Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by Elizabeth Bacher, Communications, with contributions from Al Kennedy and Chad Harmon, Rhino Keepers Our greater one-horned rhinos—Taj and Glenn. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo If you’ve visited our Assam Rhino Reserve recently, you might have noticed something new about Taj and Glenn’s habitat. The ground these 2-ton greater one-horned rhinos walk (and run, and play) on looks a little different than before. But the biggest change is actually beneath the surface. It took more than a year to complete and it has totally transformed the way we care for these amazing animals! The word “substrate” refers to the kind of substance that covers the ground or surface where an animal lives—sort of like flooring. In short, Taj and Glenn have a new “floor” in their habitat. The process to plan and install it was a huge undertaking and the benefits it offers for our rhinos and for their well-being are equally huge. A greater one-horned rhino in Manas National Park, India, wh...

Posted by Elizabeth Bacher, Communications Happy birthday—or hatch day—to this special emu! Windana turned 30 years old on March 22, which makes him one of the oldest known emus in all of the accredited zoos in North America! Emus have an average life expectancy of around 10 years in the wild and around 20 years in human care—so Windana’s age is a testament to the amazing care he receives, day in and day out, from our animal keepers and veterinary staff. Windana is a sweetheart of an emu with a permanent case of bedhead. Photo: Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo Emus are large flightless birds native to Australia. They’re the second largest living birds on the planet next to the ostriches of Africa and, as adults, can easily grow 5 to 6 feet tall. Windana, whose name comes from an Aboriginal word referencing a “crossroads” or a “turning point”, has lived at Woodland Park Zoo for almost his whole life. He arrived here in 1992, along with a female emu around the same age named Kowia. Both o...

Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications Red panda Yukiko was 16 years old. Photo by animal keeper Megan/ Woodland Park Zoo We are sad to announce that our beloved red panda, Yukiko, was humanely euthanized today after an examination to evaluate cardiac issues related to old age. At 16 years old, Yukiko lived well beyond the life expectancy of his species. The median life expectancy for red pandas in zoos is 10 years and 8 years in their natural habitat. The geriatric red panda was recently diagnosed with severe heart disease and had been under close observation and treatment. Because he stopped taking prescribed medications and his appetite had decreased for the last few days, Woodland Park Zoo’s animal health team brought in a veterinary cardiologist to better define his heart condition. The exam revealed that he was in heart failure due to advanced cardiomyopathy. Due to a poor prognosis and the compromised quality of Yukiko’s life, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him. Yu...

Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications The Komodo habitat is open again after undergoing significant improvements to make it better for the lizards, and for you!  Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo Komodo dragons. They’re reptilian icons. They’re rare. They’re the largest lizards on the planet. And, visitors can discover these ambush predators at Woodland Park Zoo where two male Komodo dragons live. Their home has reopened after being closed all summer while undergoing extensive upgrades to improve their welfare, increase exhibit sustainability and enhance the visitor experience. Phoro: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo Woodland Park Zoo opened its Komodo dragon exhibit in 2000 with all the necessary comforts to meet the standards of care for the lizards. “However, in two decades we have come to understand the husbandry for these animals has advanced significantly and we needed to make changes to their home to ensure it evolves and matches the current state-of-th...