Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa cameloparadalis)
Transcription
Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa cameloparadalis)
Main Entrance Animals Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa cameloparadalis) Name Casper Sex Male Birth Year Oct. 31, 2003 Individual History Born at Milwaukee Zoo; Wisconsin Diet: Herbivore; acacia leaves, wild apricots, shoots, fruits, other vegetation Range/Habitat: Central, Eastern and South Africa; open grasslands Life Span: 25 years Gestation: 13-15 months; one calf Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Giraffes are the tallest land animals reaching heights of 18 feet. Their tongue can be up to 18 inches long. When giraffes stand in an up, their 2ft long, 25 pound heart pumps blood upwards with great pressure to reach their brain. However, when they lower their heads to drink, one way valves will regulate the blood’s force and flow to prevent brain damage. The giraffe was once called “camel-leopard,” hence the species name, camelopardalis. Reticulated means “box like pattern.” Giraffes spend 16 to 20 hours a day eating and only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep. They often achieve that in quick naps that may last only a minute or two at a time. Main Entrance Animals Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) Name Kimmie Pumkin Sex Female Male Birth Year Dec. 18, 1978 Sept. 8, 1985 Individual History Born at San Diego Zoo Born at the Los Angeles Zoo; California Diet: Omnivore; fruits, leaves, occasionally insects, small mammals Range/Habitat: Borneo and Sumatra; tropical rainforest Life Span: 30-50 years Gestation: 9 months; 1 offspring Conservation Status: Endangered (poaching, habitat loss, pet trade) Interesting Facts: Orangutans, much like chimps, use tools for problem solving and to obtain food. For example, they use a leaf as an umbrella or a stick to look for food in a hole. Males and females can be distinguished by presence of check pads. The males develop their cheek pads between 13 to 15 years of age when they reach maturity, though some males will not develop them. Male orangutans can be five feet in height and four to seven times stronger than a human. In Malay “orang” means person and “utan” derived from “hutan” which means forest. Therefore, the word orangutan literally means “person of the forest.” Female orangutans have eight year intervals between births, the longest of all great apes. 1 Sumatran Tigers (Panthera tigris sumtrae) Name Emerson Sari Eko Sex Male Female Male Birth Year Nov. 24, 2006 Dec. 5, 2006 May 20, 2014 Individual History Born at the Sacramento Zoo; California Born at the Topeka Zoo; Kansas Born at the Jackson Zoo to Sari and Emerson Diet: Carnivore; large mammals such as deer, cattle, boar, tapir Range/Habitat: Indonesian Island of Sumatra; evergreen forest, freshwater swamps Life Span: 12-15 years Gestation: 3-4 months; 1-5 cubs Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (poaching, habitat loss) Interesting Facts: Sumatran Tigers are the smallest tiger species weighing between 165-300 pounds. They are solitary, generally only coming together to mate. There are less than 400 Sumatran Tigers in the wild. Tigers Facts: o Tigers are the largest living cat (250-600 pounds) and third largest land carnivore. o There are six existing subspecies all living in Asia; three subspecies are extinct. o We have lost 97% of wild tigers in just over the past century. o There are now more tigers in captivity than there are in the wild; as few as 3,200. Jewels of South America Cotton-Top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) Name Chance Eli Sex Female Female Birth Year March 2, 2006 March 2, 2006 Individual History Born at the Jackson Zoological Park; MS Born at the Jackson Zoological Park; MS Diet: Omnivore; fruit, tender vegetation, insects, small rodents, reptiles Range/Habitat: Northwest Columbia; rainforest canopy Life Span: 8-15 years Gestation: 4-5 months; 1-2 offspring Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (habitat lost) Interesting Facts: A family group of up to 15 tamarins and are comprised of a breeding pair and their offspring and is led by the eldest female. Both parents along with older siblings in a tamarin family will help raise newborns. Tamarins usually give birth to twins. They have a highly developed vocal repertoire with at least 38 distinct vocalizations. They make a variety of noises including whistles, screeches, squeaks, and warbles. They have specific vocals for alarm, food, levels of aggression, and submission. Some of their calls are too high-pitched for even humans to hear. 2 Emperor Tamarin (Sanguinus imperator subgrisescens) Name Buck Sex Male Birth Year July 21, 1996 Individual History Saint Paul Como Zoo; Minnesota Diet: Omnivore; fruits, green plants, insects, small rodents, reptiles Range/Habitat: Central and South; rainforest Life Span: 8-15 years Gestation: 4-5 months; 1-2 offspring Conservation Status: Least Concerned Interesting Facts: Emperor tamarins are named so because of its white moustache, which is thought to resemble that of the German emperor Wilhelm II. A family group of 2-8 members is led by the oldest female, also known as the matriarch. Both parents along with older siblings in a tamarin family will help raise newborns. Emperor Tamarins usually gives birth to twins. Jewels of South America Hawk-Headed Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus) Name Creapy Bird Sex Male Birth Year June 15, 2000 Individual History Born at Sacramento Zoo; California Diet: Herbivore; fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, leaf buds, vegetable matter Range/Habitat: South America; tropical forest Life Span: 30 years Incubation: 1 month; 1-3 eggs Conservation Status: Least concern Interesting Facts: The crest or ruff configuration of the Hawk-head is unique in parrots; when the parrot gets alarmed it will raise the feathers on the nape. They have playful and intelligent personalities and are territorial. The Hawk-headed parrot will nest in holes in trees and stumps. 3 Jewels of South America Yellow-Footed Tortoise (Geochelone denticulate) Name Righty Sex Female Birth Year Dec. 28, 1998 Middle Man Female March 21, 1999 Lefty Female May 1, 1999 Individual History Born at Palm Beach Zoo; Florida Has a right notch on back scute Born at Palm Beach Zoo; Florida Has a notch on the middle scute Born at Palm Beach Zoo; Florida Has a left notch on back scute Diet: Herbivore; grasses, succulent plants, fallen fruit, carrion Range/Habitat: South America; dense rainforest Life Span: 50 years Incubation: 5-5.5 months; 4-8 eggs Conservation Status: Threatened Interesting Facts: Males tell other males from females by watching for head movements. If no responsive head movement is seen, the male assumes the other is a female. Females are larger than males. Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Name Squirt Sex Male Birth Year Unknown Individual History Wild caught in Mississippi Diet: Herbivores; leaves, berries, grain, buds, carrion (dead meat) Range/Habitat: Southeastern United States; woodlands Life Span: 100 years Incubation: 2.5-3 months; 4-7 eggs Conservation Status: Threatened Interesting Facts: The gopher tortoise is unique in that it is one of the few tortoises to actually make large burrows. Their large burrows can be 40 feet long and 10 feet deep; the burrows are vital shelters for over 250 species. These tortoises take up to 21 years to mature. Gopher tortoises rarely drink (or are rarely seen drinking) from standing water. They can use their front flipper like legs to dam-up water as it runs down their burrow during a rain. The sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature of the sand or dirt where the nest is incubating. If the temperature is above 85° F, the tortoise’s hatchlings will be females; temperatures below 85° F produce males. 