San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo News 2025

Panda_Fan said:
Seeing the pigs, fishing cats, maned wolf and devils back at the zoo (or public display) is realy making me happy, I missed them so much! It's great to see animals like the pigs come back to what seemed a permanent off-display exhibit back to public display, and this could also be a sign for the takins/kiwis/tutuaras/aye-ayes making a return to a public display. Thanks @ZooGirlSD for the news!
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Bit late, but last year I heard some reptile keepers discuss something about how they weren’t allowed (perhaps by the New Zealand government? Don’t remember completely) or won’t display the tuataras until they breed. This was told to another visitor so I’m not sure if it’s true or simplified somehow.
 
splendens said:
Bit late, but last year I heard some reptile keepers discuss something about how they weren’t allowed (perhaps by the New Zealand government? Don’t remember completely) or won’t display the tuataras until they breed. This was told to another visitor so I’m not sure if it’s true or simplified somehow.
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New Zealand zoos typically display non-breeding Tuatara (either non-breeding adults; or more commonly juveniles).

Housing breeding Tuatara off display appears to enhance breeding success, so that would be the rationale behind it I imagine.
 
splendens said:
Bit late, but last year I heard some reptile keepers discuss something about how they weren’t allowed (perhaps by the New Zealand government? Don’t remember completely) or won’t display the tuataras until they breed. This was told to another visitor so I’m not sure if it’s true or simplified somehow.
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If they are breeding individuals, perhaps the agreement is that only offspring bred at the zoo will be allowed to go on display.
 
A couple updates from the Zoo:
- Rio, the new male Maned Wolf, officially made his debut a couple days ago and is spending time out on habitat.
- The McLeay Spectre insects have been moved to the lower level of Spineless Marvels replacing the Leaf Insects and Rhinoceros Katydids have been moved to the former Spectre habitat on the upper level.
- The Polar Bear Plunge Project is rumored to begin after the Halgloween event this year. I’m being told that the focus will be centered around the kids play area and other interactive elements. The filtration system has been completely removed and the pool is drained every Monday.
 
RJB Wildlife said:
A couple updates from the Zoo:
- Rio, the new male Maned Wolf, officially made his debut a couple days ago and is spending time out on habitat.
- The McLeay Spectre insects have been moved to the lower level of Spineless Marvels replacing the Leaf Insects and Rhinoceros Katydids have been moved to the former Spectre habitat on the upper level.
- The Polar Bear Plunge Project is rumored to begin after the Halgloween event this year. I’m being told that the focus will be centered around the kids play area and other interactive elements. The filtration system has been completely removed and the pool is drained every Monday.
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For a Zoo of their caliber to remov the filtre and dump/fill seems irresponsible, no? Intractive and play elements, aside. Animal care should be number one.
 
RJB Wildlife said:
A couple updates from the Zoo:
- Rio, the new male Maned Wolf, officially made his debut a couple days ago and is spending time out on habitat.
- The McLeay Spectre insects have been moved to the lower level of Spineless Marvels replacing the Leaf Insects and Rhinoceros Katydids have been moved to the former Spectre habitat on the upper level.
- The Polar Bear Plunge Project is rumored to begin after the Halgloween event this year. I’m being told that the focus will be centered around the kids play area and other interactive elements. The filtration system has been completely removed and the pool is drained every Monday.
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This is positive news. I’ve not been active on zoochat for about a year, but last time I was active there were rumours San Diego were going out of polar bears. This seems like a firm commitment that they will be continuing with the species.
 
Did one of the three red pandas (Kola, Adira and Lucas) move or pass away? The USDA Inspection Report for their February 11 inspection indicates there are only 2 at the zoo.
 
Elena said:
Did one of the three red pandas (Kola, Adira and Lucas) move or pass away? The USDA Inspection Report for their February 11 inspection indicates there are only 2 at the zoo.
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All three were alive as of just a few months ago (in January), so not sure.

Kola was in the Panda trail, with the breeding pair (Lucas and Adira) in the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
 
Does anyone know what’s happening with the Tasmanian devils from Aussie Ark? There was some talk about them being prepared for transit in November but it seems to have been radio silence since.
 
Paul Baribault has stepped down from SDZWA President and CEO after 5 years. During his tenure he saw the opening of major projects at both parks(Platypus habitat at the Safari Park, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the Zoo). He oversaw the return of Giant Pandas and current construction of Elephant Valley. Interim President and CEO is their COO Shawn Dixon. Link in post is to article by Times of San Diego.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance President and CEO to Step Down After 5 Years
 
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