I guess I really hadn’t thought about it until one day, as I was sitting outside feeding Big Daddy, a keeper came up to me and said, “So that’s Big Daddy!”

We talk about Big Daddy at the animal hospital at the San Diego Zoo all the time. You hear the radio calls, “bring Big Daddy to the treatment room,” “I’m outside with Big Daddy,” “Can you bring more kingworms for Big Daddy?” “Is there a mister for Big Daddy?” and on and on. You may be wondering at this point: who is this Big Daddy and why is he getting all this attention at the hospital?
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Do you ever wonder where animals go when their exhibit is under maintenance or construction? I mean, not just the one antelope or a ratel; I am talking about a large group of animals.

The last several days you may have noticed when you walked in the front gate at the San Diego Zoo that the Caribbean flamingos were missing. That’s because their pool was getting a thorough cleaning and slight remodel. So where did that flamboyance of flamingos go? Well, to the Zoo’s hospital. And it wasn’t just a simple trip to the hospital; it was a “let’s do everything that needs to be done” kind of trip.
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Several months back the staff here at the Giant Panda Research Station at the San Diego Zoo was forced to make some modifications to Su Lin’s exhibit, given her propensity to find new and interesting branches to climb, getting her ever closer to the public. Well, last week she was at it again, climbing forward in her goal of reaching the conifer tree located between the viewing rows – NOT a good idea, from our perspective. So on came our trusty arborists, modifiying the branches yet again to keep the growing big sister within her exhibit space.
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A California condor can be easily distinguished from other birds if you know what features to look for when you spot a bird. Start by looking for a numbered tag attached to its wings. Then consider this:

Turkey vultures and golden eagles are the birds most often confused with condors. (Reference graphic.) A condor has large white stripes on the inside of its wings, whereas the golden eagle and turkey vulture have white on the wingtips rather than a thick white stripe.
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Condors are curious creatures and attracted to shiny objects. When rearing their young, they look for solid material to feed their young to help in development. Decades ago, they used to select bits of bone. Now, they have more interesting choices: glass, bottle caps, pop-tops, etc. discarded by humans.

Young condors are unable to digest or regurgitate these items and perish. San Diego Zoo scientists are trying to teach zoo-reared condors to make the right choices and also providing sterilized bone in feeding areas.

What can I do?
Dispose of trash properly.
Remove and dispose of trash you encounter on the trail.

This is the most crucial roadblock to the recovery of the California condor. Exposure to lead is a well-recognized danger to humans, mammals, and birds. After a 20-year effort to bring the California condor back from the brink of extinction, lead poisoning continues to be a threat to the recovery of the species.
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The first wild condor nest of the season was found on January 30 by the Santa Barbara Zoo nesting technician team. The nest is located in the vicinity of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary in Southern California. An interesting new pairing has formed this year between the young male condor No. 247 and the oldest free flying female condor No. 79 (Indian name Pitahsi) to produce this egg.
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As you big cat fans know, Lion Camp at the Wild Animal Park has been a very busy place. Oshana and Mina’s combined family of seven lively cubs has been keeping everyone on their toes. The pride has had access to the exhibit for about a week, and the little ones have really made it their own (see Marcia’s previous blog, Lion Cubs Debut). The one missing link has been Izu, sire of all the cubs and all-around great dad. Although he has had access to the rest of the pride through an introduction screen, he had not actually been in the same space as his family…until Tuesday (February 5)!
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Elephant Survey Team, from left to right: Henry (driver/mechanic), Abwe (team leader) Martin (camp keeper), Daniel (field assistant), Baboule (porter), Mark (field assistant) and Maurice (field assistant).

Last time I wrote about how our surveys in the Ebo Forest in Cameroon were planned (see Bethan’s blog, Surveying Forest Elephants in the Ebo Forest). Now for some of the day-to-day trials of conducting a survey and our experiences of the first week!

We are fortunate to have gathered a team of strong and dedicated young biologists and ex-hunters, who now work as field guides for the San Diego Zoo’s Central African Program. We set off from the road on a compass bearing, where I took a group picture at first light. Within 500 yards/meters we encountered a beautiful (if deadly) Gaboon viper sleeping quietly on a branch about 13 feet (4 meters) above ground! (more…)

Yesterday, February 4, was the day. I received word on Saturday that momma Pallas’ cat would be leaving us on Monday night for her new home in New York (see Kelly’s blog, Safe Journey, My Furry Friend). I only had a few more days to spend with her. Since her exam the week prior, she was wary again of the crate. Then, to add to the challenge, she started the beginning of her estrous cycle. She becomes very vocal and likes to roll and rub on things. Oh, and did I mention she doesn’t have much interest in food or shifting during this time either? As usual, she’s always providing me with the challenge.

Because she is known for her stubbornness and because it was my usual day off, I asked if I could be the one to come in to do the deed. I’m glad to say there weren’t any objections. As I approached her exhibit, she saw me and immediately came running down to the front to greet me, rubbing her face on the wire and giving me those low guttural growls. She followed me to the back where the crate was attached. One sideways glance and then she proceeded to enter the crate where she was reinforced with some of her diet. When I shut the door, the look changed and the silent treatment began.

I took her to the designated drop off to await her ride to the airport. I checked on her a few times and said my final goodbyes. She hissed at me in response. I guess I couldn’t expect anything else. I’m only sorry I won’t be around if and when she decides to forgive me.

It was sad not to see her this morning as I started my day. Already we’re busy preparing the exhibit at the Zoo’s Polar Bear Plunge habitat for a new arrival, an Arabian wild cat. Maybe I have another challenge ahead of me yet! As I went along with my morning routine, I received a call that Mom had arrived home safe and sound, to which I replied, “She’s not home, but I’m glad she’s alright.” I miss her already.

Kelly Murphy is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.