooses and several African birds, including Red-billed Hornbills and Crested Guineafowl.

Photo by Mike Owyang

M.O.M Day Book & Bake Sale - AAZK Fundraiser

2013-05-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Bring the whole family, and treat the mom in your life with a trip to the Zoo! The American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) is hosting their fourth annual Missing Orangutan Mother’s (M.O.M.) Day book and bake sale on Saturday, May 12 from 9 am to 3 pm at the orangutan exhibit.

This event brings public awareness to the plight of orangutans in the wild and how they are excellent mothers. All of the baked goods are palm oil free and the proceeds will support orphaned wild orangutans.

By participating, you’re not making a mom feel special, you’re contributing to an excellent cause. There will be activities for kids, treats given to the orangutans throughout the day and a display of paintings made by our very own Zoo animals! Hope to see you out there!

New Style of Birdies on the Golf Course

2013-05-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

During the 12th Annual Swingin’ Safari Golf Tournament, feathered friends from the Sacramento Zoo will observe golfers as they strive to score a birdie. The Sacramento Zoological Society will host the Swingin' Safari Golf Tournament on Monday, May 20th at El Macero Country Club in Davis.

Open to all skill levels, this benefit golf tournament raises funds for the Zoo’s educational programs that reach students of all ages with onsite programming with animals and community outreach.

Beginning at 11:30 am, the day includes lunch followed by a unique putting contest only the Zoo can offer. Hosted drinks will also be available throughout the day. Have you ever had to putt past a live boa constrictor and tenrec or under the watchful eye of a Harris’ Hawk accompanied by the call of a Blue and Gold Macaw?

These are the challenges you'll face at the Swingin’ Safari Golf Tournament, sponsored by Nacht & Lewis Architects since the tournament began in 2001.

After the putting contest, tee off with an 18-hole scramble on El Macero’s beautiful private course. End the evening with dinner, raffle prizes and awards ceremony. KOVR’s Sam Shane will hand out Sacramento’s most unique golf trophies – ostrich eggs with hand-drawn images. Foursome sponsorships and limited single player spots are still available. Visit the Swingin' Safari webpage for details and registration.

Watch a video made by Nacht & Lewis Achitechs at last years tournament.

Tiger Cub, Week 9 Update & Video

2013-05-03T15:10:00.002-07:00

CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is up to 18 lbs in his 9th week! He is getting more mobile and feisty by the day. He has also started to practice his stalking skills and pounces on mom a lot. CJ licks and tastes mom's food but hasn't really started eating the meat just yet.

57 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker

58 days old. Photo credit: Erik Bowker

Guest Blog: #TeamHerkimer at ZooZoom

2013-05-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

ZooZoom had a splash of color and #hashtag love thanks to Susan, her family and #TeamHerkimer. We invited her to do a guest blog to tell her story. You can find her at http://simplysusanslife.blogspot.com and tweeting away as @YetAnotherSusan.
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It all started with an off-handed comment: “Sure I could do a half marathon…….if I could walk it!” A few days later a friend sent me a link to a walking half marathon the first weekend in May. There was no time limit! How could I ignore that challenge? So my husband, Jeff, and I signed up and I started training.

In preparation, I knew I would want to complete a 10K, and what better than the 2013 Sacramento Zoo Zoom? We love participating in Zoo events and this would give us the experience we needed on our way to that half marathon. But, the same concern arose: time limit. I was assured that we would have at least 2 hours to walk the 6.2 miles. I could do that, right? And if we were the last people to cross the finish line, who cares? Slow but steady still completes the run! Our teenage boys both agreed to do the 5K making this a family event.

That gave me the next crazy idea. Why not have the Zoo’s tortoise as our own personal mascot? Herkimer, the Desert Tortoise, is an Animal Ambassador for the Sacramento Zoo and gets to meet and mingle with zoo guests.

Thus, #TeamHerkimer was born! We embraced our slow tenacity. With help from Kreative Design/Marketing I had t-shirts made for the race including our name and team motto.

Boy did we stand out against the turquoise run shirts! It was great! Even better was meeting our inspiration, 8-year old spunky Herkimer! He loved our shirts and team spirit! Just look how excited he is! Equally as fun were the fans #TeamHerkimer inspired along the race. Several of the more hare-like participants took a moment to high-5 us or shout out a cheer as they sped by. In fact, one of the guys in the lead complimented our motto as he lapped us to place in the top 10. Whoever he was, he totally made my day!

So how did #TeamHerkimer do? We finished the race! Out of 555 participants in the 10K, Jeff and I placed 538 and 537, respectively (he let me beat him), with an average pace of 15:48. Hubby placed last in his age group and I placed 74 out of 77 in mine. Appropriate positions for #TeamHerkimer! The boys really took the team motto to heart and finished with a 17:17 pace, both second to last in their age groups.

