Zoochat Challenge North America 2024

North Carolina Zoo, 4/6
38. Cougar (Puma concolor)
39. Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
40. Sand cat (Felis margarita)
41. Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)
42. Red wolf (Canis rufus)
43. American black bear (Ursus americanus)
44. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

1. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
2. Lion (Panthera leo)
3. Tiger (Panthera tigris)
4. Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
5. Cougar (Puma concolor)
6. Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
7. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
8. Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)
9. Black-footed cat (Felis nigripes)
10. Sand cat (Felis margarita)
11. Red wolf (Canis rufus)
12. Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)
13. Bat-eared fox (Otocton megalotis)
14. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)
15. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
16. Brown bear (Ursus arctos)
17. American black bear (Ursus americanus)
18. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)
19. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
20. Barred owl (Strix varia)
21. Milky eagle owl (Ketupa lactea)
22. Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo)
23. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
24. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
25. Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
26. King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
27. Rüppell’s griffon vulture (Gyps rueppelli)
28. Hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)
29. Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus)
30. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
31. West African slender snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus)
32. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)
33. Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran)
34. Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus)
35. Sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus)
36. Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
37. Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)
38. Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
39. Zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum)
40. Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
41. Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata)
42. Swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)
43. Horn shark (Heterodontus francisci)
44. White-spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum)

Quick trip to Lowcountry Zoo yesterday. Didn’t catch the red fox and had to really put in some effort to find one of the gray foxes, but I ultimately managed on that one at least (thanks binoculars).

Lowcountry Zoo, 4/28/24
45. Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargentus)
46. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
47. Barn owl (Tyto alba)
48. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

1. Leopard (Panthera pardus) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
2. Lion (Panthera leo) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
3. Tiger (Panthera tigris) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
4. Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
5. Cougar (Puma concolor) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
6. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
7. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
8. Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
9. Black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
10. Sand cat (Felis margarita) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
11. Red wolf (Canis rufus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
12. Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
13. Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargentus) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
14. Bat-eared fox (Otocton megalotis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
15. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
16. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
17. Brown bear (Ursus arctos) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
18. American black bear (Ursus americanus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
19. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
20. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
21. Barred owl (Strix varia) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
22. Barn owl (Tyto alba) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
23. Milky eagle owl (Ketupa lactea) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
24. Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
25. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
26. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
27. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
28. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
29. Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
30. King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
31. Rüppell’s griffon vulture (Gyps rueppelli) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
32. Hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
33. Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
34. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
35. West African slender snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
36. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
37. Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
38. Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
39. Sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
40. Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
41. Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
42. Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
43. Zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
44. Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
45. Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
46. Swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
47. Horn shark (Heterodontus francisci) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
48. White-spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
 
I have just gotten back from a road trip where I visited facilities (although all but one held eligible species). This trip netted me 19 additional eligible species. I was able to see almost all eligible species at the 3 facilities I visited this past week that had them, but unfortunately, I took a massive L at the National Aquarium when their Spotted Wobbegong failed to show itself.

New species and facilities since my last post are in bold. Do note that each species is only counted once.

  • North Carolina Zoo (February)
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (March)
  • Greensboro Science Center (March)
  • Adventure Aquarium (April)
  • American Museum of Natural History (April)
  • Philadelphia Zoo (April)
  • Smithsonian National Zoo (May)
  • Maryland Zoo (May)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (May)
  • National Aquarium in Baltimore (May)

Total - 59

Mammals - 23
  • Felids (Felidae) - 14
    • Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
      • Southern and Eastern African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Cougar (Puma concolor) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Leopard (Panthera pardus)
      • Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Lion (Panthera leo) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Pallas' Cat (Otocolobus manul) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Sand Cat (Felis margarita) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Serval (Leptailurus serval) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Tiger (Panthera tigris)
      • Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) - Philadelphia Zoo
      • Sunda Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) - Greensboro Science Center

  • Canids (Canidae) - 4
    • Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Red Wolf (Canis rufus) - North Carolina Zoo
  • Bears (Ursidae) - 4
    • Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
      • Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
      • Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
  • Fossas - 1
    • Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) - Greensboro Science Center
Birds - 13
  • Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies (Accipitriformes) - 5
    • Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) - Maryland Zoo
    • Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) - Maryland Zoo
    • Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) - Maryland Zoo
  • New World Vultures (Cathartiformes) - 2
    • King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) - Philadelphia Zoo
  • Falcons and Caracars (Falconiformes) - 1
    • Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Philadelphia Zoo
  • Owls (Strigiformes) - 4
    • Barn Owl (Tyto alba) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Barred Owl (Strix varia) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) - Maryland Zoo

  • Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) - 1
    • Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) - Smithsonian National Zoo
Reptiles - 10
  • Crocodilians (Crocodilia) - 9
    • American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • False Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) - National Aquarium
    • Schneider's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) - National Aquarium
    • West African Slender-snouted Crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) - Maryland Zoo
  • Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - 1
    • Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - Greensboro Science Center
Fishes - 13
  • Sharks (Selachimorpha) - 13
    • Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Brown-banded Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci) - National Aquarium
    • Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Swellshark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) - National Aquarium
    • White-spotted Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) - National Aquarium
    • Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) - National Aquarium
 
Toronto Zoo: 21 February 2024
9. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
10. Spectacled owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
11. Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)
12. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
13. Grey wolf (Canis lupus)
Toronto Zoo: 12 May 2024
14. Cougar (Puma concolor)
15. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
16. Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)
17. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
18. Lion (Panthera leo)
19. Cheetah (Acionyx jubatus)
20. Red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata)
21. Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
22. Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo)

Only the dwarf crocodile remains to be seen here.
 
Quick trip to Lowcountry Zoo yesterday. Didn’t catch the red fox and had to really put in some effort to find one of the gray foxes, but I ultimately managed on that one at least (thanks binoculars).

Lowcountry Zoo, 4/28/24
45. Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargentus)
46. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
47. Barn owl (Tyto alba)
48. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

1. Leopard (Panthera pardus) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
2. Lion (Panthera leo) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
3. Tiger (Panthera tigris) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
4. Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
5. Cougar (Puma concolor) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
6. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
7. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
8. Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
9. Black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
10. Sand cat (Felis margarita) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
11. Red wolf (Canis rufus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
12. Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
13. Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargentus) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
14. Bat-eared fox (Otocton megalotis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
15. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
16. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
17. Brown bear (Ursus arctos) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
18. American black bear (Ursus americanus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
19. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
20. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
21. Barred owl (Strix varia) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
22. Barn owl (Tyto alba) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
23. Milky eagle owl (Ketupa lactea) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
24. Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
25. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
26. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
27. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
28. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
29. Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
30. King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
31. Rüppell’s griffon vulture (Gyps rueppelli) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
32. Hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
33. Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
34. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
35. West African slender snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
36. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
37. Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
38. Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
39. Sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
40. Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
41. Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
42. Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
43. Zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
44. Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
45. Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
46. Swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
47. Horn shark (Heterodontus francisci) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
48. White-spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
Another quick visit to a native-focused facility. I think I’ve officially exhausted all native species that would count towards this besides the coyote. (there’s some other raptors too, but I don’t think they’re typically as common in captivity outside of specialist facilities and I’m unlikely to actually see them this year)

Magnolia Plantation & Gardend, 5/12/24
49. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
50. Eastern screech owl (Megascops asio)
51. Black vulture (Coragyps atratus)
52. Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)

1. Leopard (Panthera pardus) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
2. Lion (Panthera leo) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
3. Tiger (Panthera tigris) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
4. Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
5. Cougar (Puma concolor) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
6. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
7. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
8. Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
9. Black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
10. Sand cat (Felis margarita) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
11. Red wolf (Canis rufus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
12. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) (5/12 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens)
13. Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
14. Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargentus) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
15. Bat-eared fox (Otocton megalotis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
16. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
17. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
18. Brown bear (Ursus arctos) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
19. American black bear (Ursus americanus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
20. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) (4/6 North Carolina Zoo)
21. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
22. Barred owl (Strix varia) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
23. Barn owl (Tyto alba) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
24. Milky eagle owl (Ketupa lactea) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
25. Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
26. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
27. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
28. Eastern screech owl (Megascops asio) (5/12 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens)
29. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
30. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) (4/28 Lowcountry Zoo)
31. Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
32. King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
33. Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) (5/12 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens)
34. Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) (5/12 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens)
35. Rüppell’s griffon vulture (Gyps rueppelli) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
36. Hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
37. Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
38. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) (1/14 Greenville Zoo)
39. West African slender snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
40. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) (3/3 Zoo Atlanta)
41. Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
42. Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
43. Sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
44. Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
45. Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
46. Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
47. Zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
48. Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) (3/2 Georgia Aquarium)
49. Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
50. Swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
51. Horn shark (Heterodontus francisci) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
52. White-spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) (3/9 Riverbanks Zoo)
 