4 Jewels of South America Spider Monkey (Ateles paniscus) Name Debbie Sex Female Birth Year Jan. 1, 1970 Miracle Destiny Male Female Jan. 3, 2002 May 4, 2005 Individual History Donation from the Brownsville Zoo; Texas Has given birth to several young Born at the Jackson Zoological Park; MS Born at the Jackson Zoological Park; MS Diet: Omnivore; fruits, leaves, seeds, bird eggs, insects Range/Habitat: Southern Mexico to Brazil; tropical forest and rainforest Life Span: 12-25 years Gestation: 7-7.5 months; 1 offspring Conservation Status: Endangered (habitat loss, hunting) Interesting Facts: The tail is prehensile and is used as a fifth hand which can be used to support their total body weight while hanging from a tree limb or can be used to pick up small objects. Each tail has a small pad toward the end and every tail has a unique “finger print.” 5 The Central Loop Amur Leopards (Panthera pardus orientalis) Name Katya Sex Female Birth Year July 15, 2000 Nicoli Male June 30, 2002 Individual History Born at the Pittsburgh Zoo; Pennsylvania Has given birth to leopard cubs Born at the Erie Zoo; Pennsylvania Diet: Carnivore; deer, wild boar, rodents, other small mammals Range/Habitat: Russia, China, North Korea; temperate forest Life Span: 15 years Gestation: 3-3.5 months; 1-4 cubs Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (poaching, habitat loss) Interesting Facts: Amur leopards are incredibly strong for their size. They are the only leopard species you will find in Asia. They enjoy the cold weather and will grow fur that is up to 6 inches long to help them survive cold and snowy Asian winters. The Amur leopard has been poached for their fur for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Approximately 30 individuals remain in the wild. They can run at speeds up to 37 miles per hour and can leap more than 19 feet horizontally and up to 10 feet vertically. Fishing Cat (Prionailurus Viverrinus) Name Iris Janji Sex Female Male Birth Year April 15, 2008 Sept 7, 2003 Individual History Born at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium; Ohio Born at San Francisco Zoo Diet: Carnivore; snails, fish, snakes, small birds, small mammals Range/Habitat: Southwest Asia; densely vegetated wetlands Life Span: 10 years Gestation: 2 months; 1-4 cubs Conservation Status: Endangered (water pollution, habitat loss, poaching) Interesting Facts: The Fishing Cat will use its short tail as a rudder while swimming. They have partially retractable claws that are curved like a fish hook at the end. Fishing Cats have been observed tapping the surface of the water, like an insect, to attract fish to the surface. 6 The Central Loop White Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) Name Buster Sex Male Birth Year ~Jan 1998-2000 Emma Female Aug 13, 2000 Individual History Born at NBJ Ranch Brownsville, Texas White phase Born at Honolulu Zoo White phase Diet: Omnivores; fruits, tree bark, leaves, insects, bird eggs, birds Range/Habitat: Southeast Asia; tropical rain forest Life Span: 30-40 years Gestation: 7-8 months; 1 offspring Conservation Status: Endangered (poaching, habitat loss) Interesting Facts: These apes are arboreal animals meaning they live in the trees. They have a spectacular arm-swinging form of locomotion called brachiation. They have loud calls mainly given as duets to develop and maintain pair bonds. The male’s call is usually is a territorial defense call, while the female call lets other gibbons know the male is her mate. Both males and females can be all color variants and the sexes hardly differ in size. Black Necked Swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus) Name Millicent Sex Female Birth Year March 18, 2010 Individual History Born at Miami Zoo; Florida Diet: Omnivore; aquatic vegetation, insects, fish spawn Range/Habitat: Southern South America; freshwater marshes, lagoons and shallow lakes Life Span: 10 years Incubation: 1 month; 4-7 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Their legs are so far back on their body that it is difficult for them to walk. Black necks are the fastest flyers of the 8 species of swan; they can reach speeds of 50 mph. Male swans are called cobs, females are pens, and young are cygnets. Other species in the same habitat: Mandarin Duck Cape Shelduck Radjah Shelduck The Central Loop 7 American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) Name Sex Mixed Birth Year Mixed 1975-2005 Individual History San Antonio Zoo and Garden; Texas Diet: Omnivore; small crustaceans, mollusks, fish, algae Range/Habitat: Columbia, Galapagos Islands, Venezuela, Caribbean, and Cape Sable, FL; shallow, salty lagoons and lakes Life Span: 15-20 years Incubation: 1 month; 1 egg Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Flamingos are not born with their pink plumage. Their color comes from the pigments they consume as part of their diet (i.e. shrimp, crawfish, etc.). Their bill is used like a sieve. Food and water is scooped up then the water is pressed out through tiny holes on the top of the bill. Males and females will create a large mud nest along the water’s edge to lay one single egg. These nest mounds can be from several inches to several feet tall. The word ‘Flamingo’ was derived from the Portuguese for “Red Goose.” Flamingos are declining in numbers due to wetlands and deforestation. When standing on one leg, the lifted foot rubs against the stomach to aid in digestion. Crested Screamer (Chaua torquata) Name Sex Male Female Birth Year May 4, 2009 May 4, 2009 Individual History Born at Alexandria Zoological Park; Louisiana Born at Alexandria Zoological Park; Louisiana Diet: Omnivore; seeds, berries, plants, insects, small animals Range/Habitat: Bolivia and Southern Brazil to Argentina; tropical and subtropical wetlands Life Span: 15 years Incubation: 1-1.5 months; 2-7 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Instead of webbed feet, they have long toes to help them grab vegetation in the water. Sometimes farmers will raise screams with chickens to protect the flock. Screamers have 2 spurs on the inside of each wing; males use them to fight for females. Before breeding, courtship involves the pair engaging in loud, continual duets and mutual preening of each other. Crested screamers establish monogamous relationships that lasting years or a lifetime. Wilderness Mississippi 8 American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Name Bull Whitfield Sex Male Female Mixed Birth Year Unknown Unknown (approx 1998) 2009 Individual History Unknown, came to zoo in 1972 Wild caught in MS; came to zoo in 1997 Has successfully reproduced Born at Jackson Zoo; 8 of them Diet: Carnivores; fish, turtles, aquatic birds, mammals Range/Habitat: Southeastern United States; freshwater, swamps, bayous and lakes Life Span: 35-50 years Incubation: 2 months; 25-50 eggs Conservation Status: Threatened (no longer endangered) Interesting Facts: Alligators have 80 teeth in their mouth at one time. When the teeth wear down they are replaced. Thus, an alligator can go through 2,000 - 3,000 teeth in a lifetime. The alligator derives from the Spanish word ‘el lagarto’, meaning “the lizard”, which is what the Spanish explorers called these creatures. Currently, there are no scientific methods of analyzing an alligator’s age while it is alive. The longest recorded length for an alligator is 19 feet 2 inches. Average size is 6-8 for a female and 10-12 feet for a male and can weigh up to 600 pounds. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the young. If the nest is below 86°F most hatchlings are female. If the nest is above 93°F most hatchlings are male. Nest temperatures between 86 and 93°F will produce similar numbers of both sexes. 