But #TeamHerkimer did what they set out to do and had a blast doing it! Look for us next year!

Workout Wednesdays

2013-04-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Workout Wednesdays at the Sacramento Zoo are back just in time to get ready for the summer. This year the featured coach is Lori Ann Code of Mama Boot Camp and her team of coaches. Lori Ann is not only a certified life and career coach, certified fitness trainer and Pilates instructor, but also a clean eating expert. You can participate in a great fitness program and receive the benefits of body fat testing and measurements, nutrition guidance, and life coaching.

Find you fitness mojo at the Zoo, Wednesdays from May 1 to July 3, from 9:15 am to 10:15 am on the Reptile House Lawn. Over these 10 weeks you will discover how to take better care of your mind, body and spirit. The goal is to help you develop greater self-esteem, lose fat, gain muscle, and have fun with the group. Workout Wednesdays are included with Zoo admission or free with your current Zoo Membership.

For more information check out www.mamabootcamp.com or the Workout Wednesday webpage. Join us in the fresh air with the sounds of flamingos in the background. You can bring little ones, but childcare will not be provided. Call Member & Visitor Services at 916-808-5888 to register early!

Tiger Cub, Week 8 Update & Video

2013-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Now in his eighth week, CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is walking! He is a hefty 16 pounds and almost all of his teeth have appeared. He is spending lots of time following mom around, exploring the den and testing out his walking with little bouts of jumping. CJ is very playful with mom as you can see in the video below. He is not eating solid food yet, but has investigated mom's meals to see what it's all about.

47 days old. Photo credit, Erik Bowker

51 days old. Photo credit, Erik Bowker

53 days old. Photo credit, Erik Bowker

Baby Wolf's Guenon Needs a Name!

2013-04-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo’s charismatic Wolf’s Guenon monkey, born on January 26th, 2013, needs a name. The Zoo is requesting the help of the community to choose a name for the adorable baby. The gender is still unknown and so all names are gender neutral. The name will be announced after voting closes on Friday, May 10th, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The following list of names and their meaning can be voted on here.

ZURI – Good, nice, pretty, lovely and cute in Swahili
NOKI – Love and to fall in love in Swahili
WALI – Short for Walikale, a city near the Wolf’s Guenons native habitat that mines for precious metals that coincide with the color of an adult Wolf’s Guenon
KAMARI – Moonlight in Swahili
AYO – Joy in Yoruba

Click here to vote now!
You may vote as often as you like.
Voting closes on May 10th at noon.
Your vote will take a few minutes to appear on the results page.

Wolf's Guenon. Photo credit: Mike Owyang

Tiger Cub, Week 7 Update & Video

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Now into his seventh week, CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is almost 14 lbs! He is becoming more mobile and learning to follow mom in and out of the nest box. He is also playing more and starting to pester mom by biting her feet and other general tiger cub mischief.

43 day old. Photo credit Erik Bowker.

44 days old. Photo credit Erik Bowker.

45 days old. Photo credit Erik Bowker.

Recycle Your eWaste & Support the Zoo!

2013-04-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo has partnered with eWaste4Good to not only properly dispose of your ewaste but to help raise funds for the Zoo at the same time!

They will pick up your ewaste free of charge and automatically donate part of the proceeds back to the Zoo. We cannot accept ewaste at the Zoo.

What is ewaste?
Just some of the items that qualify are: televisions, fax machines, monitors, PC boards, computers, DVD players, laptops, VCRs, keyboards, cables and cords, printers, radios, computer mice, stereo components, hard drives, tape and zip drives, power tools, amplifiers, speakers, telephones, cell phones, car audio, microwaves, washer and dryers.

If it plugs into a socket or accepts batteries it's most likely ewaste!

How do I schedule a pick up?
Visit the eWaste4Good website and request a pick up. Make sure to list the Sacramento Zoo or Sacramento Zoological Society as the organization you would like to support. They will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a pick up at your home, business or school.

For the month of April they will donate even more back to the Zoo so hurry!

Request a Pick Up

Update on Jingga the Sumatran Tiger

2013-04-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

We've been posting a lot about the new little tiger cub CJ, but wanted to update you on Jingga, Baha and Castro's cub that was born in 2010.

Jingga moved to a new home last year to meet her new mate Rojo at the Topeka Zoo in Topeka, Kansas. They are a recommended breeding pair by the Sumatran Tiger SSP (Species Survival Plan) and so far are getting along very well.

Jingga experienced snow for the first time as well as someone other than her mom to play with. Zookeepers love her and she is still the Jingga we knew and loved, curious and playful. Sac Zoo Carnivore Keepers have been in close contact with her new keepers since she has left so keep an eye out for future updates!

