That's really great news. And even better, she's a cow. Those in the American zoo are shrinking. I'm excited.
It also amazes me that Lungile has not conceived since 2007, when she had her only calf. It died shortly after birth. But I don't count on getting pregnant, because even Mabu, the most successful breeding bull in America, has produced no more calves with her.
Has cow Lungile ever been reproductively examined? (given the timeframe past, I might just want to do that ... if I was on your vet team!).
The calf has been named 'Mapenzi.' Mapenzi means beloved in Swahili. Mapenzi’s animal care team says her enthusiasm is unmatchable. Whenever she gets the opportunity to explore her habitat, she’s ready for an adventure. She does not walk but runs from place to place, and uses her trunk to investigate everything in reach. Instead of settling down for a nap gently, Mapenzi will bow her head, stretch her front legs forward, and slide into a laydown like a batter sliding into home base. “Mapenzi is certainly bigger than her sister Nandi was at this age, but both girls are curious and playful — Mapenzi at a few weeks old and Nandi at over 5 years old,” Tygielski said. Community Chooses “Mapenzi” for Elephant Calf’s Name, Reid Park Zoo
So, sorry for you as it is sort of your hometown zoo! It would have been quite an event and certainly a welcome addition to the US/AZA SSP to enjoy in person.
The zoo have posted the first of what will be a monthly update on Mapenzi. It details her progress and how she’s bonding with the herd, including her older sister, Nandi: Tucson's baby elephant is learning to use her trunk, bonding with Nandi 1.0 Sundzu (27/12/2010) Mabu x Semba 0.1 Nandi (20/08/2014) Mabu x Semba 0.1 Mapenzi (06/04/2020) Mabu x Semba
The Covid-10 restrictions in Arizona are expiring now (though a couple Arizona zoos never closed). Reid Park Zoo is still closed and has not issued an official reopening date. However they have a survey on their website (and linked on their Facebook page) asking for responses about what people want to see when they reopen. The one item that jumped out is how likely would a person be to visit this summer if their summer hours were 7:30am-1pm. Previously their adjusted summer hours have been 8am-3pm. I should note that Tucson's other zoo (Arizona Sonora Desert Museum) has opened at 7:30am for years in spring and summer and that Phoenix Zoo has opened for years in summer at 7am.
The zoo is still closed with no reopening date announced, even though Tucson's other zoo (Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum) opened today for members and tomorrow for the general public. Reid Park Zoo has stated that they are waiting for a reopening plan from the city (Desert Museum lies outside the city limits). Construction has begun on the new entry plaza with new flamingo habitat. Facebook users can view photos of the site being cleared here: Security Check Required
In addition to the death of male Baheem reported a few months ago, female Sita died on July 2. The zoo currently has no tigers.
As the zoo is still closed they are implementing "virtual visits". Every Tuesday and Saturday morning zoo staff will do a live feed from various exhibits around the zoo. Here is the link: Member Virtual Animal Experience, Reid Park Zoo I drove by yesterday to view construction progress (which is likely made easier due to the closure). The front entrance area is fenced off and torn up and the same with the inside plaza (which can be viewed through a fence on the small park road that runs next to it). The inside area will be an expanded flamingo habitat (moving them from the back of the zoo to the front) and the outside will be a new entrance. The zoo remains closed indefinitely and will likely not reopen soon. (Phoenix Zoo opened temporarily and quickly reverted to drive-thru only). The reason for this is that Arizona currently has the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in the United States: Arizona's surge in virus cases has been "the worst" in the U.S.
Sadly, the zebra colt was found dead lying next to his mother on July 20th. Officials at the zoo don't know the official cause of death, but after running a preliminary exam using radiographs, it was noted that the colt had a fracture on his cervical spine. Zebra foal dies; Reid Park Zoo officials looking for cause
The zoo is still closed (due to Covid), but I went by on my bike today and took a few pictures of the entrance construction over or through the temporary construction fence. They are posted in the gallery.
It is now the middle of August and the zoo remains closed (even though Tucson's other zoo - ASDM - opened more than a month ago). However they made a post two days ago on Facebook that we...have received our "Ready For You" certification from the Pima County Health Department. Opening should be soon. Meanwhile construction continues on the new front entrance and inside entry plaza with expanded flamingo exhibit. The zoo is starting a new campaign to sell brick pavers with your name (or the name of your choice) to be installed in the entry plaza: “Bigger Spaces Smiling Faces” Brick Recognition Program, Reid Park Zoo
The zoo is officially reopening August 28th. Reid Park Zoo and City of Tucson playgrounds will reopen next week
Advance tickets for this weekend's reopening (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) are sold out. Advance tickets are required for both members and regular visitors. I have booked a member ticket for Monday and will post photos of the entry construction progress (and baby elephant, etc). One feature of the new front entrance will be a pollinator garden. The zoo also confirmed (via Facebook reply) that additional phases of the master plan, including a major Asia addition for 2022, will proceed as planned and are not being delayed due to the closure.