9 Wilderness Mississippi Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Name Daisy Sex Female Birth Year Unknown Tank Male 1999 Individual History Wild caught in Mississippi Daisy will annually shed her winter coat in thick mats (this is natural). Tank was a “nuisance” bear, meaning he would get into trash cans and venture close to neighborhoods. Diet: Omnivore; berries, roots, seeds, fish, mammals, carrion Range/Habitat: United States, Canada, Mexico; wooded areas Life Span: 15-30 years Gestation: 2 months; 1-6 cubs Conservation Status: Threatened (no longer endangered) Interesting Facts: The Teddy Bear originated in Mississippi. In 1902, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, chose not to shoot a black bear cub while hunting in the Mississippi Delta. He was so well loved that the toy bears were made to celebrate this event. Black Bears come in 3 different color shades: black, brown (cinnamon) and white. Black bears do not hibernate; instead they go in to a deep sleep called torpor. During this winter dormant period, they do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate, but may wake up if disturbed. A female bear will wake up to give birth to her young during torpor. Cougar (Puma concolor) Name Tess Sex Female Birth Year August 1998 Artimus Montana Story Fawn Female Female Female Female 2011 2011 2011 2011 Individual History Donated from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Orphaned from Montana Orphaned from Montana Orphaned from Montana Orphaned from Montana Diet: Carnivore; deer, small mammals Range/Habitat: North America and Central America; rocky canyons, prairies, forests and swamps Life Span: 12 years Gestation: 3 months; 2-5 cubs Conservation Status: Endangered (hunting, habitat loss) Interesting Facts: Due to its wide range, the cougar has over 200 different common names. Names include: panther, puma, catamount and mountain lion. In Native American folklore, cougars are known as ghost walkers or ghosts of the wild. Cougars have flexible backbones that allow them to jump high from stationary positions. These cats can leap vertically over 16 feet, and horizontally more than 45 feet. 10 Wilderness Mississippi North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) Name Dillon The Young Sex Male 2.3.0 Birth Year Feb. 2003 Individual History Wild caught in Mississippi Born at Jackson Zoo 1M-2012, 1M/1F-2013, 2F-2014 Diet: Herbivore; leaves, green bark, twigs, aquatic plants Range/Habitat: North America; freshwater wetlands Life Span: 16-24 years Gestation: 3.5 months; 1-4 kits Conservation Status: Threatened Interesting Facts: To create a habitat, beavers build a dam in a stream, flooding an area of the woods and creating a pond in which the beaver can build a lodge. The den has an underwater entrance which makes it difficult for most predators to enter. In winter, the water around the lodge usually freezes, protecting the beaver almost completely. Beaver reproduce once a year and form lifelong breeding pairs. Kits (babies) may enter the water within a few hours following birth. Beavers are second only to humans in their ability to change their environment. They can remain underwater for 15 minutes without surfacing, and have a set of transparent eyelids that function much like goggles. Wilderness Mississippi North American River Otter (Londra canadensis) Name Nipper Sex Female Birth Year March 26, 2005 Magnolia Spanky Female Male ~March 2014 March 1, 2014 Individual History Born at the Sedgwick Park Zoo; Kansas White coating underneath her fur Wild born; from Audubon Zoo Buffalo Zoo; not on exhibit Diet: Carnivore; fish, insects, birds, oysters, shellfish, crabs, frogs, rodents, turtles and aquatic invertebrates Range/Habitat: North America; wetlands, rivers, fresh water sources Life Span: 9-14 years Gestation: 2-2.5 months; 1-6 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Otters can swim 6 miles per hour and they can dive to depths of 60 feet and stay submerged for up to 4 minutes. Otters have two layers of hair that is waterproof and have whiskers and nimble fingers which help them locate their food underwater. Females do not usually excavate dens; instead, they prefer to use abandoned dens of other animals or naturally existing shelters. Fertilized eggs will remain in diapause for 7-10 months before implanting - usually during late winter/early spring. 11 Backyard Creatures Western Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) Name Evil Sex Male Birth Year 2002 Individual History Donation from Bronx Zoo; New York Diet: Carnivore; fish, frogs, lizards, turtles, rodents, water snakes, small alligators Range/Habitat: Southeastern United States; freshwater swamps, streams, ponds Life Span: 15-20 years Incubation: 3-4 months; 5-16 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: When they feel threatened, it opens its mouth, exposing a cotton-white interior. Cottonmouths release a foul-smelling liquid from the base of their tails to scare off threats. Cottonmouths can bite underwater and are also nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night. Several non-venomous water snakes are mistaken for the cottonmouth. In the water, the cottonmouth floats very high, with most of its body visible above the water line. The nonvenomous water snakes are less buoyant, swimming just the head and neck exposed. Snakes in this family are classified as pit vipers, noted for their facial pits. The pit is highly sensitive to heat and serves as a direction finder in locating endothermic prey. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Name Sex Male Female Birth Year 1989 Aug. 4, 1999 Individual History Donation from Steinhart Aquarium; California Born Denver Zoo; Colorado Diet: Carnivore; rodents; rabbits; gophers; squirrels, birds Range/Habitat: Southeastern United States; forest, flat woods Life Span: 10-20 years Gestation: 6-7 months; 6-21 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: The rattlesnake uses its rattle to warn other animals of its presence. The rattle is a series of hard segments made of keratin. A new segment is added each time a snake sheds. During mating season male diamondbacks compete for females through “wrestling matches.” Two snakes raise their bodies and entwine one another, and then they throw each other to the ground by pushing with their body. Snakes in this family are classified as pit vipers, noted for their facial pits. The pit is highly sensitive to heat and serves as a direction finder in locating warm-blooded prey. Fifteen inch long young are born live in retreats, such as gopher tortoise burrows or hollow logs, and can be more dangerous than adults because they have less control over the amount of venom they inject. 12 Backyard Creatures Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) Name Sex Birth Year Individual History Diet: Carnivore; small snakes, lizards, birds, frogs, fish, insects Range/Habitat: Extreme Southeastern United States, Arizona; open pine and hardwood forest Life Span: 5-7 years Incubation: 2 months; 5-7 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Coral Snakes have several non-venomous king snake and milk snake mimics and are relatives of the cobra, mamba, and sea snake. When threatened, a coral snake will curl the tip of its tail to confuse its attacker as to which end is its head or will swing its tail in an attempt to mimic a head. These snakes are extremely reclusive and generally bite humans only when handled or stepped on. They must literally chew on their victim to inject their venom fully, so most bites to humans don't result in death. Research is being done with Coral Snake venom to find cures for cancer, AIDS, and other disabilitating diseases. Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus atricaudutus) Name Rowdy Sex Male Birth Year June 16, 2004 Individual History Donation from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; Ohio Diet: Carnivore; birds, rabbits, mice, rats, squirrels Range/Habitat: Eastern to Central United States; marshes, swamps, wooded hillsides, heavy timber, dead tree hollows Life Span: 10-15 years Gestation: 2 months; 4-17 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: The Canebrake is also known as the Timber Rattlesnake. Reproduction is ovoviviparous - the young develop in eggs that the female retains inside her body. The young hatch from the eggs, then the mother gives birth to the live young. Snakes in this family are classified as pit vipers, noted for their facial pits. The pit is highly sensitive to heat and serves as a direction finder in locating warm-blooded prey. 13 Backyard Creatures Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortirx) Name Quick Sex Male Birth Year 1997 Individual History Donation from Alexandria Zoo; Louisiana Diet: Carnivore; insects, frogs, lizards, small mammals Range/Habitat: Eastern to Central United States; ponds, streams, waterways, gardens Life Span: 15-18 years Gestation: 4-7 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Snakes in this family are classified as pit vipers, noted for their facial pits. The pit is highly sensitive to heat and serves as a direction finder in locating warm-blooded prey. Young copperheads have sulphur yellow tails which is used as a lure to attract small animals, such as frogs. This coloration fades after two years old. Copperheads den with other Copperheads in the winter, as well as with Black Rat Snakes. This snake is primarily diurnal in the spring and fall, but nocturnal during the summer. Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) Name Sex Birth Year Individual History Diet: Carnivore; birds, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals Range/Habitat: Eastern and Southern United States; flat woods, swamps, hardwood forest Life Span: 15-20 years Incubation: 4-6 months; 3-9 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Pigmy rattlesnakes are aptly named because they are the smallest species of rattlesnake in the United States. There are three species of Pygmy Rattlesnakes: the Carolina Pygmy (gray, tan, or lavender), the Dusky Pygmy (bluish gray to nearly black), Young Pygmy Rattlesnakes have sulphur yellow tails which is used as a lure to attract small animals, such as frogs. This coloration fades after two years old. Reproduction is ovoviviparous. The young develop in eggs that the female retains inside her body. The young hatch from the eggs, then the mother gives birth to the live young 14 Bird Run Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) Name Foster Alley Sex Birth Year Unknown Approx. 1987 Unknown Unknown Individual History Wild Caught Housed in Discovery Zoo Diet: Carnivore; other owls, birds, mice, skunks, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals Range/Habitat: N&S America; open woodlands, desert, suburban and urban areas Life Span: 5-15 years Incubation: 1 month; 2-3 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern; most common owl in North America Interesting Facts: Pairs often call together, with audible differences in pitch. They will actively eat skunks because as they do not have sense of smell. When eating, the whole prey is consumed; the indigestible parts (bone, fur) are later spat out in a pellet form. Owls' eyes look forward in a fixed position and cannot move from side to side, as the human eye can. In order to see peripherally, the owl must turn its entire head. It is a myth that owls can turn their head all the way around. Owls have 14 neck vertebrae, allowing them to move their head 270 degrees. Although these birds have excellent eyesight, they are also capable of catching prey using only their sense of hearing. Bird Run Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) Name Zazu Sex Male Birth Year Dec. 10, 2000 Interesting Facts Born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park; California Diet: Omnivore; fruit, insects, small reptiles, amphibians Range/Habitat: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei; lowland forest Life Span: 35-50 years Incubation: 1-1.5 months; 2-3 eggs Conservation Status: Threatened (habitat loss) Interesting Facts: Hornbills are believed to be monogamous and live in family groups of up to twenty birds. The casque on top of the beak is believed to amplify their call, and or, attract a mate. The Hornbill cannot swallow food caught in the tip of their beak; they will jerk their head and throw it back into their throats. The hornbill uses a hole in a tree as a nest. When the female is ready, she goes into the hole and is sealed in with mud, leaving a narrow slit to poke her bill through for feeding. The male brings food to her whilst she is in there. The female breaks out of the nest after almost 3 months, but the entrance is then re-sealed by the chick, which is fed for a further month inside the nest. 15 Blue and Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) Name George Eago Sex Birth Year Male Jan. 1, 1976 Unknown Jan. 5, 2007 Individual History Purchase from D & S Aviary Born at Jackson Zoological Park; MS Diet: Herbivore; seeds, fruit, nuts, berries, vegetables Range/Habitat: South America; rainforest canopy Life Span: 80 years Incubation: 1 month; 2-3 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Macaws are often monogamous, remaining bonded for life. When they are seen flying in large flocks, the bonded pairs fly close together, their wings nearly touching. The Macaw’s feet have locking tendons that grasp tree branches to prevent them from falling even when they are sleeping. Macaws are able to reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Bird Run Slender-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) Name Stanely Stella Sex Male Female Birth Year Jan. 1, 1998 April 30, 2000 Individual History Donation from Oakland Zoo; California Donation from Oakland Zoo; California Diet: Omnivore; grass, seeds, roots, insects, grubs Range/Habitat: Southeastern Australia; open forest, woodlands, grasslands and farm crops Life Span: 35-50 years Incubation: 1 month; 2-3 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: They use their long bills to dig up grubs. The Corella will sound a call similar to a “roar” when they are upset. The slender-billed Corella is an intelligent, entertaining bird. It can mimic words, sentences and other sounds (such as a dog barking or their owner's laughter) to perfection. 