Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by: Dr. Deborah B. Jensen, President and CEO WPZ President Jensen. Photo by Matt Hagen. Because of your support and the generosity of nearly 16,000 individuals, I’m thrilled to share the news that we exceeded our $80 million More Wonder More Wild campaign goal by raising more than $83.5 million! If this isn't enough to celebrate, in 2013 we also set an all-time record for zoo visitor attendance! During the eight-year campaign, our community experienced the deepest recession since the Great Depression. But world events continued to illustrate the urgent need to save our planet’s wildlife and habitats, to create a future in which animals and people can co-exist and thrive together. So, with passion and commitment, we continued to tell our story. Our animals continued to provide the wonder and joy that we all experience when we visit the zoo. And you continued to show your generous support! This member-submitted photo iconically conveys the wonder and wild donor

Posted by: Jessie Maxwell, Education For the young and young at heart—a zoo is truly a place for everyone to discover wildlife and to be inspired to learn, care and act. It comes as no surprise to people that we offer programs for children here in the zoo’s Education Department, but less known are the programs we offer for senior citizens. Through our Senior Classes , senior citizens have the opportunity to learn more about the zoo and the animals that call it home, as well as get some unique opportunities. “I really enjoyed the class [and] loved being with people of my same age group.” – Sandy Bell Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo. The most recent Senior Class, “In Like a Lion,” gave the seniors a chance to see our resident lions up close and learn how zookeepers provide enrichment for the animals’ development and well-being. Many animals at the zoo receive enrichment, and the class attendees began the class by watching the lions devour a treat. Photo by class att

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications I watch her watch her “prey.” A young family walks the length of the snow leopard exhibit, failing to notice the sly cat prowling in the shadows, just a step behind their line of sight. They are about to walk away from the exhibit when the daughter, maybe 6 years old, turns around and finally spots the snow leopard, coiled up tight like a spring. There is just enough time for her to utter “She looks sleepy,” before the feline pounces toward the fence. Safe on the other side of the barrier, the little girl lets out a wild giggle, a sound mixed with surprise, thrill and then a little embarrassment once she realizes she’s clutching her mom. A young Asha and Shanti on the chase. Photo by Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo. That girl just learned what zoo staff learned long ago—never underestimate Asha and Shanti. Though both snow leopard sisters are blind in one eye, they have developed into playful huntresses. We have watched them overcome

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications Photos by Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo Guntur, the infamously over-protective otter dad, has finally let the newest pups take their first steps outside! The four pups—three girls and one boy born in January—have only had a few tiny adventures outdoors so far. Though they step out for only a few minutes at a time, the good news is that dad seems to be getting more comfortable each time. It helps a lot that the pups’ have a dedicated family that also includes mom and four older brothers to show them the way. Sometimes that means moving the pups around… …and sometimes that means letting the pups figure out their own way. The pups aren’t yet the most coordinated little movers, but they’re quite capable of planting themselves into prime snacking position, which we learned when keepers gave them some grubs outdoors. Video: Otter pups venture outdoors. Keep in mind if you’re planning a visit that the otters’ tim

Posted by: Deborah B. Jensen, President and CEO Elephants have long played a role in the community and in our hearts. At Woodland Park Zoo, we have cared for elephants since we received our first one in 1921, funded in part by donations from local school children.  Asian elephant Chai at Woodland Park Zoo. Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo. I am pleased to announce that the zoo will commit $1.5 to $3 million to strengthen the Asian elephant program at the zoo, as well as play a key role in multiple elephant conservation arenas. This pledge follows a six-month, critical and thorough external review of the zoo’s elephant program by the Elephant Task Force —a panel of local community representatives and internationally-distinguished scientists and animal care professionals—and a review of the Task Force’s report by the zoo’s Board of Directors and staff. The new strategic direction of the zoo’s elephant program endorses many of the options given to the zoo by the

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications As we countdown to Party for the Planet coming up April 5-13 , it’s time to kick-off the earth-friendly event with a contest! Turn trash into treasure and enter the Upcycled Wild Craft Contest. Photo by Ryan Hawk, craft by Sara Schaad/Woodland Park Zoo. Transform trash into treasure for the zoo’s Upcycled Wild Craft Contest. Use non-recyclable items including bottle caps, old furniture or food packaging to make artful creations that reduce waste and look wild! Contest entries will be judged in the following age categories: Ages 5-8  Ages 9-13  Ages 14-18  Ages 19 + up  Entries will be accepted March 29 – April 11. Drop yours off at the zoo’s West Entrance with a completed entry form . All entries will be displayed in the zoo’s West Plaza and on Woodland Park Zoo’s Pinterest board. Upcycling is a great way to keep items out of the landfill. Photo by Kirsten Pisto/Woodland Park Zoo.  One winner will be selecte

Posted by: Kirsten Pisto, Communications Photos and video by Kirsten Pisto/Woodland Park Zoo Traveling across the country with animals in tow is a regular experience for our dedicated zookeepers, but when curator Martin Ramirez offered me the chance to tag along and document the move of two African lions, I jumped at what for me was a once-in-a-lifetime road trip! This map traces the 16-hour route we traveled this month to deliver maturing lionesses Busela and Nobuhle to Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City—all part of the Species Survival Plan conservation breeding program that will eventually pair them with two mates in their new home. Long before the road trip ever began, keepers and vet staff worked closely with the animals to prepare them for the transition with crate training, diet prep and health checks planned for before, during and after the move. The animal care staff is dedicated to ensuring these trips are as quick and stress-free as possible for all passengers, which