Jingga celebrated her 3rd birthday last month and had an egg hunt for Easter! We are all happy to hear she has such a good home in Kansas!

Jingga at the Topeka Zoo

Jingga in the front, Rojo in the back

Jingga with her Easter eggs for her birthday

Jingga in the back, Rojo in the front

Jingga experiencing snow for the first time

Tiger Cub, Week 6 Video & Update

2013-04-15T10:06:00.001-07:00

The Sumatran Tiger cub CJ is growing strong! He is now in his sixth week and all his upper and lower incisors have erupted as well as the four canines. He weighed in at 12 lbs and is starting to walk with his feet under him some of the time.

You can see his progress in the video below along with more loud vocalizing, playing with mom and footage from inside their nest box.

CJ is short for Castro Jr. and he was named after his father. His birth is very important to this critically endangered species. Currently less than 500 Sumatran Tigers survive in the wild.

The tiger cub and mom are off exhibit while he grows and gains strength. They will both be on exhibit in late May or early June.

Tiger Cub, Week 5 Video & Update

2013-04-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is now in his fifth week and vocalizing a lot! He has grown to 10.5 pounds and some of his bottom teeth are starting to come in. His vision is becoming more focused as his eyes develop and he is starting to play with mom. CJ is getting better at standing but still hasn't mastered walking as you can see in the quick video below.

32 days old. Photo by Zookeeper Erik Bowker.

Tiger Cub at 25 Days Old

2013-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is now in his fourth week and growing fast. You can see how big he is in the video below. He is starting to get his rear feet underneath him and will be walking soon. Mom carries him out of the nest box about once a day for about 10-15 minutes.

While he gains his strength, mom and cub will be off-exhibit. They will make their public debut in late May or early June.

Tiger Cub at 18 Days Old

2013-03-20T13:43:00.001-07:00

CJ the Sumatran Tiger cub is 18 days old now and almost 8 pounds. Here is video from this morning's quick exam when animal care staff and veterinarians took his measurements.

Tiger Cub Named in Honor of Dad

2013-03-14T14:48:00.002-07:00

Zoo staff have decided upon the name Castro Jr. for the tiger cub who is now over a week old. The name is in honor of the Zoo’s adult male tiger and the cub’s father, Castro. Castro was recently diagnosed with a form of cancer and is currently receiving chemotherapy.

Castro Jr., nicknamed C.J., is the youngest of 5 siblings. All four of his older siblings (three brothers, one sister) have since moved to other AZA accredited zoos to be paired with potential mates so that they may (fingers crossed!) continue to bolster the Sumatran Tiger population.

Read the previous blog post for details on the new tiger cub!

11 days old - eyes are open!

4 days old

4 days old - being measured during a quick exam

2 days old - weighed in at 3 pounds

2 days old

Support the new cub by becoming a Zoo Parent today! Your contribution goes to the care of all the Zoo’s animals including the new baby tiger.

Sumatran Tiger Cub Born

2013-03-11T10:15:00.002-07:00

The Sacramento Zoo is happy to announce that a three pound (1.38 Kg) male Sumatran Tiger cub was born at 2:55 am, Sunday, March 3, 2013. The mother Bahagia and baby appear healthy at this early point in the cub’s life.

Tiger cubs are usually about two pounds (1 Kg) at birth, born with eyes closed and rely entirely on their mother for the first three months. Mother and baby will be inside the den, away from public view, while the baby gains strength and coordination during the first few months. Both should be on exhibit by late May or early June, in the meantime guest can check here on the blog for updates, photos and video.

“The birth of any Sumatran Tiger is a great contribution to this critically endangered species,” said Mary Healy, Zoo Director. “We are especially excited for this birth because it is the first time we have had a camera in the den, allowing zookeepers and veterinarians to keep a close eye on Bahagia and her cub.”

Castro, the father was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer, in early February. He and Bahagia now have five living offspring, one of which just fathered a cub at the San Francisco Zoo.

Sumatran Tigers are critically endangered and found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra off the Malaysian Peninsula. Fewer than 500 Sumatran Tigers are believed to exist in the wild and approximately 200 live in zoos around the world. The Zoo participates in the Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan® (SSP), coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SSPs are cooperative breeding and conservation programs designed to maintain genetically viable populations of animals in captivity, and to organize zoo and aquarium-based efforts to preserve the species in nature.

Sumatran Tiger cub at 3 days old

Video from the nest box that is inside a larger, off-exhibit enclosure.

Support the new cub by becoming a Zoo Parent today! Your contribution goes to the care of all the Zoo’s animals including the new baby tiger.