And finally, lucked out and saw a notorious no-show at Buffalo Zoo today:
30. Ocelot- Leopardus pardalis
I was in New Bedford for other reasons this morning, but had some extra time so visited the Buttonwood Park Zoo:

37. Coyote- Canis latrans
38. Cougar- Puma concolour
39. Bobcat- Lynx rufus
40. North American Black Bear- Ursus americanus
 
Last edited:
I was in New Bedford for other reasons this morning, but had some extra time so visited the Buttonwood Park Zoo:

31. Coyote- Canis latrans
32. Cougar- Puma concolour
33. Bobcat- Lynx rufus
34. North American Black Bear- Ursus americanus

You're at 40, based on this previous update:

Visited a new zoo for me today:
Erie Zoo
31. Caracal- Caracal caracal
32. Jaguar- Panthera onca
33. Eurasian Lynx- Lynx lynx
34. African Wild Dog- Lycaon pictus
35. Eastern Screech Owl- Megascops asio
36. American Alligator- Alligator mississipiensis
 
Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium (May 1, 2024)
50. Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
Saint Louis Zoo (May 15, 2024)
51. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)
52. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
53. Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus)
54. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
55. Barred owl (Strix varia)
56. Red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata)
57. False gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii)
 
I just completed a visit to the Lehigh Valley Zoo (as well as the Trexler Nature Preserve in which it is contained in) and I was able to see all eligible species at this facility. Excluding the ones I already have, this visit netted me 6 new species, which was more than I was expecting.

New species and facilities since my last post are in bold. Do note that each species is only counted once.

2024 Visit Summary
  • North Carolina Zoo (February)
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (March)
  • Greensboro Science Center (March)
  • Adventure Aquarium (April)
  • American Museum of Natural History (April)
  • Philadelphia Zoo (April)
  • Smithsonian National Zoo (May)
  • Maryland Zoo (May)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (May)
  • National Aquarium in Baltimore (May)
  • Lehigh Valley Zoo (May)
Total - 65

Mammals - 26
  • Felids (Felidae) - 15
    • Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
      • Southern and Eastern African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Cougar (Puma concolor) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Leopard (Panthera pardus)
      • Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Lion (Panthera leo) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Pallas' Cat (Otocolobus manul) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Sand Cat (Felis margarita) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Serval (Leptailurus serval) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Tiger (Panthera tigris)
      • Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) - Philadelphia Zoo
      • Sunda Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) - Greensboro Science Center

  • Canids (Canidae) - 6
    • Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Red Wolf (Canis rufus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Wolf (Canis lupus)
      • Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
  • Bears (Ursidae) - 4
    • Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
      • Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
      • Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
  • Fossas - 1
    • Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) - Greensboro Science Center
Birds - 16
  • Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies (Accipitriformes) - 6
    • Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) - Maryland Zoo
    • Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) - Maryland Zoo
    • Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) - Maryland Zoo
  • New World Vultures (Cathartiformes) - 3
    • Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) - Philadelphia Zoo
  • Falcons and Caracars (Falconiformes) - 2
    • Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
  • Owls (Strigiformes) - 4
    • Barn Owl (Tyto alba) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Barred Owl (Strix varia) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) - Maryland Zoo

  • Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) - 1
    • Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) - Smithsonian National Zoo
Reptiles - 10
  • Crocodilians (Crocodilia) - 9
    • American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • False Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) - National Aquarium
    • Schneider's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) - National Aquarium
    • West African Slender-snouted Crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) - Maryland Zoo
  • Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - 1
    • Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - Greensboro Science Center
Fishes - 13
  • Sharks (Selachimorpha) - 13
    • Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Brown-banded Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci) - National Aquarium
    • Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Swellshark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) - National Aquarium
    • White-spotted Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) - National Aquarium
    • Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) - National Aquarium
 
I was in New Bedford for other reasons this morning, but had some extra time so visited the Buttonwood Park Zoo:

37. Coyote- Canis latrans
38. Cougar- Puma concolour
39. Bobcat- Lynx rufus
40. North American Black Bear- Ursus americanus
Expect another update from this zoo soon, since I am here quite frequently during the summer months, but one new species for the challenge so far.

