Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by Kirsten Pisto, Communications Video and Photos by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/WPZ Watch video: Emma the rabbit receives acupuncture and massage therapy. When we think of aging, we look to our elders to show us how it’s done, and here at the zoo there are some furrier examples of aging gracefully. Getting older can be rough on the body, but with the right health care plan, assistance from geriatric specialists, physical therapy, medication and lifestyle changes, people can enjoy many active, healthy golden years. For decades, humans have known the healing benefits of physical therapy. Today, rehabilitation techniques are emerging as a new standard in best animal care programs in zoos around the country, and Woodland Park Zoo is at the forefront of providing thisspecialized care .  Meet Emma, a 13-year-old English spot rabbit. Emma has enjoyed an illustrious 11-year career as an ambassador animal at Woodland Park Zoo. Emma has been a special presence for ma

Posted by Stephanie Payne-Jacobs, gorilla keeper EDITOR'S NOTE: Adult male gorillas are known as silverbacks because of the striking silver hair that grows across their back all the way down to their hips. This is not only a mark of maturity (silver hairs appear around 12 years-old), but a sign that one might be strong and determined enough to protect his troop. In most gorilla troops, the silverback is the center of attention. He is responsible for guarding the troop against outsiders, finding choice feeding sites and playing mediator between the other gorillas in the group. While silver hairs, larger canines and handsome red crowns (in Western lowland gorillas) are all visual characteristics of a mighty silverback, it is the personality and behavior of these males that determine if they will lead. This is the story of how one such silverback, Leonel, has come into his own as a protector, leader and peacekeeper — in part with a little help from a tiny, adorable baby called Yo

Posted by Kirsten Pisto, communications Here’s J̶o̶h̶n̶n̶y̶ Guntur! (Video: bit.ly/otterjack by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, Woodland Park Zoo.) Our Asian small-clawed river otters received a special Halloween treat this year. Along with new bedding (straw), and Halloween themed objects to explore, the otter lodge was treated to a jack-o-lantern full of juicy worms. Mmm. We stuck a GoPro inside the gourd to give you a terrifying perspective.  Listen closely, can you hear the squeaks? Asian small-clawed otters are known for their many different vocalizations to communicate. Treats, did you say? Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, Woodland Park Zoo. Pumpkin Bash 2016 is this weekend, October 29-30, for details visit  http://www.zoo.org/halloween   Otters Guntur, Teratai, Maxwell, Chancellor, Sherman, Thomas, Peanut, Valerie, Boo and Cliff are slotted for another Halloween feast at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 29! See you there. An otter investigates a straw-filled

Posted by: Kirsten Pisto, Communications Photos by: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo You might think of Halloween costumes as the perfect disguise, but our quiz will reveal the true you. Find the best animal costume to match your personality by taking our quiz, Which Animal Should I be for Halloween? Discover your wild side and get DIY animal costume tips in time for Woodland Park Zoo's Pumpkin Bash! www.zoo.org/halloween After you've taken the quiz, check out a few easy DIY tips and tricks below to create the perfect animal costume just in time for Pumpkin Bash! Once you have your costume you can take advantage of our exclusive Pumpkin Bash discount: one child 12 years and under in costume is admitted FREE with a paid adult (cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion).   Bali Mynah You are gregarious and charming. Your flock of friends is always close by and you prefer to hang with the in-crowd. Your charismatic demeanor

Posted by Kirsten Pisto, Communications Last month, in celebration of the new Molbak's Butterfly Garden , we asked artists of all ages to show us their most creative designs with the Butterfly Wings coloring contest. As 569 beautiful entries rolled in, we realized that picking the winners would be a daunting task! The video above highlights just a few of the 569 entries we received. To help us narrow down the contestants, we invited the entire zoo staff to vote for their favorites. After eight hours of voting, we finally have our winners. Drum roll, please... Adults (13 years and older) Grand prize winner:  Melissa Jeffers, 21, “Butterflies in the Forest” Melissa Jeffers, "Butterflies in the Forest." Melissa will receive the grand prize: a tour of Molbak’s Butterfly Garden with entomologist and butterfly expert Erin Sullivan and a private afternoon tea with cookies for up to six people. $50 Molbak’s gift card. Runner up:  Elissa Clough, 13, “The B

Posted by: Kirsten Pisto, Communications Artists of all ages, join us in welcoming a flutter of colorful wings to Woodland Park Zoo. In celebration of the new Molbak's Butterfly Garden, we are holding a coloring contest with a few fabulous prizes. Get out your colored pencils, markers, watercolors or crayons (anything goes) and show us your most creative design. Just like butterflies, coloring can be a reflection of inner beauty, tranquility and expression. We can’t wait to see your artwork!  If you are a member, then you've already received the summer issue of MyZoo  member magazine with the coloring contest template inside. You can also download and print the template below. Print the drawing template by clicking here. We recommend printing at 11" x 17" Don't wait to get started, we are offering some pretty awesome prizes if you win. PRIZES Adults (13 years and older) Grand prize winner: Tour Molbak’s Butterfly Garden with entomologist