The second fully realized segment of the Virginia Zoo's last Master Plan was its African zone. It's named for a region in the eastern sub-Saharan region. Like the Asian zone, lots of very generously large habitats and some great viewing. Of course, the animals are free to determine where they are and some choose to be out of site (no Yellow-backed Duiker or African Lion sights, and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra and the Ankole-Watusi Cattle were also away.) But let's focus on what was out and about.
The zoo is home to a lone male Red River Hog named Oboi. He has the run of his roost, but today is just snoozing in the humid summer heat.
The next habitat was originally designed to house Gelada Baboons, a rather unique species for zoo's to keep. When the last one passed, the space was renovated to accommodate a pair of Cheetah's. Brother on permanent loan from the nearby Metro Richmond (VA) Zoo. The Metro Richmond Zoo has one of the premiere Cheetah breeding programs in the nation with over 40 live births in the past 6 years.
Meet Rico and Chester.
This is Rico (unless it's Chester...).
A delightful family portrait of three of the zoo's four Masai Giraffe. The Masai species is the second most common species in North America Zoo, yet far out stripped by the more common Reticulated Giraffe. Both species are considered vulnerable in their native African habitats.
A little memorial found in a small bamboo glen along the pathway at the entrance to the raised boardwalk portion of the route.
The raised boardwalk gives you access to the Eastern Mountain Bongos, Stanley Cranes and Egyptian Geese on the left and a viewing cabana that looks back out over the habitat with the Masai Giraffe, Common Ostrich and Yellow-backed Duikers.
A perspective shot with two of the Bongo herd below.
I'm no Bongo specialist, but this little lady looks very pregnant!
The herd's male Bongo. Males are larger and darker in color.
More view only Aviaries. This one home to a couple of species of African Weaver birds. From this portion of the deck you continue by entering the animal holding barn and have interior view on both sides of the animal pens. Originally designed to hold African Elephants, with their decommissioning, the zoo has returned to keeping one of it's original Okavango Delta species: Southern White Rhinoceros.
There are now three of these magnificent animals in the zoo's collection. The male came from the White Oak Wildlife Refuge in Florida and he joins a pair of females that were transferred all the way from the Singapore Zoo in Southeastern Asia. This transfer is consider especially important because it introduces two completely new genetic lines into the captive White Rhinoceros breeding Species Survival Plan of the AZA. It is hoped that these three will form a bonded herd relationship that benefit all of the White Rhinoceros in captivity in North America through their progeny and eventually lead to better conservation and survival globally.
In my lifetime two distinct species of Rhinoceros have been driven to extinction in Africa by human intervention. I believe it is our moral imperative to do everything in our powers to keep this alarming trend from destroying biodiversity on our planet.
The way out of this area leads you along the back side of the African Lion exhibit and through a faux rock ravine with several enclosed and open habitats featuring Reptiles and small Mammals.
Egyptian Uromastix
Fennec Fox
I'm a gregarious fellow. At one point I struck up a conversation with this gentleman. He had been coming to the zoo for 40 years and was here today with his wife, two of his daughters, a son-in-law, and three granddaughters! Now that's a testimonial. Turns out that they live out in mid-state Virginia, too. Took them nearly as long as it did myself to get here (3.5 hours). Naturally, he recalled the place before any of the last master plan was realized. A very enjoyable conversation as we toured along in shared company.
Lots a great signage throughout as well.
Following along with the education theme, there is also a little African Garden.
And did you know that Mexican Sunflowers are native to Africa?
A delightful family portrait of three of the zoo's four Masai Giraffe. The Masai species is the second most common species in North America Zoo, yet far out stripped by the more common Reticulated Giraffe. Both species are considered vulnerable in their native African habitats.
No comments:
Post a Comment