Monday, August 31, 2020
Friday, August 28, 2020
Little Garden Zoo: Maintenance
I know, you're thinking, "Hey Mister, your zoo is made of plastic!" True; however, left to the elements and this particularly wet summer, my charges are subject to mold and algae! It's one of the reasons I lay down aquarium gravel in the settings. Keeping them away from dirt helps. But still there are outbreaks and cleaning is the only option. To do this I use a bleach solution and an old toothbrush.
Two Scimitar-horned Oryx and one Thomson Gazelle: Before (above) and After (below)
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Maryland Zoo: Eastern Box Turtle Habitat
Along the woodland paths of the Maryland Wilderness area of the zoo is a habitat that was recently renovated creating 3 new glass enclosed habitats in a faux cave along the back side of the sloping area where Eastern Box Turtles live. Because of the pandemic, that area is closed to the public. However, the turtle habitat is on view...and so are the turtles if you are patient.
Monday, August 24, 2020
Maryland Zoo: Marsh Aviary in the Maryland Wilderness.
Home to a variety of a dozen or so species at any given time.
BLACK VULTURE
NIGHT CROWNED CRANE
MERGANSER
LITTLE BLUE HERON
Maryland Zoo: African Black-footed Penguin, White-breasted Cormorants, and Pink-backed Pelicans
Penguin Coast is the home of the largest colony of African Black-footed Penguins in North America (90 birds!). But it's also home to two other African species. The White-breasted Cormorant and Pink-backed Pelicans are both native to some of the same coastlines that are home to these penguins.
Maryland Zoo: Chimpanzee nursery
We've been very fortunate at the Maryland Zoo over the past year. Not one, but two new Chimpanzees were born to our troop of now 14. As troops go, it's a pretty copacetic bunch. Last July 5, Bunny gave birth to Lola, and the father was not our alpha male, but rather Mr. #2. Bunny has significant hearing loss, which naturally was a concern, but she's proven herself to be an exceptional mother. In late December, Raven gave birth to Violet. Last week they were in the outer yard hanging out, putting things in their mouths! Kids...
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Maryland Zoo: Red-ruffed Lemurs
The Maryland Zoo is home to 5 species of Primates, all native to the African continent (Madagascar inclusive). Great apes are represented by our troop of Chimpanzees. The lesser apes have for representatives. The Black and White Colobus Guereza are the only primate that can also be called a "monkey" in the traditional sense. The other three are all members of the Lemuridae genus. We have a trio of Ring-tailed Lemurs, a pair of Coquerel's Sifaka, and a pair of Red-ruffed Lemurs. The latter are the object of these images.
I have a truly amazing photo of one from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington; and many of the large troop that call the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC home, but this was the first chance I've had to really see these two in a way that was conducive to a good image.
Soup Saturday!
This just might have to become a thing...
- Chicken stock
- Carrots
- Celery
- Scallions
- Garlic
- Button Mushrooms
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Dill (fresh)
- Lemon Zest
- Chicken (white meat left over from a roasted whole)
- Star Pasta (Molina brand--Mexican)
Maryland Zoo: African Elephants
In accordance with AZA regulations, our little herd consists of 4 members:
DAME ANNA
Anna is a steady soul. She had already been living at the Maryland Zoo when Felix and Tuffy arrived back in 2008. In that same year, Felix gave birth to Samson. A little more than a decade Felix's senior, she became the perfect Auntie. As such he has an affection for Samson that is apparent, also.
- Anna, the Matriarch
- Tuffy, the Bull
- Felix, adult female (has bred with Tuffy)
- Samson, Adolescent Bull, off-spring of Felix and Tuffy
The recent $20 million expansion more than doubled the available space for the elephants creating a total of 5 exterior spaces wherein they can explore and be reconfigured to better mimic their natural behaviors. Presently, the pairing of Felix and Tuffy continues with the hopes of conception. To watch the two them together (in or out of estrus) is really a tender thing for such large, lumbering animals. Anna is past the point of conceiving, and Samson is at a point in his life where interest in such things is now part of his life. Another benefit to having options of habitats. This post is about the ladies. You will note that Felix does not have tusks. If I recall correctly the reason is a rare genetic abnormality. In African Elephants both gender have tusks, while in Asian Elephants, only the males do.
DAME FELIX
For a full grown adult African Elephant, she is small in stature, but so sweet in countenance.
Anna is a steady soul. She had already been living at the Maryland Zoo when Felix and Tuffy arrived back in 2008. In that same year, Felix gave birth to Samson. A little more than a decade Felix's senior, she became the perfect Auntie. As such he has an affection for Samson that is apparent, also.
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