16 Wreathed Hornbill (Aceros undulatus) Name Marco Pollo Sex Male Female Birth Year May 3, 2004 April 5, 2005 Individual History Born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park; California Has a yellow throat Born at the Central Florida Zoo; Florida Has a blue throat Diet: Omnivore; primarily fruit, but males will prey on small animals for the brooding female and chicks. Range/Habitat: Southeast Asia; forested hills Life Span: 30 to 50 years Incubation: 1-1.5 months; 1-3 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: They will form lifelong monogamous pairs. The specialized knobs on the tops of the birds’ beaks are known as casques; they are believed to function as signals of dominance and gender. Males can be easily distinguished from females by the color of their throats. The male’s throat skin is yellow; the female’s is blue. When the female is ready to lay her eggs, she creates a nest in a tree cavity. The male then encloses her completely in the cavity, sealing it with mud. He leaves only a narrow slit through which he feeds her and her offspring. The female and her chick(s) are completely dependent on the male for their survival for about 4 months. Although females may lay up to three eggs, usually only one chick survives. Bird Run Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) Name Sex Male Female Male Birth Year Nov. 11, 1991 Feb. 17, 2005 Aug. 20, 2007 Individual History Donation from Houston Zoo; Texas Donation from Houston Zoo; Texas Donation from Bronx Zoo; New York Diet: Herbivore; fruits, berries, seeds, grains Range/Habitat: Australia, Philippines, and New Guinea; small offshore islands Life Span: 20 years Incubation: 1 month; 1 egg Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Their jaws have elastic hinges like snakes that can stretch to allow them to eat large objects. Both adults share nesting and rearing duties. These pigeons have relatively large flight muscles to allow them to fly from island to island. Female pigeons need the courtship displays of males such as bowing, repeated flight displays, and cooing before they can produce eggs. 17 Dusky Lory (Pseudeos fuscata) Name Pumpkin Sex Male Birth Year Sept. 18, 2001 Individual History Purchase from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden; South Carolina Diet: Omnivore; fruit, seeds, nectar, flower buds, insects Range/Habitat: Indonesia and New Guinea; rainforest Life Span: 28-32 years Incubation: 1 month; 2-3 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: They can travel up to 30 miles a day looking for food and can feed on as many as 650 flowers a day. Their tongue is lined with “papillae”, hair like structures, to help them lap up nectar. They roost in large flocks at night; their numbers can reach several thousand. Their diet of fruits such as apples and pears as well as corn, often causes them to be responsible for crop damages and are thus seen as pests in some parts of their range. Lories are very important to our ecosystem because of their eating habits. Not all of the seeds they consume are digested; many are passed in the bird's guano over new areas of the forest. Some species eat nectar and are important in the pollination of many species of plants in the tropical forests. Bird Run Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) Name Dundee Sonny Cher Sex Male Birth Year May 21, 1993 Female May 4, 2006 Male Female May 28, 2010 April 29, 2010 Individual History Purchase from Roger Williams Park Zoo; Rhode Island Housed in the Bird Hut Audubon Zoo; Louisiana Housed in the Bird Hut Woodland Park Zoo; Washington Woodland Park Zoo; Washington Diet: Carnivore; insects, snakes, rodents, small birds Range/Habitat: Eastern and Southwestern Australia, Tasmania; woodlands, forest, urban parks, and gardens Life Span: 10-12 years Gestation: 1 month; 2-4 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: The male kookaburra’s rump has more blue than the female’s. Their loud laughing calls have been used as monkey sounds in jungle movies. They employ a "sit and wait" technique of hunting, surveying their surroundings from an advantageous perch, and then swoop down to seize their prey. 18 Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) Name Orange Sex Male Birth Year April 5, 2012 Green Female Jan 11, 2013 Individual History San Antonio Zoo Orange band on left leg Riverbanks Zoo Green band on left leg Diet: Carnivore; insects, small mammals, reptiles, frogs; small birds Range/Habitat: all of Australia, Tasmania; forests, woodlands, scrub Life Span: 10-12 years Gestation: 1-3 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Form partnerships for life. Maintain territory for ~10years or more Both sexes share incubation larger prey such as lizards or mice are generally killed before consumption by being bashed against a branch with great force weak feet. Roost in open and rely on camouflage African Savannah Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegate rubra) Name Timmy Phoenix Sex Male Male Birth Year April 19, 1985 May 2, 2013 Individual History Born at the Baton Rouge Zoo; Louisiana Born at Jackson Zoo Son of Timmy Diet: Herbivore; fruits, leaves, nectar, seeds Range/Habitat: Madagascar; tropical forest Life Span: 15-20 years Gestation: 3 months; 2-5 young Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (habitat loss) Interesting Facts: The Red Ruffed is the largest of the lemurs; they live in pair-bonded families up to 16. Lemurs are a type of primate called prosimians, which means "before apes". The Ruffed Lemurs have dense fur, especially around the neck. Lemurs rely on their sense of smell as a way of communicating with other animals. They have special scent glands on their wrists and bottoms that leave scent trails on branches to mark their territories. Since the arrival of humans on Madagascar, at least 15 species of lemur have gone extinct. 19 Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) Name Ronnie Big Mike aka Jaycambo Sex Male Male Birth Year 1974 Nov 6, 2011 Individual History On loan from the Birmingham Zoo; Alabama The Wilds (in central Ohio) Not on exhibit Diet: Herbivore; a variety of grasses Range/Habitat: Southern & Central Africa; savannah grasslands and shrublands Life Span: 33-40 years Gestation: 16 months; one calf Conservation Status: Near Threatened (habitat loss and poaching) Interesting Facts: The white rhino is the second largest land animal after elephants and can weigh between 5,000 and 6,000 pounds. They got their name by mistaking Afrikaans “vite” meaning wide- for their lips, when English speakers heard the word they thought it was “white”. They will frequently wallow in mud to cool off and protect themselves from biting insects. Their horn is made out of keratin which is the same substance hair and fingernails are made out of. In the late 19th century, it was considered extinct. However, in 1895 a small population of less than 100 individuals was discovered in South Africa. After more than a century of protection, southern white rhinos now number about 20,000, confined to protected areas and private ranches. African Savannah Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) Name Spartacus Sex Male Birth Year July 31, 2003 Individual History Born at The Wilds; Ohio Diet: Herbivore; various grasses, foliage Range/Habitat: Southern Africa; grasslands and open woodlands near main water sources. Life Span: 16-18 years Gestation: 8-9 months; 1 calf Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Hippotragus means goat-like horse and niger refers to the animal’s dark color. The Sable Antelope can run as fast as 35 miles per hour. Separated mothers and their young make a piercing birdlike whistle to locate each other. They roam the dry acacia country of Africa in large herds of sometimes up to 100 animals. The herd is usually led by a master bull and among females, there is a dominance hierarchy based on seniority. The juvenile males leave the herd at about 3 years old; all the female calves remain. The Sable Antelope is facing habitat loss due to agricultural development, livestock overgrazing, and human settlement. 