Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens Los Angeles Zoo News 2015

Thanks for the clarification, Blackduiker. I remember seeing penguins there only on my first visit to the LA Zoo in 1989. Later it became a capybara exhibit and then the Chinese alligator as you mentioned.

 

Anybody know the details on this? Arrival date, number/sex of individuals, origin facility?

 

There are 4 Nigerian Goat kids and a takin calf that are now on display.

Baby goats, takin go on display at the L.A. Zoo - MyNewsLA.com

 

A trio of Gray's monitor lizards hatched last month. This makes Los Angeles the second place in the Western Hemisphere the species has hatched at.

3 Rare Gray’s Monitor Lizards Hatched At L.A. Zoo CBS Los Angeles

 

Here is a longer article on the birth of the Gray's Monitor lizards.

Los Angeles Zoo pioneers breeding rare Gray’s monitor lizards

 

Great news for an impressive and fascinating monitor lizard!

Any idea on other holders outside the Philippines?

I know Avilon Zoo keeps them locally.

 

The article mentions that Oklahoma is the only other zoo in the USA to have this species, and that the only male is at LA.

Zootierliste mentions current European holders as Krokozoo (Czech Rep.) and Wingham Wildlife Park (UK). I have listed them as a species I saw at Chester Zoo in 2012, but I'm not sure if that's correct (assuming Zootierliste is totally accurate for this species).

 

The May Zoo Commission Meeting Minutes have been released:

http://www.lazoo.org/wp-new/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Zoo-commission-minutes-May-2015-FINAL.pdf

 

The June Zoo Commission Meeting Minutes:

http://www.lazoo.org/wp-new/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Jun-2015-Commission-Meeting-Minutes-FINAL.pdf

 

Two Successful Armenian Viper Litters:

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens L.A. Zoo Welcomes Two Litters of Rare Armenian Vipers

 

The July Zoo Commission Meeting Minutes have been released:

http://www.lazoo.org/wp-new/wp-cont...uly-2015-Commission-Meeting-Minutes-FINAL.pdf

 

The newly renovated Red Ape Rain Forest is now open:

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens L.A. Zoo Debuts Newly-Renovated Red Ape Rain Forest

 

Here's another link that shows more of the renovations.
Special needs orangutan gets a home makeover at the LA Zoo | endangered | Earth Touch News

 

A 35 year old female Tomistoma arrived from the Singapore Zoo on October 7, to breed with LA's 17 year old male. A second smaller male, on exhibit since the opening of LAIR, will soon be sent to the St. Louis Zoo:

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens L.A. Zoo Welcomes Rare Female Tomistoma to Lair Collection

 

Announcing the birth of a male Masai Giraffe:

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens L.A. Zoo Announces Birth of Male Giraffe

 

From the Zoo's Facebook page:
"Now OPEN! Hippo Encounter with Hippo Baby Rosie and Mom." I'm not sure exactly what this "encounter" is like,and the website provides no info. Perhaps someone else knows what it is?

 

Saw that too. I'd bet my left foot it's replacing the rhino encounter, considering Randa's failing health and Rosie's popularity. I'm going this weekend, I'll report back.

 

Anyone know what happened to American alligator Cajun Kate, Methuselah's long time mate? Their exhibit was occupied by a false gharial.

 

She was sent to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

 

I don't know what the rhino encounter was like but yes, this is replacing it. Rosie and Mara come into an area that is separated from you and the keepers by bars. They are eating while you can go touch them and get photos.