Think Pink - Flamingo Round-up 2013

2013-02-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

On Valentine’s Day many expect chocolates, red roses and other surprises. For the flamingos, it’s another kind of special day - their annual visit with the veterinarian. The flamingo round-up is also a big day for keepers, vets and staff.
A lot of preparation goes into making sure that each of the 40 flamingos are safely gathered together and then examined one by one.
Keepers, Zoo Veterinarians and veterinary students from UC Davis meet next to the lake early in the morning to begin the round-up.

First the flamingos are gathered together through a carefully orchestrated operation that involves corralling the flamingos into a holding pen, while putting the least amount of stress on the birds as possible.

Then each individual bird is identified so that they can be weighed and their personal medical records can be reviewed.

Next they are thoroughly examined, given a vaccine to protect against West Nile Virus and have blood work done.

After a receiving a clean bill of health each flamingo is carefully released back into the lake.

No chocolates for these birds, however, they do set a nice valentine-themed backdrop for couples visiting the Zoo on this special day.

Baby Wolf's Guenon Born

2013-01-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

Early morning on January 26 the Sacramento Zoo’s female Wolf’s Guenon gave birth to her first infant. Currently there are fewer than 35 of these African monkeys, housed at 11 zoos in the United States that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Mimi, the mother, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007 and Eddie, the father, was born at the San Antonio Zoo in 1995. Both moved to the Sacramento Zoo last fall. In both the wild and in zoos, parenting can be difficult, especially for first-time mothers; while animal managers are hopeful that this pair of guenons will have learned valuable parenting skills from their parents, preparations are in place should any difficulties arise.

“Little is known about Wolf’s Guenons because of their small population in zoos. In the wild, the dense forests in which they live make them hard to spot,” said Harrison Edell, Sacramento Zoo General Curator. “This birth is significant to the Sacramento Zoo; with every birth, we learn more about this species’ biology, contributing to our overall knowledge about this species.”

Wolf’s Guenons are native to central Africa where they inhabit forests and forage for fruits, seeds, and an occasional insect. Forming loose family groups in the wild, these monkeys are even known to spend time with other primate species including Bonobos, colobus monkeys and other guenons. A larger mixed-species group may mean that there are more eyes on the lookout for predators, and many guenons have learned to recognize other monkeys’ alarm calls so that they know how to respond correctly if a neighbor spots a leopard or eagle.

The guenons are currently on exhibit at the Zoo’s Lower Monkey House awaiting the completion of Small Wonders, a soon-to-be renovated habitat across from Tall Wonders (the giraffe deck). Small Wonders will encompass three distinct animal living areas and will house exciting new species to the Sacramento Zoo. In addition to the Wolf’s Guenons, the Zoo will welcome Straw-colored Fruit Bats, Aardvarks, Banded Mongooses and several African birds, including Red-billed Hornbills and Crested Guineafowl.

Radiograph of the baby Wolf's Guenon

Animal Profile, Bing the American Alligator

2013-01-07T13:49:00.001-08:00

Animal Profiles are a closer look at some of the education outreach animals that are part of the Zoo's Interpretive Center.
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Bing, the American Alligator was born in the fall of 2010 and spent his early days in a civilian’s bathtub. He was then confiscated from that individual by Fish and Game because it is illegal and dangerous to have them as pets.

There are many different species of crocodile but only two species of alligator, the Chinese Alligator and American Alligator. Bing helps raise awareness about legal and illegal pets and how pet owners can make informed decisions. Due to recent hurricanes and disasters American Alligators are not doing well in the wild. They are generalists for food, meaning they will eat anything, but are specialists for habitat and the water they reside in. When those waters are polluted or changed in any way they have a difficult time surviving.

Bing is very calm and does not mind being touched. He will grow about a foot a year and will lose his baby yellow by about the age of five, by which time he will be solid black. When Bing becomes too big for his home at the Sacramento Zoo he will move to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility and may one day be released into the wild.

Photo by Mike Owyang

Lemur's Festive Feast

2012-12-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

By Jaime Wilson, Zoo Blog Keeper

Each year at Holiday Magic, we highlight some of the more festive holiday enrichments that are given to the animals. They receive daily enrichments, but staff and Zoo Teens go above and beyond to make them just a little more special this time of year.

As a precursor to Holiday Magic staff put together a festive feast for the Black & White Ruffed Lemurs this morning. Items included a turkey-shaped pinata with jam on the outside, a variety of fruits and vegetables, primate chow that was moistened and shaped into pie crust and turkey slices, boiled yam "pumpkin" pie and carrot "candles".

Join us at Holiday Magic on Saturday, December 8th from 10 am to 4 pm and watch as many other animals get their special holiday treats! Visit the Holiday Magic webpage for a full schedule of feedings and keeper chats.

Here are some photos of the lemurs and their feast. Happy Holidays!