Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by: Gigi Allianic with Rebecca Whitham, Communications We’re committed to putting an extinct snail species back on the map in its native Tahiti. But first, we’re putting it on the zoo map. What was once a behind-the-scenes conservation breeding program is now front and center for zoo visitors with the new snail lab on view near the zoo’s Bug World. VIDEO: Extinct species making a comeback in Seattle. Produced by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo. Around 100 different species of Partula once existed on islands stretching across the South Pacific from Palau to French Polynesia, but due to the introduction of an invasive and carnivorous snail, Partula were reduced to about five species in less than 10 years in the 1980s. Before they vanished completely, scientists stepped in and collected small remnant populations of snails on the islands and sent these precious few to zoos for captive breeding. However, a survey conducted in 1987 on the island of Moorea could not locate a s

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications It may be all about the chocolate for you, but it's heart-shaped steaks, herbal bouquets and strawberry ice pops for the animals at Woodland Park Zoo's Valentine's Day Celebration coming up this Sat., Feb. 8, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Orangutan Chinta enjoys a fruity ice pop. Photo: Ryan Hawk/WPZ. The sweet treats are designed to bring out the wild side of each animal, catered to their favorite flavors and the unique ways each likes to hunt, peck or dive into decadent treats. See the full schedule of enrichment activities to see which animals will be joining in. If you are ready to plan a date with your special someone, send them a free Valentine e-card.  We have lots of fun and flirty designs to choose from, inspired by the zoo's animals! Choose from a selection of Valentine e-cards inspired by Woodland Park Zoo animals. Original photo by Dennis Dow/WPZ.

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications We can’t believe the time has already come to see our four young lions move on to the next stage of their lives. Born in November 2012, brothers Pelo and Rudo and sisters Busela and Nobuhle are now nearly the size of their mother, Adia. It’s hard not to think of them as our babies, but the foursome is maturing and getting closer to breeding age. This winter, each cub will be moving to a new home at an accredited zoo. This gives them the opportunity to pair up with new mates and eventually begin their own families through the Species Survival Plan conservation breeding program , while also making room for potential new cubs at Woodland Park Zoo. The male cubs began growing in their manes last summer. Photo: Dennis Dow/WPZ There are lots of comings and goings to keep track of as the pride reshapes over the next few weeks. Here’s what has been happening and what is coming up next: Inside the crate is young male lion, Pelo, being loa

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications By day, he’s systems technician Chris K. from the zoo’s IT department. But by night (err, well, by around 3:00 p.m.), he’s Bat Man. Chris K. teaches the students about bats in our own backyard and around the world. Photo: Woodland Park Zoo. At least, that’s what the kids in Woodland Park Zoo’s middle school after-school program, ZooCrew , call him. Chris is one of the latest zoo staffers to join the growing list of mentors who help ZooCrew kids see a future for themselves in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) career. ZooCrew instructors work with the students all semester long and bring in help from mentors like Chris when the students are ready to try their hands at career-focused projects. With a passion for defending bats from their undeserved reputation and from mounting conservation threats , Chris was a great match to lead students from Eckstein, Mercer, Washington, Madison and Chinook Middle Schools through a

Humans aren't the only animals that hug. On this National Hug Day, let's take a cue from the very social meerkats, who use touch to strengthen the bonds in their group. Photo: Dale Unruh/Woodland Park Zoo. XOXO.

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications Birthday banner? Check! Party horns? Got 'em. Now, where are the birthday boys… Aha! There they are…sleeping right through their own 20th birthday! That’s right—Woodland Park Zoo’s grizzly bear brothers, Keema and Denali, turn 20 today, and they are celebrating with a big ol’ snooze. Winter is a time of torpor for these bears, which means their activity level is low and their interest in our party horn shenanigans is non-existent. But we can’t let a milestone birthday like this one go unrecognized. After all, we remember these guys when they were just this big: Brothers hanging out at 1 year old in 1995. Photo: Woodland Park Zoo. That’s Keema and Denali at one year old exploring their Northern Trail home, opened in 1994. Cut to 2014 and the 20 year olds each weigh in at just over 850 pounds. My, how they have grown! Brothers still hanging out as adults. Photo: Ryan Hawk/WPZ. It’s uncommon for two adult grizz

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications At last count, more than 260 babies were born at Woodland Park Zoo in 2013, and hey, there’s still a few hours left in the year! We may have had our hands full of cubs, chicks, pups and kits, but the year was also marked by many other new additions: from a new exhibit that transformed the oldest part of the zoo, to new conservation programs that fight for a future for wildlife. Let’s take a look at the Top 13 zoo stories of 2013 that made us smile, made us care, and made us act to make a difference: 13.  Living with bears Bears want cake. Photo: Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo. Picnics aren't just for Yogi Bear—here in the Pacific Northwest, you may truly encounter a bear while hiking, picnicking or camping in the great outdoors, and sometimes even in your own backyard. What do you when a bear crashes your barbecue? Better yet, how can you make sure the bear never gets invited in the first place? With the help of destructi

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications Whether it's your first time or a return to an annual tradition, a visit to WildLights presented by KeyBank this year will bring more lights, more animals and more fun to your holidays! You might say there are 575,000 sparkling reasons to come to WildLights, but what other activities can you look forward to during your visit? Here are the top 10 experiences you can't miss at WildLights this year! 1. See the all new and classic light displays Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo. Approximately 575,000 energy-efficient LED lights recreate wild animals and wild places in two and three dimensions along the zoo’s pathways and North Meadow. An animated display of nature’s wonder is woven into the zoo’s famous greenery inspired by exotic destinations from across the globe. Last year’s favorite displays, Northern Lights, The Water Hole and Jungle Lights, are joined this year by all new displays: Monkey Business, Glow-rilla

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications You spend all that time decorating the tree, and then a grizzly comes along and gobbles it up. Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo. Well, hopefully not at your house, but that’s exactly what happens at Woodland Park Zoo’s Winter Celebration , Dec. 14-16 and Dec. 21-23. Break out of hibernation and join us for some holiday-themed treats for the animals. They'll much on decorated wreaths and evergreen trees, and tear into gift wrapped boxes filled with favorite foods. Greet your loved ones with a snowy otter, one of several free e-card designs. Photo: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo. 'Tis the season for sharing, so invite a friend to join you  by  sending a free Woodland Park Zoo holiday e-card! Browse from several designs and get started on making your tree-free card  today.

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications This International Cheetah Day we have big news: the fastest land animal on earth will be here in a flash! A pair of cheetah will debut in a temporary exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo next May. The two females will be arriving from Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. Photo: Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo The Species Survival Plan, a conservation breeding program among accredited zoos, enlisted our assistance to care for these animals for six to 18 months. We’ll share more as the plans come together over the next few months. Are you excited for this new addition? Animal curator Mark Myers helped round up some interesting facts about the new dotted denizens we all can't wait to meet: Range and Habitat Cheetah are distributed throughout the drier parts of sub-Saharan Africa. They are most frequently observed on open grassy plains, but can also be found in a mosaic of woodland and grassland habitats, using bush, scrub and open woodlan