20 Black Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis niger) Name Sex Male Birth Year May 7, 2006 Individual History Born and Jackson Zoo Four brothers, in various exhibits Diet: Omnivore; grasses, aquatic plants, fruit, fish, some insects Range/Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; marshes Life Span: 15-20 years Incubation: 1 month; 6-14 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: The Black Spur-winged goose is the largest of the African water fowl. These geese build their nests in trees or out of reeds and grass found on the ground usually concealed in vegetation near water. They will use the spur in its wing for defense of territory and on predators. The male is larger than the female and has a large red facial patch that extends back from the bill. This bird’s habitat is slowly shrinking due to a decrease in rainfall in the northern part of its range. African Savannah Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) Name Killer Sex Male Birth Year Unknown Ken Male Feb. 5, 1992 Individual History Disney Animal Kingdom; Florida Does not have a throat sac St. Louis Zoo; Missouri Has a large throat sac Diet: Carnivore; insects, fish, reptiles, rodents, eggs, birds, carrion Range/Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; swamps, savannahs near water Life Span: 25 years Incubation: 1-1.5 months; 3-5 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: They will stand on the edges of grass fires and feed on animals that are fleeing from it. The stork will defecate on its own legs to help keep cool. Sometimes Marabou Storks can be found feasting on a lion’s kill. 21 Springbok (Antidorcus marsupialis) Name Sex Female Birth Year Dec. 9, 2009 Male May 30, 2010 Female Undet. May 28, 2013 May 24, 2014 Individual History Born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park; California Has given birth several times Born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park; California Born at Jackson Zoo Born at Jackson Zoo Diet: Herbivore; grasses, shrubs, succulent plants Range/Habitat: Southern Africa; arid grasslands, semi-desert plains Life Span: 20 years Gestation: 25 weeks; 1-2 lambs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: One of the few antelope species that are considered to have an expanding population. The springbok is the national and sporting emblem of South Africa. It is extremely fast and can reach speeds of 60 mph. When frightened or excited, a springbok makes a series of stiff-legged vertical leaps up to 3.5 meters high. This behavior is known as pronking and is performed with the head down, the hooves bunched, and the back arched. African Savannah Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) Name Amelia Kolte Alfie Arya Sex Female Male Male Female Birth Year May 28, 2007 April 5, 2011 Sept 22, 2013 Aug 4, 2013 Individual History Born at Jackson Zoological Park; MS Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Lincoln Park zoo, Chicago Diet: Herbivore; flowers, shoots, fruits, shrubs, herbs Range/Habitat: Southern & Eastern Africa; rocky mountain ranges Life Span: 10-15 years Gestation: 7 months; 1 lamb Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Klipspringer in Afrikaans, means “Rock Jumper.” Females are slightly larger than males. They are monogamous; often when one is eating the other is on the lookout for danger. Once the young is born, it is hidden (cached) for up to three months before it joins the herd. Klipspringers do not need to drink water because they get enough from the plants they eat. They have a modified hoof structure that allows them to be especially agile on rocky terrain. 22 Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) Name Catherine Nicholas Sex Female Male Birth Year Feb. 10, 1985 Dec. 26, 1995 Individual History San Diego Wild Animal Park; California Sao Paulo Zoo; Brazil Diet: Omnivore; grains, grass seeds, small reptiles, frogs, insects Range/Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; wetlands Life Span: 20-30 years Incubation: 1 month; 1-2 eggs Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (habitat loss) Interesting Facts: The Wattled Crane is so named for the two wattles, one on each side of its throat. It has been noted that the wattles enlarge with aggression and shrink with fear. They stand up to six feet tall and weigh up to fifteen pounds. The Wattled Crane performs an elaborate courtship dance, which involves much bowing, tossing of the head, jumping into the air, and vocalizing between both birds. Pairs mate for life and live in flocks. The clutch size is one or two, however only one chick is raised from clutches of two and the other egg is abandoned. If a clutch or chick is lost, pairs may attempt to breed again. There are fewer than 8,000 Cranes left in the wild. African Savannah Addra Gazelle (Gazella dama ruficollis) Name Valkyrie Gumby Sex Female Female Birth Year July 4, 2003 April 4, 2007 Individual History Born at the Miami Metro Zoo; Florida Born at the Jackson Zoological Park; MS Diet: Herbivores; shrubs, acacias, rough desert grass Range/Habitat: Chad, Mali, Niger; grasslands and mountain foothills Life Span: 10-12 years Gestation: 6-7 months; 1 calf Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (over hunting, habitat loss) Interesting Facts: The Addra Gazelle is the largest of the gazelle family. It obtains most of its water from the plants that it eats. These gazelles communicate using three senses: sound, sight (body language) and smell (scent glands). In earlier times, Addras could be seen in herds of as many as 500. The average herd size is now 15-20 animals. After just a few days following birth, Addra young are strong enough to follow the herd, and after a week, they are able to run as fast as the adults. 23 Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) Name Petal Sex Female Birth Year Nov. 7, 1989 Daisy Female Sept. 13, 2002 May 28, 2010 Enzi Male Individual History Born at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center; Texas Blue tag in left ear Born at White Oak Conservation Center; Florida Red tag left ear Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Diet: Herbivore; rough, fibrous grasses Range/Habitat: Kenya and Ethiopia; arid grasslands and savannas Life Span: 15-20 years Gestation: 13 months; 1 foal Conservation Status: Endangered (poaching, habitat loss) Interesting Facts: Zebras help other grazers because they can eat the tops off the course grasses that other grass eaters cannot digest. Grevy’s Zebras are the largest of the zebra species and the most nomadic. While in a group, a zebra’s strips blend together so that a predator has trouble telling one zebra apart from another. Grevy's Zebras can run up to 40 mph and foals can run with the rest of the herd within an hour of their birth. African Savannah Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Name Cleo Sex Female Female Tut Male Birth Year ~1992-94 Individual History Donated from John Foster Dark black in color (looks like a male) From private collection Dull brown From private collection Black and white Blue band on left leg Diet: Omnivore; seeds, roots, grasses, leaves, insects, lizards Range/Habitat: Central and Southern Africa; dry deserts, savannahs Life Span: 30-40 years Incubation: 1-1.5 months; 2-6 eggs Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: They are the world’s largest bird and can be 7 to 9 feet tall and weigh 220 and 350 pounds. Ostriches can run speed up to 45 miles per hour, which is faster than a racehorse. After mating, the alpha male will make a communal nest and the dominant hen (female) lays up to 11 creamy white eggs, while the other hens lay 2 to 6 eggs each in the same nest. 24 Incubation is performed only by the male and the main female. Any surplus eggs which the pair cannot cover are pushed out of the nest by the female, who is somehow able to recognize and retain her own, leaving about 20 eggs in total. The shell of an Ostrich egg is as thick as china, and one egg weighs as much as two dozen chicken eggs. The idea that an Ostrich will bury its head in the sand in the face of danger is a myth, although when it feels threatened, an Ostrich may sit down motionless with head and neck stretched on the ground in front of it in an attempt to become less visible. African Rainforest Pygmy Hippopotamus (Hexaprotodon liberiensis) Name Clementine Ralph Sex Female Male Birth Year Jan. 24, 2009 Feb 22, 2013 Individual History Loan from Gladys Porter Zoo; Texas Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Smaller than Clementine Diet: Herbivore; roots, grasses, leaves, shoots, fruit Range/Habitat: West Africa; swampy forest Life Span: 35-40 years Gestation: 6-7 months; 1 calf Conservation Status: Endangered (loss of habitat and poaching) Interesting Facts: Pygmy Hippos can weigh up to 600 pounds. It is less fond of water than the common hippo. Unlike the pygmy hippo’s huge relative, its eyes are set in the side of its head instead of on top, its feet are less webbed and have strong toenails, and it also gives birth on land instead of in water. Like the larger hippos, the pygmy hippo’s noses and ears close underwater. Hippos were once thought to sweat blood. Actually, hippos secrete pink colored oil that helps them keep their skin moist in the hot African climate. 