Detroit Zoo: Africa II

 Beyond the Rhinos you come to a restaurant (Closed), the furthest nexus of the narrow gauge railroad (Closed), and habitats with mostly ungulates.  The Warthogs were out, but so far away and laying low sleeping that they were not ready for their "close ups," Mr. DeMille.  The only restroom open was a pair of large porta-potties.  I've relieved myself in worse, though the little girl and mother using the one next to me were possibly traumatized for life--I made sure to keep noises to a minimum.

Of the animals advertised, almost half were out.  Again, the temps at this point were in the low 70's.  A trio of male Grevy's Zebra (P), three Reticulated Giraffe (Q), two Common Elands, a Common Ostrich (O), and one Giant Anteater (R) resident in the habitat of the Sulcata Tortoise--a refugee from the new children's play area redevelopment.  Absent were Thomson Gazelles, Blue Wildebeest, Aardvark, Meerkats, and the aforementioned Tortoise.  I get the tortoise, the day would work for them, but it's still a little early.  Nice images and opportunities to see those that were present.  The habitats are spacious.

Common Eland

Taurotragus oryx

One of the three Elands was missing a horn.

Members of a genus with 9 total species of Antelopes, others include, Kudu, Bongo, Nyala and Sitatunga.  The Eland (Giant and Common) are the most bovine-like.

Common Ostrich

Struthio camelus 

(male)

Zebra (and Antelope) Habitat, although only Zebra were present on the day I visited.

Grevy's Zebra

Equus grevyi

There are three species of Zebra: Mountain, Plains, and Grevy's

Grevy's are impossible to mistake with their super narrow stripes.

One male grooming another.

Live for moments like this!

Giraffe habitat and barn in the background

Reticulated Giraffe

Giraffa reticulata

(male)

Jabari is the bull of the Detroit Zoo's Giraffe herd of five animals

The Warthog habitat is also ginormous, and the warthogs were taking full advantage of this and were sleeping at the very far side of the area.

Habitat listed as home to Aardvark and Tortoise space; however, currently home to the zoo's Giant Anteater.

Giant Anteater

Myrmecophaga tridactyla