Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens LA Zoo News 2010

That is really sad news about Methuselah. You just never imagined the day he'd be gone. A real fixture in every zoo visit for as long as I can remember.

 

I forgot to mention that all the soap has been removed from the windows in the china exhibit.

 

I just found out that Reggie the alligator has been introduced to the old female alligator that lived with Methuselah. They both will be living in Reggie's home.

 

They could both use some companionship.

 

Blackduiker

Recent Activities (from the May issue of Zoo Scape).

Births:
0.0.5 African Hedgehog
0.0.3 Chacoan Peccary
0.0.1 Red-rumped Agouti
0.1.0 Tufted Deer (a first for this species at Los Angeles)

Arrivals:
0.1.0 Masai Giraffe (from San Diego)

Departures:
0.2.0 Masai Giraffe (to Santa Barbara)
0.0.2 Mexican Beaded Lizard (to Chattanooga)

 

The LA Zoo announces the birth of a female Desert Bighorn Sheep.

Press Room - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

 

I'll check her out this Friday on my off day. I hope I can spot the new Tufted Deer fawn too.

 

The Snow Leopard cubs left last week for Seneca Park Zoo and are now adjusting well to their new home.

2 snow leopards introduced at Seneca Park Zoo | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle

 

I just uploaded some photos that I took last Saturday.

 

Blackduiker

Construction Updates:

http://eng.lacity.org/projects/zoo/pdf/Monthly_Report.pdf

 

Report says a small increase in funding was requested to add a heater to the reptile pool in the new reptile/insect building (under construction). Will that be for alligators or another species of crocodilian?

 

I was wondering, if anyone has heard of new giant otter cubs being born at the LA Zoo. Is it possible that some were born within the past few months but died shortly after birth ?

 

I really haven't heard anything about new ones being born.

 

Thank you! I just heard rumors that some were born, but didn't survive beyond a few days. I guess you would have heard, if any survived for longer.
With currently four European zoos breeding giant otters successfully, it would be important for the captive population that some US zoos (Philly aside) follow.

 

The Jacksonville Zoo will start breeding their otters once they get a female. They got a wild born rescue otter by the name of Buddy, so once the brothers leave for Aubodon Zoo then Buddy and the female will have the exhibit all to their selves.

 

Unfortunately, just having a pair, does not mean breeding automatically as many zoos can attest to. The right conditions and the right individuals are very important too !

 

Especially since Jax Zoo's new otter male is blind.

 

One of the breeding males at Brasilia was actually blind (wild caught), so it remains to be seen if blindness is a problem for Buddy when it comes to breeding. This will be quite interesting !

 

I cannot see that blindness is an issue in the successfull breeding of this species.

 

I agree, of course every case is different and Buddy is handreared. Generally, other factors (like enclosure conditions) are much more important!