Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by Robert Long, Senior Conservation Scientist and Director, Living Northwest Program, Wildlife Conservation In a last-minute announcement, the Trump administration is proposing to eliminate protections for 3.4 million acres of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl across the Pacific Northwest and California. This decision, if enacted, could push this iconic Pacific Northwest species to extinction. Our forests are home to myriad species and natural communities, and essential to humans for things such as clean water, clean air and the very wilderness we treasure. Large blocks of connected, protected resilient forests are, indeed, the best insurance we have against massive losses of wildlife species and the effects of climate change. Photo of spotted owl by Frank D. Lospalluto/Flickr via Audubon. This decision is counter to the best available science. A very recent review by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service concluded that Northern spotted owls are in critical need of p

Posted by Elizabeth Bacher, Communications Nadiri is in the final days of her second pregnancy. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo Once again, it’s an exciting time for our western lowland gorilla family as the birth watch begins for our next baby. We announced last October that 24-year-old Nadiri is pregnant with her second infant, and her official birth watch is now underway. Technically Nadiri’s due date falls between late January and early February, but without knowing exactly when she became pregnant it is hard to pinpoint a specific date. The gestation period for gorillas is eight to nine months which is similar to humans.  Nadiri is in the final days of her second pregnancy. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo The new baby will be the second for both Nadiri and 21-year-old Kwame, but their first together. Nadiri gave birth to Yola, who was sired by Vip, a little more than 5 years ago. Because Nadiri was partially human-raised as an infant and had no exper

Posted by Meghan Sawyer and Elizabeth Bacher, Communications Red-crested turaco chick at four weeks. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo As 2020 draws to a close, Woodland Park Zoo is celebrating an eggstrordinary hatching more than three decades in the making: say hello to the zoo’s red-crested turaco chick, hatched November 16—the first of its species to hatch at the zoo since 1984! The brooder temperature is carefully monitored for the red-crested turaco chick—shown shortly after hatching—to make sure it is comfortable and healthy. Photo: Stephanie Miller/Woodland Park Zoo Months ago, the zoo’s female red-crested turaco laid a couple of eggs. In the past, previous fertile eggs had failed to develop, so this time around our experienced animal care staff decided to incubate the eggs behind-the-scenes and hand-rear any chicks. Hand-rearing a requires precisely timed feedings throughout the day and into the evening, and careful monitoring of brooder temperatures to make sure

What do you get for that special someone who counts Mother Earth among their BFFs? We have a few ideas to share! JOE FOR JOEYS Warm up to the holidays with a cup of joe that saves joeys! Caffe Vita and Woodland Park Zoo's Tree kangaroo Conservation Program bring you coffee directly from Papua New Guinea farmers who have pledged their land for conservation. The Yopno Uruwa Som (YUS) Conservation Area covers 180,000 acres of pristine habitat, home to the endangered Matschie's Tree Kangaroo. The coffee is mellow and honey-like, with flavors of toasted hazelnut, orange zest, guava, and sugarcane. You can find these magical beans at the ZooStore, at various Caffe Vita locations, or order online. CONSERVATION KITCHEN We have fair trade, 100% cotton napkins and kitchen towels that are hand embroidered in Pakistan using locally sourced cotton. These embroidered pieces help communities that share the snow leopard habitat earn a living without harming the snow leopards. Embroidered kit

Last week, we gave you a Gift Guide for that special little one in your life . This week we’re featuring a list for the kid in each of us—animal lovers of all ages! The following items are available in person at our ZooStore or at our online ZooStore . Happy shopping! Things to wear, to share and to show you care about animals! ZOOM HOLIDAY PARTY ATTIRE! Many of us will be getting together with friends, family or colleagues at a virtual holiday party this year... which means gathering 'round the computer camera with your pod.  We invite you to show off your hygge and be the winner of the "snuggly" sweater contest with an animal-themed holiday sweater! You can find the perfect one and many other cozy sweatshirts, hoodies and tees at at the Woodland Park Zoo store. Win the "snuggly" sweater contest with this festive piece. $29.99. This forest icons hoodie is made from recycled plastic bottles and cotton. $49.00. COFFEE, TEA OR WHATEVER WETS YOUR WHISTLE We have a

Looking for something for that special little one in your life? We have some suggestions sure to please the young animal fans on your list!  ORNAMENTS Kids love to decorate and help get into the holiday spirit, so receiving their very own animal ornament will feel extra special. Whether they love things that are furry or feathered, we have lots of baubles to choose from! There are lots of animal ornaments to choose from. All  under $20. GREEN TOYS More fun! Less waste! Woodland Park Zoo’s very own ZooStore has Green Toys, like a ferry boat or car carrier, which are made from 100% recycled plastic with no BPA. The packaging is earth-friendly and made of 100% recycled cardboard and printed with soy inks. Great for little imaginations and the planet. Green toys, made of 100% recycled plastic are at the ZooStore or online at zoo.org/zoostore . $29.99. PERFECTLY PLUSH These eco-friendly plush animals are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles which might otherwise be cluttering landfills a