Roger Williams Park Zoo:
41. Cheetah- Acinonyx jubatus
 
Expect another update from this zoo soon, since I am here quite frequently during the summer months, but one new species for the challenge so far.

Roger Williams Park Zoo:
41. Cheetah- Acinonyx jubatus
Roger Williams Park Zoo again:
42. Barn Owl- Tyto alba
43. Golden Eagle- Aquila chrysaetos
44. American Black Vulture- Coragyps atratus

I suspect I will get a total of three more species from Roger Williams Park Zoo in the imminent future, possibly more if any raptors I haven't seen yet are included in this year's bird show.
 
Saint Louis Zoo (May 15, 2024)
51. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)
52. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
53. Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus)
54. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
55. Barred owl (Strix varia)
56. Red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata)
57. False gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii)
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (May 22, 2024)
58. African wildcat (Felis lybica)
59. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
60. Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)
61. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
62. Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo)
63. Australian freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)
64. Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
65. American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
66. Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis)
67. Ornate wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus)
68. Chain catshark (Scyliorhinus retifer)
 
Over this past weekend, I have visited the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Turtle Back Zoo, both of which netted me eligible species. Elmwood gave me Jaguars, which I missed from Philadelphia, and has now given me all 5 species of big cat. Turtle Back gave me the much coveted Spotted Hyena, making this the first time I have ever seen Hyenas (finally!). Turtle Back also gave me the American Black Bear I had been sorely missing since the ones at NC were no-shows. And then we throw in a few birds-of-prey for good measure.

New species and facilities since my last post are in bold. Do note that each species is only counted once.

  • North Carolina Zoo (February)
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (March)
  • Greensboro Science Center (March)
  • Adventure Aquarium (April)
  • American Museum of Natural History (April)
  • Philadelphia Zoo (April)
  • Smithsonian National Zoo (May)
  • Maryland Zoo (May)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (May)
  • National Aquarium in Baltimore (May)
  • Lehigh Valley Zoo (May)
  • Elmwood Park Zoo (May)
  • Turtle Back Zoo (May)

Total - 72


  • Felids (Felidae) - 16
    • Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
      • Southern and Eastern African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Cougar (Puma concolor) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Jaguar (Panthera onca) - Elmwood Park Zoo
    • Leopard (Panthera pardus)
      • Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Lion (Panthera leo) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Pallas' Cat (Otocolobus manul) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Sand Cat (Felis margarita) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Serval (Leptailurus serval) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Tiger (Panthera tigris)
      • Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) - Philadelphia Zoo
      • Sunda Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) - Greensboro Science Center

  • Canids (Canidae) - 6
    • Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Red Wolf (Canis rufus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Wolf (Canis lupus)
      • Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
  • Bears (Ursidae) - 5
    • American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) - Turtle Back Zoo
    • Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
      • Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
      • Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) - Philadelphia Zoo
  • Hyenas (Hyaenidae) - 1
    • Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) - Turtle Back Zoo
  • Fossas (Cryptoprocta) - 1
    • Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) - Greensboro Science Center

  • Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies (Accipitriformes) - 7
    • Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) - Turtle Back Zoo
    • Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) - Maryland Zoo
    • Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) - Maryland Zoo
    • Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) - Maryland Zoo
  • New World Vultures (Cathartiformes) - 4
    • Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) - Turtle Back Zoo
    • Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
    • King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) - Philadelphia Zoo
  • Falcons and Caracars (Falconiformes) - 2
    • Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) - Lehigh Valley Zoo
  • Owls (Strigiformes) - 6
    • Barn Owl (Tyto alba) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Barred Owl (Strix varia) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) - Elmwood Park Zoo
    • Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) - Elmwood Park Zoo
    • Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) - Maryland Zoo

  • Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) - 1
    • Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) - Smithsonian National Zoo

