“Hopping” mad that Spring is not yet here!

 

With the colder than average temperatures and the constant snow fall this winter, we are all “hopping ” to feel those spring temperatures.  Most of our  animals that spend their summers in outdoors exhibits are also going a little stir-crazy indoors; ready to go outside to have a little fun in the sun.  Spring cleaning and exhibit maintenance is hard to accomplish when there is a light, or should I say heavy dusting of snow! We are all getting very excited for warmer temperatures.

Speaking of hopping , we have two resident rabbits, “L.J.” and “Honey” who cannot wait to get outside and munch on some of the new fresh spring grass. The Como Zoo has two rabbits that are taken to educational programs, classes, keeper talks, and used by interpretive specialists such as Nature Walkers (a program for juvenile adolescents under the age of 17, who volunteer and teach the public fun facts about animals during the summer months). The rabbits get to interact with children and adults of all ages during these events, and get to have a “hoppy” good time.

Como Zoo has the “Bunny Hop”, which is an on-site class in which the rabbits will also be participating.

This class is held on April 11th, 2014 from 9:30am - 10:45am. Children and adults can have a “hare-raising” adventure as they watch a rabbit during feeding time, make a bunny craft to take home, play hopping games, eat a rabbit snack and twitch our little noses.

There are many other animals you can learn great facts about and “get closer” to at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory this Spring. Open 365 days a year, rain, shine, snow, or slush, you can come watch a training demo, take a class, or watch a gardener or keeper talk! Come join the fun with myself and the rabbits as we “hop” into Spring !!

Happy Birthday Emerald Tree Boas!

Como Zoo's Emerald Tree Boas are one year old!  Twenty neonates were born in January 2013 from the same parents who had offspring in 2011.  Emerald tree boas are born brick red and start changing color around 6-9 months of age; with red becoming orange and eventually green; a process called ontogenesis.  The white markings do not change from juvenile to adulthood.   Many species of snakes have different color phases as they age.

These boas are arboreal and native to the tropical rainforests of South America.  Their “emerald” green coloration provides perfect camouflage during adult years when they are found in the canopy of the rainforest.  The reddish juvenile coloration is thought to provide camouflage in the lower part of the rainforest where it is darker and shadowy.  Juvenile emeralds find protection from predators and abundant food in the lower forest areas.  As they mature (and change color), they will move higher into the rainforest's upper canopy.
The pictures show their newborn coloration, 8-9 month transition phase, and adult coloration now at one year old.  Happy 1^st Birthday Emeralds!



Red coloration of neonates

8-9 months old coloration



Adult coloration

Happy Birthday Jaya!

 

Did somebody say P-A-R-T-Y? Well, that is exactly what the staff at Como Zoo did this morning in “Celebration” of  Jaya, the  youngest of the zoo’s Orangutans. Jaya turned the big 6 today! Arriving via C-Section on December 13, 2007, Jaya is nothing short of a miracle for celebration for all of the staff at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Jaya holds the record for the fastest reintroduction to mother Markisa out of nine c-sections performed on captive Orangutans after just twelve remarkable and memorable days.  After around the clock care from the keeper staff for the first twelve days of his life, Jaya was able to spend Christmas Day back in his mother’s arms.

With presents, cameras, and smiles in place; Zookeepers gave Jaya enrichment while singing “Happy birthday” for his special day. Enrichment is stimulating activities that keep the animals mentally and physically healthy. Today Jaya received presents wrapped in gift paper; footballs, soccer balls, bagels with whip cream and sprinkles, among other fun objects. All four of Como Zoo’s Orangutans were able to participate and celebrate on this snowy Friday the 13^th, with Jaya or “Sugar Lips” a nickname given by Como Zoo’s lead Orangutan trainer and International studbook keeper, Megan Elder.

All of the animals at Como Zoo are given daily enrichment activities from the keepers such as food, changes to exhibit "furniture", toys, or even auditory or visually stimulating things. However, this lucky little Orangutan only turns 6 once, and what a day to celebrate!

Happy birthday to you Jaya!

Creepy crawlers come to the Como Zoo

Go Inside Gorilla Forest

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Featured on Comcast Newsmakers

Getting ready to Go Bananas!

Zoo staff and visitors alike are getting excited for the Grand Opening of Gorilla Forest on June 6-9.  In preparation, zoo staff tested out the new outdoor habitats; picking up any construction debris, cleaning windows, and testing out the mesh.  The walls and roof of Gorilla Forest are made of stainless steel mesh.  While not comfortable to climb on, zoo keepers expect the gorillas to use it on occasion to move around, so they made a point of testing it out before the gorillas got out there.  As you can see by the pictures, the staff had a good time "monkeying" around while making sure everything was safe for the apes.