Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by Craig Newberry, Communications This weekend, people around the world will usher in the 2023 Lunar New Year on January 22, and this year it’s the Year of the Rabbit! Lunar New Year is celebrated across the globe, but especially in East Asia, where traditions and interpretations are as unique as the many cultures that mark this special date. Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash Rabbits have long symbolized good luck; therefore, the rabbit is considered the luckiest of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Rabbits can also symbolize prosperity, cleverness and fertility. The Chinese zodiac suggests that those born during the Year of the Rabbit will be gentle, elegant and creative. At Woodland Park Zoo, two rabbits live at the Family Farm. Ten-year-old Winston the rabbit has tortoise-shell fur with lovely dapples of orangey-brown and black. Keaton, 6, is the zoo’s gray-furred Flemish giant rabbit. His breed is one of the largest in the world—males can weigh 15 to 20 pounds! Leah M...

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 fo...