Installment #3
Read Installment #2: Little Guenon Gets Acquainted

The exhibit that houses the Wolf’s guenons in Monkey Trails at the San Diego Zoo is beautiful. It is lushly planted and embellished with various leafy vegetation, climbing structures, pools, and grassy areas for rest and play. The exhibit is also very tall and hilly, offering our guests two-story viewing. These exciting exhibit elements are enriching for the guenon family and our guests, to be sure, but can be problematic for a youngster who does not yet “know the ropes.”
(more…)

On January 24, 2009, one of the San Diego Zoo’s “biggest” attractions was relocated to another facility. After nearly 15 years in San Diego, Jabba, a 25-year-old bull river hippopotamus, now calls the Los Angeles Zoo his home. Funani, the resident female hippo, remains, and joining her, from Los Angeles, will be Otis, a 33-year-old bull. Jabba and Otis were moved on the same day. But exactly how does one move a 10-foot, nearly 5,000-pound animal with 5-inch canines?
(more…)

Every year at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, our critters get excited about Valentine’s Day. They know that during the month of February, animal lovers around the world show just how much they care by picking out toys and treats from the Animal Care Wish List.
(more…)

It is good to know there are always constants in life. I just finished reading through all of my meerkat blogs, and I am amazed at what has happened in the three short years we have had this group! (See previous blog, Meerkats: Heat Seekers) Ngami, never one to disappoint, had her eighth litter on Tuesday, February 3. And as part of doing things her own way, she brought the pups out on day one. Of course, this is not normal meerkat behavior, but I have grown used to the way this mob raises its pups. We have all adapted to their methods and have been quite successful.
(more…)

Sunday, February 8, marked the second day of Step 2 in our weaning protocol: an overnight separation of mom and cub. Bai Yun and Zhen Zhen were each in their own spaces from late afternoon until early morning, and both bears did very well.
(more…)

Installment #2
Read Installment #1: Little Guenon Gigi

When Gigi was two weeks old, we had essentially eliminated all the obstacles of her socialization. Gigi was eating and gaining weight well, was bottle adapted, and could hold her body temperature outside of the incubator environment. She still relied upon a heat disk to keep her toasty when outside or in a cool room.
(more…)

Yesterday, February 2, 2009, marked the first day we closed the doors between giant panda Bai Yun and her fourth cub, Zhen Zhen. From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the two were separated, each to their own exhibit. This is the first step of a gradual progression toward the weaning of Zhen, facilitating her social and nutritional independence from her mother.
(more…)

Inquiring minds want to know…yes, we are in polar bear breeding season! And yes, Kalluk and Chinook (pictured) have been, ahem, “amorous.” Phew! Now for some of the details…
(more…)