25 Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Name Jojo Sex Male Missy Female MaeBelle Female Binti Mojo Female Male Arby Female Birth Year Sept. 18, 1964 August 10, 1980 May 23, 1989 Jan. 26, 1999 Mar. 8, 2009 Sept 24, 1987 Individual History Born at the Taronga Zoo; Australia Older male- greying, losing hair, pink skin on lips Born at the Jackson Zoo; Mississippi Has given birth Mom to Mojo Large swelling on bottom- scar tissue Born at the Jackson Zoo; Mississippi Daughter of Jojo and Belle (died Feb 5, 2015) Born at the Jackson Zoo; Mississippi Born at the Jackson Zoo; Mississippi Youngest, smallest Son of Jojo and Missy Not on exhibit Being introduced to troop- slow process Born at Gladys Porter Zoo Diet: Omnivore; fruit, plants, insects, eggs, meat Range/Habitat: East Africa; rain forests and wet savannas Life Span: 30-45 years Gestation: 7.5-8 months; one offspring Conservation Status: Endangered (habitat loss, poaching) Interesting Facts: Chimpanzees spend time each day grooming each other. Grooming is a social activity; it helps build and maintain bonds among the members of a group. The swelling in the female chimps corresponds with ovulation. Scientists believe that the ‘bright pink’ signals males that she is ready to breed. All great apes make new nests each night. The nests are high in the trees to keep them safe from predators. At the Zoo, we provide them straw in their night-house for nest building. Males enter the dominance hierarchy between 13- 15 years of age. Charging displays help male chimps acquire social rank. 26 African Savannah Eastern Black and White Colobus Monkeys (Colobus angolensis) Name Capri Juba Sex Male Male Birth Year Jan. 7, 1993 Mar. 4, 2004 Individual History Born at the Jackson Zoological Park; MS Born at the Baton Rouge Zoo; Louisiana Diet: Omnivore; leaves, tender green shoots, insects Range/Habitat: Central Africa; forests and moist savanna Life Span: 20-25 years Gestation: 4.5-5months; 1 offspring Conservation Status: Threatened (habitat loss, poaching) Interesting Facts: They exhibit strong territorial behavior, occupying a well-defined range within the forest. They rarely descend to the ground and are daring aerialist, changing directions in mid-air and diving 20- 30 feet to lower branches. The stomach is enlarged and sacculated with the first two chambers being used for fermentation, much like a cow. The name Colobus derives from a word meaning "mutilated one" because unlike other monkeys they do not have thumbs. They were nearly hunted to extinction to supply a European fashion rage in the late eighteen hundreds. In 1892 alone over 170,000 Colobus pelts were taken. Red-tailed Guenon (Cerceopithecus ascanius) Name Kima Pogo Sex Female Male Birth Year Oct. 10, 1983 March 8, 2005 Individual History Loan from Birmingham Zoo; Alabama Born Jackson Zoological Park; MS Diet: Omnivore; fruits, young leaves, flowers, small invertebrates Range/Habitat: Central Africa; tropical rainforest Life Span: 20-25 years Gestation: 5 months; one offspring Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: These monkeys live in groups of 7-35, typically with one male and numerous females. There appear to be no major threats to this species. It is likely that some populations are locally threatened by severe habitat loss or hunting. In the wild their primary predators are leopards and crested eagles. 27 Diana Guenon Monkey (Cercopithecus diana) Name Hoy Sex Male Birth Year May 9, 2004 Elvis Male April 26, 2007 Danielle Female May 22, 1986 Sunny Female May 12, 2001 Stormy (aka Desert Storm) Rain Male Jan 16, 1991 Female April 13, 2013 Individual History Born at Jackson Zoo Half brother to Elvis Born Jackson Zoological Park; MS Half brother to Elvis Born at Jackson Zoo Mother to Sunny Born at Jackson Zoo Daughter to Danielle Mother to Rain Born at DuMond Conservancy Father to Rain Born at Jackson Zoo to Sunny and Stormy Granddaughter of Danielle Diet: Omnivore; leaves, fruit, buds, insects, invertebrates Range/Habitat: West Africa; tropical forest Life Span: 15-20 years Gestation: 5-6 months; one offspring Conservation Status: Vulnerable (loss of habitat and poaching) Interesting Facts: Males and females are similar in appearance, though males are significantly larger in size. An excellent climber, the Diana spends virtually all its life in the upper layers of the forest. Troops of up to 30 live together, led by an elder male. There is safety in numbers, and individuals can alert others when they sense danger. However, Diana guenons seem to have perfected this behavior and are so alert that other primate species have come to live with them to benefit from their watchful eyes. 28 African Savannah Red River Hog (Potamocherus porcus) Name Potter Dill Sex Female Male Male Female Male Female Birth Year March 19, 2011 March 16, 2012 March 11, 2014 March 11, 2014 Dec 29, 2014 Dec 29, 2014 Individual History Peoria Zoo in Glen Oak Park (Illinois) Oklahoma City Zoo Born at Jackson Zoo Born at Jackson Zoo Born at Jackson Zoo Born at Jackson Zoo Diet: Omnivore; roots, berries, fruits, eggs, young birds, reptiles, small mammals, carrion Range/Habitat: Western and Central Africa; tropical rainforest and moist savanna woodlands Life Span: 10-15 years Gestation: 4 months; 3-4 piglets Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: These hogs have a disc shaped nose that helps it smell and uncover food. They have excellent hearing and can detect the underground movement of an earth worm. The red river hog is highly sociable, and forms family groups, usually of four to six individuals, led by a dominant male. They are fast runners, good swimmers and strong enough to overturn boulders. 29 Asia White-naped Crane (Grus vipio) Name Sex Male Female Birth Year May 7, 1993 May 17, 1984 Individual History Born Cincinnati Zoo; Ohio Born at Bronx Zoo, New York Diet: Omnivore; seeds, roots, tubers, fruits, insects, frogs Range/Habitat: Mongolia, Russia, China, Korea, and Japan; wetlands, river valleys, grasslands Life Span: 40-45 years Incubation: 1 month; 1-2 eggs Conservation Status: Vulnerable (habitat loss, over hunting) Interesting Facts: Cranes are the oldest and tallest family of flying birds. This rare crane numbers about 5,000 in the wild. Arriving at breeding sites at the beginning of April, white-naped cranes locate their mates from previous years and participate in a long and complicated set of coordinated calls. The female initiates the display, in which both sexes extend their necks and lift their heads; the males utter one call for every two from the female. Once the pair bonds have been reestablished they move to the nesting sites. Cranes feed in the wild by digging with their beaks in soft, wet mud for tubers and insects. It is a symbol of longevity because of its long lifespan. Reeves’ Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) Name Luke Max Cammie Sex Male Male Male Birth Year Oct 1, 2005 Aug. 12, 2007 June 18, 2007 Individual History Born at Jackson Zoo Born Jackson Zoological Park; MS Born at Jackson Zoo Most likely all related Diet: Herbivore; bramble, ferns, ivy, grasses, tree shoots Range/Habitat: China, Taiwan, central England; dense scrub and woodland, quiet gardens, open grassland Life Span: 15-17 years Gestation: 6 months; 1-2 fawns Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Females lack antlers and are smaller than males and have a diamond pattern on their forehead. Males have antlers, obvious canine teeth and a V pattern on their forehead. While the antlers may be used during rut for fighting it is the animal’s teeth that really do the damage. Their upper canines have elongated tusks which curve outward from the lip and are capable of tearing gaping wounds in rival males. An adaptable animal, this small deer has escaped from British gameparks and now lives ferally in the southern portion of Great Britain. 