Zoo’s New Lion Cub Bonds With Foster Mom

Idaho Falls Zoo is thrilled to announce the extraordinary birth of a male African Lion cub! The cub was born February 17 to first-time parents, Kimani and Dahoma.

“Unfortunately, shortly after his birth, the cub had to be removed from his mom to be treated for a medical issue. We are pleased to report that he has completely recovered and is almost ready to be returned to his mother,” states Zoo Veterinarian, Dr. Rhonda Aliah.

Because of the advanced age of the parents and the unique genetics of the couple, this adorable little guy is extremely important to the captive African Lion population in North American zoos. Although reintroducing this genetically valuable cub to his parents is essential for his development, the process is not simple or straightforward.

To lessen any risk, the cub will be returned to his mother when he is bigger and more mobile. The AZA and other zoo professionals explored all possible options for the cub. “Everyone agreed that the only option available was to keep the cub at the Idaho Falls Zoo and eventually reintroduce him to his parents,” states Aliah.

When the time comes for the cub to re-join his family, a Lion manager from the Denver Zoo, who has experience with conducting these types of reintroductions and who serves as an advisor to the AZA’s Lion SSP, will be onsite during the reintroduction. The Lion manager will help interpret behaviors and guide zoo staff during what will be a very stressful and potentially dangerous, yet important, time in the cub’s life.

In the meantime, the cub needs to be socialized. Lions are the most social of the big cat species, and sociability is incredibly important for behavioral and psychological reasons. Young cubs rely on other members of their pride to teach them how to be adults. A cub that has been away from his parents is at risk for not being easily accepted back into the pride and could be injured or killed when reintroduced.

So, how do you keep a Lion cub social without being around other Lions? ...meet Justice, another new member of the zoo family.

Photo Credits: Idaho Falls Zoo (Images 1 & 4) / City of Idaho Falls News (Images 2,3,5)

Justice is a not a lion, but a Great Pyrenees with wonderful mothering instincts. Two-year-old Justice is a rescue dog that has had at least one litter of puppies. When rescued, representatives with the Humane Society of the Upper Valley found her alone caring for her puppies, as well as a weak sheep. Her puppies have all been rehomed, and now Justice has a new role: nursemaid to a rambunctious two-month old African Lion cub!

Zoo Curator, Darrell Markum, explains, “An important aspect of animal development, particularly with baby carnivores, is having an adult animal teach ‘animal etiquette.’ This includes not biting other animals hard enough to injure them and not using your claws to climb on your elders. Justice is a very patient teacher.”

Given the unique situation, the use of domestic dogs to raise young carnivores is an accepted practice in modern zoos.

The Lion (Panthera leo) is one of the big cats in the genus Panthera and a member of the family Felidae. The commonly used name, “African Lion”, collectively denotes the several subspecies in Africa. Some males have exceeded 250 kg (550 lb) in weight, making this the second-largest living cat after the tiger.

The African Lion is currently classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN. The primary threats and causes of their continuous decline include: disease, human interference, habitat loss, and conflicts with humans.

In only 30 years, wild African Lion numbers have declined by a startling 40 percent. The new cub is an example of the important role Idaho Falls Zoo, as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), plays in both local and global conservation efforts to save threatened and endangered species through a program known as the Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Justice and the cub are now on exhibit daily, between 10am and 3pm (weather permitting).

For up-to-date information and fun sneak peeks of playful antics of this unique pairing, follow the Idaho Falls Zoo on Facebook, Instagram and on the zoo website: www.idahofallsidaho.gov/735/Zoo

Related articles

Lion Cubs' First Adventure at Lee Richardson Zoo

Three Lion Cubs Snuggle Up at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Dallas Zoo's Lion Cub Is The "Lucky One" - ZooBorns

Lion Cubs Show Their Playful Side

source http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2017/05/zoos-new-lion-cub-bonds-with-foster-mom.html

Oregon Zoo Fosters Orphaned Cougar Cub

A tiny, orphaned Cougar cub has briefly taken up residence behind the scenes at the Oregon Zoo’s veterinary medical center.

The cub, described as “loud and rambunctious” by zoo vet staff, was recently rescued by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, after a landslide separated the young Cougar from its mother. After a short stopover in Portland, the cub will be headed to a new permanent home at the Minnesota Zoo.

“It was the victim of a landslide that occurred on Sunday [April 23] in Pend Oreille County,” said Rich Beausoleil, WDFW Bear and Cougar specialist. “A member of the public found it the day after in the mud and called WDFW.”