  • Crocodilians (Crocodilia) - 9
    • American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) - North Carolina Zoo
    • Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) - Philadelphia Zoo
    • False Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) - Smithsonian National Zoo
    • Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) - National Aquarium
    • Schneider's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) - National Aquarium
    • West African Slender-snouted Crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) - Maryland Zoo
  • Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - 1
    • Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - Greensboro Science Center

  • Sharks (Selachimorpha) - 13
    • Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Brown-banded Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Epaulette Shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci) - National Aquarium
    • Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) - Adventure Aquarium
    • Swellshark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) - National Aquarium
    • White-spotted Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) - Greensboro Science Center
    • Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) - National Aquarium
    • Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) - National Aquarium
 
The Greater Phoenix Metro is truly 'A Tale of Two Zoos'... And an aquarium :D (I guess technically two aquariums, but I couldn't be bothered to visit the SEA LIFE... :p)

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park (Litchfield Park, AZ) - 16 March, 2024:
Hyaenidae:
87. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
88. Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena)

Canidae:
89. Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)
90. Black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas)
91. New Guinea singing dog (Canis familiaris)
92. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Cathartiformes:
93. King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

Cariamiformes:
94. Red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata)

Strigiformes:
95. Verreaux’s eagle-owl (Bubo lacteus)

Crocodilia:
96. Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
97. Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
98. Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus)

Selachimorpha:
99. Blacknose shark (Carcharhinus acronotus)
100. Spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus)


Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, AZ) - 17 March, 2024:
Cathartiformes:
101. Black vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Strigiformes:
102. Ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)

OdySea Aquarium (Scottsdale, AZ) - 17 March, 2024:
Selachimorpha:
103. Sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)

TOTAL: 103 Species
I braved the holiday crowds in exchange for not having to deal with the usual LA weekday traffic :p I was extremely excited to finally see one of the Ruppell's sand foxes today! I went there first thing (shortly after the zoo opened), and it was actually up and about for a bit!


Los Angeles Zoo (Los Angeles, CA) - 27 May, 2024:
Canidae:
104. Ruppell’s sand fox (Vulpes rueppellii)

Falconiformes:
105. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Crocodilia:
106. Malayan gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii)

Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA) - 27 May, 2024:
Selachimorpha:

107. Coral catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus)
108. Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos)
109. Papuan epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium hallstromi)
 
Last edited:
I might as well toss my hat into the ring. I’ve barely been anywhere this year.

3/2/2024
Franklin Park Zoo:

1. African pygmy falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus)
2. West African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

3/5/2024
New England Aquarium:

3. Coral catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus)
4. Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum)
5. Brown-banded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum)
6. White-spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum)
7. Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)

3/6/2024
Franklin Park Zoo:

8. Barn owl (Tyto alba)
9. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
10. Lion (Panthera leo)
11. Eastern screech owl (Megascops asio)
12. Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)
13. Steller’s sea-eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
14. African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)

3/16/2024
Stone Zoo:

15. Black bear (Ursus americanus)
16. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
17. Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)
18. Bush dog (Speothos venaticus)
19. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
20. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
21. Snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
22. Gray wolf (Canis lupis)
 
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@Coelacanth18 So it appears I have misidentified yet another shark; the "Whitetip Reef Shark" I mentioned at the National Aquarium should actually be a Blacknose Shark (Carcharhinus acronotus). A keeper ID'd the shark for me and I did not go back to verify. My total should remain the same as this is the first time I've seen this species this year.
 
Toronto Zoo: 12 May 2024
14. Cougar (Puma concolor)
15. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
16. Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)
17. Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
18. Lion (Panthera leo)
19. Cheetah (Acionyx jubatus)
20. Red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata)
21. Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
22. Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo)

Only the dwarf crocodile remains to be seen here.
Large avian update today.

African Lion Safari: 30 May 2024
23. Chaco owl (Strix chacoensis)
24. Tawny owl (Strix aluco)
25. Saker falcon (Falco cherrug)
26. American black vulture (Coragyps atratus)
27. Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus)
28. King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
29. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
30. Little owl (Athene noctua)
31. Lesser yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes burrovianus)
32. Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)
33. Striated caracara (Phalcoboenus australis)
34. Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
35. Black-chested buzzard-eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
36. Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis)
37. Snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus)
38. Barred owl (Strix varia)
39. African fish eagle (Ichthyophaga vocifer)
 
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