30 Asia Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) Name Pai Yoda Sex Female Male Birth Year June 17, 2012 Jul 3, 2006 Individual History Sedwick County Zoo; Wichita, Kansas National Zoo Diet: Omnivore; bamboo, fruit, berries, acorns, young birds, rodents, insects Range/Habitat: Nepal, Burma, and south-central China; only live in temperate forests in the foothills of the Himalayas Life Span: 8-13 years Gestation: 3-5 months; 1-5 cubs Conservation Status: Vulnerable (habitat loss) Interesting Facts: Lesser Pandas are known by many names: fire fox, red panda, and Himalayan raccoon. They have semi-retractable claws and an extra thumb. Red pandas are arboreal animals spending most of their time in the trees; they are also crepuscular, meaning they are active at dusk and dawn. Red pandas spend as much as 13 hours a day searching for and eating bamboo. Red pandas are solitary, except for the mating period and the time when a mother and its young are together. Red pandas mark their territories using urine, secretions from anal glands and glands on the pads of their feet. Red pandas often communicate using body language (such as head bobbing and tail arching) and a variety of noises (such as a threatening “huff-quack” and a warning whistle). Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeteri) Name Pongo Perdita Sex Male Female Birth Year Jan. 1, 1979 Jan. 1, 1979 Individual History Purchase from Victoria Zoo Society; Texas Purchase from Victoria Zoo Society; Texas Diet: Herbivore; grass, seeds, plants, nuts, fruits, berries Range/Habitat: Australian Outback; grasslands, light woodlands Life Span: 40-80 years Incubation: 1 month; 2-3 eggs Conservation Status: Vulnerable (habitat loss, poaching) Interesting Facts: Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos are named after Sir Thomas Mitchell, an explorer who was among the first to write of their beauty. They mature at about 5 years old and form permanent pair bonds. Both parents incubate and care for their young. Unlike many cockatoos, these birds live in pairs rather than groups. Because they do not flock, they have been less persecuted in Australia than other cockatoos that destroy crops. These cockatoos are opportunistic breeders, breeding whenever conditions are right and food is plentiful. 31 Asia Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) Name Jamaal Sophie Sex Male Female Birth Year Feb. 29, 1988 Oct. 21, 2003 Individual History Born at the Maryland Zoo; Maryland Born at the Woodland Park Zoo; Washington Large growth on face Diet: Omnivore; fruits, seeds, buds, leaves, insects, small birds, small mammals Range/Habitat: Southwest India; rainforest treetops Life Span: 20-31 years Gestation: 5-6 months; one offspring Conservation Status: Endangered (habitat loss) Interesting Facts: They use 17 different vocal patterns along with body language to communicate. During the day, lion-tailed macaques travel the treetops in groups of 10 to 20, including one to three adult males, several females, and their young. Females of the species generally remain in their natal group, fitting into the hierarchy that exists. Teak, coffee, tea plantations, dams and roads have destroyed much of their habitat. Their distensible cheek pouches are used to quickly gather large amounts of food and when fully extended have the same capacity as their stomach. 32 Discovery Zoo Area Red Wolf (Canis rufus) Name Kanati Cricket Uyosi (Hungry) Adaysa (spirit) Wowati (bob) Sex Male Female Male Birth Year May 7, 2007 April 2, 2009 April 23, 2013 Male April 23, 2013 Male April 23, 2013 Nashoba Homma Osi (litter red wolf) Tashka Tik (female warrior) Nokshopa Iksho (no fear) Okshinilli Homma (red swimmer) Female March 30, 2014 Individual History Cherokee name Cherokee name Cherokee name White chest Cherokee name White around eyes Cherokee name Bobbed tail Choctaw name Female March 30, 2014 Choctaw name Female March 30, 2014 Choctaw name Male March 30, 2014 Choctaw name Diet: Carnivore; small and large mammals such as rabbits, rodents, sheep, and deer, insects Range/Habitat: Mississippi, North & South Carolina, Florida; plains, forests, coastal marshes Life Span: 13-16 years Gestation: 2 months; 3-6 pups Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (habitat loss, hunting) Interesting Facts: 1967, the Red Wolf was placed on the endangered species list. At this time, the 14 remaining true Red Wolves were captured and several Zoos across North America entered into an extensive captive breeding program. The original 14 have grown to about 300 today with several pairs placed back into the wild in 1987. Three island sites were selected for reintroduction, Bull Island- South Carolina, Horn IslandMississippi, and St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge- Florida. There are about 80 breeding pairs that live in the wild today. Red Wolves tend to form bonds for life. Even though usually only the alpha male and female have pups, all of the wolf pack’s members take care of the youngsters. They bring them food, play with them, and also act as "baby sitters." 33 Discovery Zoo Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) Name Sex Mixed Birth Year 1989-2012 Individual History Offspring are born each year within this exhibit Diet: Herbivore; stems, roots, leaves, vegetables Range/Habitat: Midwest North America; grasslands and prairies Life Span: 3-4 years Gestation: 1 month; 4-6 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: They live in underground burrows. Burrows contain nurseries, sleeping quarters, and even toilets. They also feature listening posts near exits, so animals can safely keep tabs on the movements of predators outside. Other animals, like snakes, burrowing owls and the rare black-footed ferret, benefit from prairie dog burrows. Family groups (a male, a few females, and their young) inhabit burrows and cooperate to share food, chase off other prairie dogs, and groom one another. These group members even greet one another by nuzzling one another. They do not drink because they get all of the water they need from the plants. Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) Name Satan Sex Male Birth Year July 2005 Individual History Texas State Aquarium; Texas Diet: Carnivore; birds, fish, rodents, deer, boar Range/Habitat: Central South America; marshes and brush covered banks of slow moving rivers and streams. Life Span: 15-20 years Gestation: 6 months; 20-40 young Conservation Status: Least Concern Interesting Facts: Adults range between 9 to 12 feet; the maximum length of this species approaches 15 feet. Yellow anacondas are constrictors that will generally lay and wait at the water’s edge for unsuspecting prey to come along and drink. There are four species of anaconda. The yellow anaconda is considerably smaller than the green anaconda, which is the largest snake in the world at over 30 feet long. 34