Photo Credits: Oregon Zoo

The cub, a five-week-old male weighing around four pounds, wouldn’t stand a chance alone in the wild, so Beausoleil contacted Oregon Zoo keeper, Michelle Schireman, who serves as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species coordinator for Cougars.

“Without a mother, young Cougars can’t survive on their own in the wild, so I work to find them good homes,” Schireman said. “We would rather they grow up with their moms, but when that’s not an option we want them to have the best lives possible.”

As AZA species coordinator, Schireman has found homes for more than 120 Cougar cubs in zoos around the country. Most of the Cougars currently living in U.S. zoos are orphans she has placed. Usually, though, she never sees the cats she helps.

“In most cases, we try to arrange for orphaned cubs to go directly to their new homes,” Schireman said. “But in special situations, and depending on whether we have space, we sometimes take care of them at the zoo until their health has stabilized. It’s a lot to ask of our staff, but everyone here is incredibly dedicated to helping wildlife. Our vet staff and keepers have been taking shifts to make sure this little guy receives around-the-clock care with feedings every four hours.”

The Cougar (Puma concolor) is also known as “Mountain Lion”, “Puma” and in Florida they are referred to as “Panther”. Their range is throughout southwest Canada, the western United States and South America. With the exception of the Florida Panthers, Cougars are not listed as endangered, but they do face many challenges in other parts of the country due to human encroachment and habitat destruction.

Metro, the regional government that operates the Oregon Zoo, has preserved and restored key habitat for Cougars through its voter-supported natural areas program, which helps provide the healthy ecosystem needed for wildlife to thrive. While Cougars are unlikely to be seen in most Metro natural areas, their tracks have occasionally been seen in places such as Oxbow Regional Park and the Clear Creek Natural Area. For more information about Metro, please see their website: www.oregonmetro.gov

source http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2017/05/oregon-zoo-fosters-orphaned-cougar-cub.html

Red Wolves Have Keepers Howling With Excitement

The Museum of Life and Science, at Durham, North Carolina, is howling with excitement!

On April 28 the Museum's 6-year-old Red Wolf gave birth to a litter of three male and three female pups. This is the first litter for the Museum, since 2002. All pups and their mother were found to be in good health by the animal care team and are currently on exhibit in the Museum's Explore the Wild exhibit.

Once a top predator throughout the southeastern United States, and one of only two apex predators native to North Carolina, the Red Wolf (Canis rufus) is classified as “Critically Endangered”, with captive and wild populations totaling less than 300 individuals.

Photo Credits: Museum of Life and Science

The Red Wolves living at the Museum are a part of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Red Wolf Recovery Program as well as the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative breeding and management program developed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) to ensure the sustainability of endangered animal populations.

Known by their studbook numbers, female #1858 and male #1784 were recommended for breeding by the SSP in the summer of 2016 as a potentially high value breeding pair to maintain genetic diversity within the Red Wolf population. The Museum's female is recognized as the second most genetically valuable female Red Wolf alive today.

This is the first litter for female #1858. Born at the Riding Reflection Arboretum and Nature Center, in Chattanooga, TN, she was recently transferred to the Museum in November 2016, where she joined the Museum's seven-year-old male, #1784. Born at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL, the Museum's male was transferred in 2014 from North Carolina State University (NCSU) Veterinary College where he previously sired one litter of pups.

"This is truly exciting news for the species and the Museum," said Sherry Samuels, Museum of Life and Science's Animal Department Director and member of the Red Wolf SSP Management Team. "With recent developments surrounding the wild population, the responsibility of SSP institutions like the Museum is more critical than ever before. Each pup is valuable for the survival of the species and represents hope for the Red Wolf population overall."

This is the third time in 24 years that a successful breeding of Red Wolves has occurred at the Museum of Life and Science. The Museum received its first Red Wolf in November 1992, followed by litters of pups in May 1993 and April 2002.

"Both parents and pups are doing well," said Samuels, whose staff performed initial physical checkups. "There was no presence of congenital defects and all appear to be healthy, however the first 30 days are a particularly sensitive time, and we will continue regular monitoring." While all the Wolves will remain on exhibit, the pups and mother will likely spend a majority of their time in either the provided den or one of the dens dug by the female during the gestation period.

Pups typically begin to open their eyes in 10-14 days and often venture out of the den for short periods of time around three weeks of age. At around six weeks, they will begin to spend longer amounts of time out of the den, but the public should not plan to see much of them before early June. Even then, the Museum's newest arrivals might be difficult to spot; Red Wolves are notoriously shy and can be quite reserved around crowds and loud noises. Museum staff will be present at the Wolf habitat throughout the summer to answer questions and help guests stay calm, quiet, and observant.

