I've started this thread just to be generally helpful. A lot of our online databases are quite outdated- they may have been inaccurate while being updated, but now are even worse. This thread has been posted in the US forum just to be locality based- knowing an animal you're looking to see is in Europe won't help much, unless you're willing to travel to see it, and have the funds to do so. This way, we have a much more local base that, with the amount of members in the US, will hopefully solve any questions about species locations with ease. Here is the format I think would be easiest for posting in: Species in question (common and scientific name) | Where you think it may be kept, but want confirmation. The second part is for people who frequently visit the zoo(s) in question- they may know already, or be able to check on the next visit. I will start with one of my own. Species: Coasta Rica Variable Harlequin Toad or Clown Frog (Atelopus varius) I think it may be kept at the Henry Doorly Zoo.
Central American bushmaster snake (Lachesis stenophrys) (in Europe none) South American bushmaster snake (Lachesis muta)?
Central American Bushmaster in Smithsonian's National Zoo at least. Not sure for others because in most zoos they are just signed as "Bushmaster".
Most recently I have seen Bushmasters (not sure which species) in the Smithsonian National Zoo and the Catoctin Zoo (Maryland). I also saw them in Los Angeles in 2014 and in Atlanta around 2010. I know other places have them also.
St. Louis is the best place for Bushmasters. Last time I was there both L. Melanocephala and stenophrys were on display, and also L. muta held off display
Another species I want to find: Black and Rufous Elephant Shrew (Rhynchocyon petersi)- I know for a fact they are at Peoria Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo. Any others? They used to be at SNZ and Louisville Zoo, but aren't anymore. Are they still at Henry Doorly?
According to PhantomGaur, Bronx zoo has put Black and rofous elephant shrew on display pretty recently.
Checking the scientific name on the signage might be helpful To answer the question, though, I have seen Lachesis muta at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden. ~Thylo
I didn't check for it because I didn't think I'd be needing it! @savethelephant thanks, another bargaining point to get my mom to take me to New York because she's in love with those.
In 2013 I saw Lachesis melanocephala at Jacksonville and Lachesis muta at Miami and Atlanta. I've only seen L. stenophrys in Europe, at Cologne and Faunia (Madrid).
As a rule, always take down the scientific name over the common name. While there could always be mistakes and the wrong name could be given, taking down the scientific name will give you the best chance of knowing exactly what you've seen. ~Thylo
I'll do that. To be honest though, I usually just note bushmaster and keep walking because I usually just ignore bigger snakes. Amphibians, smaller tortoises/turtles, and small lizards are what grab my attention in these houses. I also need to start doing this with frogs and toads.
Also held at - Zoo Boise, Idaho Denver & still at Henry Doorly (+ Bronx, as indicated above) I think there is a single specimen at Cleveland.
L. stenophrys at Gladys Porter (Brownsville), Detroit, National Zoo (Washington DC), St Louis and Central Florida Zoo (Sanford). L. muta at Audubon Zoo (New Orleans), Chattanooga, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Seattle (Woodland Park), Toledo & others [not a particularly rare species in USA zoos].
Yes I expected that they are not particularly rare species in USA zoos, compared to Europe, as it is case with several other central and South American animals, like baird's tapirs for example. At least Lachesis muta should be more represented in Europe, and to be started ESB for the species, as it is so charizmatic.
Thank you, MikeG. I'm going to amend my earlier statement- instead of just Atelopus varius, how about Atelopus anything? Except for Panamanian golden frog. Any help would be appreciated.
I believe the zoo actually holds both species - but perhaps not both on public exhibit at the same time.
