Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by: Kirsten Pisto, communications Thank you for your continued support and thoughts for the zoo during the event Thursday night and afterwards. We’d like to update you with more details of the fire and the recovery efforts. Fire crews fight the blaze from the roof of the Night Exhibit on Thursday, Dec 15. Photo courtesy of Seattle Fire Department. At approximately 3:15 p.m. Thursday, 12/15, a fire was reported in the Night Exhibit. Within minutes of making the call, the Seattle Fire Department responded. The zoo’s Emergency Response Team also responded. The fire was contained at 4:30 p.m. Visitors were safely evacuated and there were no staff or visitor injuries. Our staff practices emergency drills throughout the year. In fact, we had held a venomous snake drill the day before the fire.  These protocols helped immensely during the incident Thursday night, as everyone knew where they should go and what role to play. Because of our training and practice

Posted by: Alejandro Grajal, President and CEO Alejandro Grajal with Coba the spectacled owl As the year wraps up, I take stock of what I’ve discovered in my first seven months at Woodland Park Zoo. So many highlights stand out to me. But what stands out most is what an amazing force for nature YOU have been. Thanks to you, the zoo is closing out a very strong year. Day after day you cheer our mission on. How well a community supports a nonprofit—in words and in actions—is a good measure of the organization’s value. I’m pleased to report that more people are coming to the zoo to take part in the wonders of species conservation. We’re on track to touch the hearts and minds of 1.32 million guests this year. What’s more, in an increasingly competitive experience economy, zoo membership and private support have remained strong, and special ticketed events have done particularly well this year. You’ve helped to bring about positive impact beyond our 92 acres as well. Each December

Posted by: Jenny Mears, Education Pacific treefrog spotted at Forterra's Hazel Wolf Wetland. Photo: Mike Mallitt.  Yes, YOU can get involved in local amphibian conservation! Woodland Park Zoo has partnered with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) since 2012 to offer Amphibian Monitoring , a citizen science program in which western Washington residents learn how to survey for frogs, toads and salamanders in local ponds and wetlands. We welcome people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in the program—no science or citizen science experience is necessary! The next Amphibian Monitoring training is Saturday, February 4. At the training you will learn how to find and identify local amphibians in a way that’s safe for people, amphibians and their habitats. Participants will form teams, choose a local wetland or pond, and monitor that site once a month using equipment provided by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, including hip waders, aquascopes and

Posted by: Kirsten Pisto, communications Photos by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren, Woodland Park Zoo Carson the red panda surveys his yard as the early morning snowfall began to taper off.  The animals awoke this morning to a blanket of snow and, like the rest of us, were eager to explore the winter wonderland around them. Our dedicated photographer ventured out early to capture the moment as wolves, lions, red pandas and cranes got their fill of the white stuff. While some animals prefer to stay cozy in their indoor spaces (ahem, desert donkeys Sam and Rico, who wouldn’t step foot out of their warm barn), others were totally in their element.  Our pack of gray wolves were certainly right at home and welcomed the chilly weather. The girls are more active in the brisk winter mornings and we watched in awe as they playfully frolicked through their yard. Sister wolves Doba, Shila, Aponi and Kaya know exactly what to do in the snow—pose elegantly for their winter portrait

Posted by: Kerston Swartz, Public Affairs We continue to be grateful to Seattle voters for approving the Seattle Park District in Nov. 2014. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo. Of all the projects in construction, roof repairs, HVAC maintenance and utility upgrades are unquestionably not exciting, but as any builder knows, this essential infrastructure work creates a safe and sturdy foundation for the flashy projects we ogle over in glossy magazines. At Woodland Park Zoo, these infrastructure projects are way more than just maintenance. This work is central to the health and comfort of our residents—the 1,200 animals who call this place home— and the humans who care for them. That’s why we continue to be extremely grateful to Seattle voters for passing the Seattle Park District ballot measure nearly two years ago. With major maintenance funding provided by the Park District—about $1.8 million a year—the zoo can tackle a long list of infrastructure projects not

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