"It will be an exciting and busy summer keeping up with this family," said Samuels "This is a wonderful opportunity for our visitors to practice the skills used by wildlife biologists observing Red Wolves in the wild. Quiet observation and patience will be key when viewing our new pups." All of the wolf pups will remain at the Museum for the next year and perhaps even longer, depending on the recommendations and needs of the Red Wolf SSP.

The Museum's animal care staff will continue to monitor the health of both the pups and the adult Wolf pair over the coming weeks. Daily pup checks will occur throughout the first week, and a hands-on veterinary check will follow as soon as possible. A preventative medicine protocol of deworming, vaccines, and general checks will occur approximately every two weeks until 16 weeks of age.

*Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina's top family destinations whose mission is to create a place of lifelong learning where people, from young child to senior citizen, embrace science as a way of knowing about themselves, their community, and their world. Situated on 84-acres, the immersive environment of this outdoor science park and two-story science center inspire curiosity, the capacity for thinking scientifically, and the desire to learn for a lifetime.

The Museum is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. To learn more, visit: www.lifeandscience.org

source http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2017/05/red-wolves-have-keepers-howling-with-excitement-.html

Reptile Hatchlings at Zoo Atlanta Are ‘Lucky 13’

Thirteen proved to be a lucky number for one of the planet’s rarest reptile species! Zoo Atlanta has had their most successful season ever for hatching Guatemalan Beaded Lizards. The Zoo welcomed a total of 13 hatchlings this spring, which is a record for Zoo Atlanta.

Zoo Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the U.S. housing Guatemalan Beaded Lizards. Since the arrival of the Zoo’s first hatchling in 2012, a total of 35 have successfully hatched in subsequent years.

Guatemalan Beaded Lizards lay their eggs in fall and early winter. The 13 new hatchlings began emerging from their eggs on March 31, 2017.

“Every animal birth at Zoo Atlanta is important, but it is especially so when we consider that there are so few Guatemalan Beaded Lizards in the wild. This species is not only exceptionally rare but challenging to reproduce,” said Hayley Murphy, DVM, Vice President of Animal Divisions. “We are very proud to see Zoo Atlanta leading the way in helping to ensure a future for this species and in sharing what we have learned with our partners in the U.S. and Guatemala.”

Photo Credits: Zoo Atlanta

The Guatemalan Beaded Lizard (Heloderma charlesborgeti) is an example of an animal most Americans would have no awareness of were it not for zoological populations.

As reclusive as they are rare, the lizards are found only in the Motagua Valley in Guatemala, where they are believed to number fewer than 200 in the wild. The species and its close relatives, which include the Gila Monster of the southwestern United States, are the only known venomous lizards.

The Beaded Lizard is a specialized vertebrate nest predator, feeding primarily on bird and reptile eggs. It is semi-arboreal and can be found climbing deciduous trees in search of prey when encountered above ground. It occasionally preys upon small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, and insects.

The lizard species becomes sexually mature at six to eight years and mates between September and October. The female will lay her clutch of two to 30 eggs between October and December, and the clutch will hatch the following June or July.

Young lizards are seldom seen, emerging from underground at two to three years of age after gaining considerable size.

Although Guatemalan Beaded Lizards spend most of their lives below ground and rarely encounter humans, wild populations face serious challenges because of habitat loss and illegal trade. The species faces additional pressures from fear-based killing resulting from long-held myths that the lizards have supernatural powers.

Zoo Atlanta has worked with the Foundation for the Endangered Species of Guatemala on Conservation Heloderma, which works to purchase and protect Guatemalan Beaded Lizard habitat; combat black-market trade; promote local education; and improve the lives of people living in communities that share the lizards’ native range.

The properties of the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard’s venom, which is used only in self-defense and is not used to capture prey, have only recently become known to science. Unlike most lizard species, the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard has a high aerobic capacity and is able to stabilize its blood sugar levels during contrasting periods of eating and fasting, thanks to a unique hormone. This hormone has been synthesized by pharmaceutical companies in the treatment of human diabetes.

For more information on conservation programs at Zoo Atlanta, visit: www.zooatlanta.org/conservation

source http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2017/05/reptile-hatchlings-at-zoo-atlanta-are-lucky-13.html

Cute Dogs Welcoming Kids Going Home On The School – Funny Dog Videos

Cute Dogs Waiting And Welcoming Kids Going Home On The School – Best Videos Funny Dogs ➡ Best Videos Funny and cute Cats, kitten ➡ Best Videos Funny and cute Baby‬ ➡ Best Videos Funny and cute Animal ➡

The post Cute Dogs Welcoming Kids Going Home On The School – Funny Dog Videos appeared first on Funny Dogs World.

source http://funnydogsworld.com/cute-dogs-welcoming-kids-going-home-school-funny-dog-videos/

source http://funnydogsworld1.blogspot.com/2017/05/cute-dogs-welcoming-kids-going-home-on.html

London Zoo Celebrates Arrival of ‘Easter' Chicks

The first of two Penguin chicks timed its arrival perfectly, at ZSL London Zoo, by hatching on Easter Monday (April 17).

Followed two days later by its feathery sibling, both Humboldt Penguin chicks are now being hand-reared by keepers in the Zoo’s custom-built incubation room, after their parents were unable to care for them.

Covered in soft grey fur, the tiny birds are weighed every morning and hand-fed three times a day by their keepers, and can be seen by visitors cozying up to a cuddly toy Penguin under the warming glow of a heat lamp.

ZSL’s Head of Birds, Adrian Walls, said, “While everyone was tucking into chocolate eggs over Easter, the first Penguin chick of the year was hatching at ZSL London Zoo. It was great timing!”

Keepers at ZSL London Zoo are taking turns looking after the youngsters, who aren’t shy about letting them know when they’re “peck-ish”.

“The chicks’ bodyweight increases by around 20 per cent every day, so they grow extremely quickly and are always eager for their next meal,” said Adrian. “They make sure we know it’s feeding time…they may be only weeks old but they’ve definitely perfected their squawks already.”

The feisty fish-lovers are being fed a special diet of blended fish, vitamins and minerals, referred to by ZSL London Zoo’s bird keepers as ‘penguin milkshake’. But as they grow bigger, they’ll also be given small portions of fresh fish to support their development.

The chicks are expected to stay in the incubation room until they reach 10-weeks-old, by which time they should have grown from around 70g at hatch to 3kg in weight.

They’ll then move into the Zoo’s specially-designed ‘penguin nursery’, which includes a shallow pool for their swimming lessons, before eventually being introduced to the other 70 Humboldt Penguins in the colony.

Photo Credits: ZSL London Zoo

The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti), also known as the Chilean Penguin, Peruvian Penguin, or Patranca, is a South American species that breeds in coastal Chile and Peru. Its nearest relatives are the African Penguin, the Magellanic Penguin and the Galápagos Penguin. The Penguin is named after the cold water current it swims in, which is named after Alexander von Humboldt, an explorer.

Humboldt Penguins are medium-sized, growing to 56–70 cm (22–28 in) long and a weight of 3.6-5.9 kg (8-13 lbs). They have a black head with a white border that runs from behind the eye, around the black ear-coverts and chin, and joins at the throat. They have blackish-grey upper parts and whitish underpants, with a black breast-band that extends down the flanks to the thigh. Juveniles have dark heads and no breast-band. They have spines on their tongue, which they use to hold their prey.

Humboldt’s nest on islands and rocky coasts, burrowing holes in guano and sometimes using scrapes or caves.

Penguins, for the most part, breed in large colonies. Living in colonies results in a high level of social interaction between birds, which has led to a large repertoire of visual as well as vocal displays in all penguin species.

Penguins form monogamous pairs for a breeding season. Most Penguins lay two eggs in a clutch. With the exception of the Emperor Penguin, where the male does it all, all Penguins share the incubation duties. These incubation shifts can last days, and even weeks, as one member of the pair feeds at sea.

Penguins generally only lay one brood; the exception is the Little Penguin, which can raise two or three broods in a season.

Penguin eggs are smaller than any other bird species, when compared proportionally to the weight of the parent birds. The relatively thick shell forms between 10 and 16% of the weight of a Penguin egg, presumably to minimize the risk of breakage in an adverse nesting environment. The yolk, too, is large, and comprises 22–31% of the egg. Some yolk often remains when a chick is born, and is thought to help sustain the chick if the parents are delayed in returning with food.

When mothers lose a chick, they sometimes attempt to "steal" another mother's chick, usually unsuccessfully as other females in the vicinity assist the defending mother in keeping her chick. In some species, such as Emperor Penguins, young Penguins assemble in large groups called crèches.

Due to a declining population caused in part by over-fishing, climate change, and ocean acidification, the Humboldt Penguin is classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.

Related articles

Humboldt Penguin Chicks Stick Together at Paradise Park

Eight Fuzzy Penguin Chicks Hatch At Chester Zoo

Landmark Penguin Chick Hatches at Woodland Park - ZooBorns

Rockin' New Penguin Chick at Shedd Aquarium

source http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2017/05/london-zoo-celebrates-arrival-of-easter-chicks.html