Woodland Park Zoo Woodland Park Zoo News 2025

While this blog post doesn't confirm whether this is a temporary move, it does mention there were 2 baby porcupines born back on July 24th that are currently growing up behind the scenes with the parents. I believe this puts the Zoo with 8 total Porcupines, and means up to 4 can be seen on exhibit at a time. Really interested to see how this develops since what the way they're making it sound like, the next move will depend on the outcome of the neglect case.
 
Arrival of 1.2 Patas Monkeys .
Woodland Park Zoo on Instagram: "Woodland Park Zoo recently welcomed three new patas monkeys. Females Zarina (12 years old) and Grace (12) and male Dayo (11) have joined female Acacia (20) who has lived on our African Savanna for more than a decade. The newest members of the troop all come to us from Memphis Zoo and are currently getting to know Acacia while making the most of their grassland habitat. Patas monkeys, native to Africa, are primarily ground-dwelling primates and are one of the speediest animals on the African savanna. Their long, slender arms and legs enable them to go from 0 to 33 miles per hour in three seconds—an amazing adaptation to keep safe from predators! Photo descriptions: 1) Two patas monkeys sitting in tall yellow and brown grass, looking alert. 2) Two patas monkeys sitting on a tree branch surrounded by green foliage."
 
SZM said:
4 male Mexican wolves have arrived and are currently being acclimated to their habitat.
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From an interpretive standpoint, kinda puzzling since the Living Northwest Trail was modeled after an actual trail in Alaska, not necessarily a part of Mexican wolves' historical range to my knowledge - that being said, from an SSP standpoint as well as a relevant conservation standpoint, they're welcome additions for sure!
 
StoppableSan said:
From an interpretive standpoint, kinda puzzling since the Living Northwest Trail was modeled after an actual trail in Alaska, not necessarily a part of Mexican wolves' historical range to my knowledge - that being said, from an SSP standpoint as well as a relevant conservation standpoint, they're welcome additions for sure!
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The Mexican wolf is not an SSP but a SAFE program. They are still grey wolves, just a different subspecies, and it makes sense for zoos to focus on the more threatened species/subspecies. They are still valid ambassadors to the species and to the overall message of the Living Northen Trail on biodiversity of the pacific northwest region.;)
 
SZM said:
The Mexican wolf is not an SSP but a SAFE program. They are still grey wolves, just a different subspecies, and it makes sense for zoos to focus on the more threatened species/subspecies. They are still valid ambassadors to the species and to the overall message of the Living Northen Trail on biodiversity of the pacific northwest region.;)
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SAFE, my mistake. On the one hand, I do get it, and if it means a bolstered Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program it works out nicely. That being said, narrative coherency in an exhibit specifically designed for that purpose should at least be considered alongside what the most practical approach would be for utilizing that space. Oakland Zoo ended up getting Northwestern gray wolves for their California Trail rather than Mexican gray wolves, even when it arguably would make more narrative sense to include them *there*. All that to say, they are still a highly worthy addition to the zoo and their conservation mission, which is the most important factor.
 
StoppableSan said:
SAFE, my mistake. On the one hand, I do get it, and if it means a bolstered Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program it works out nicely. That being said, narrative coherency in an exhibit specifically designed for that purpose should at least be considered alongside what the most practical approach would be for utilizing that space. Oakland Zoo ended up getting Northwestern gray wolves for their California Trail rather than Mexican gray wolves, even when it arguably would make more narrative sense to include them *there*. All that to say, they are still a highly worthy addition to the zoo and their conservation mission, which is the most important factor.
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Unless they came directly from the wild, any wolf in US zoos that isn't a Mexican Wolf, is a zoomix.
 
SZM said:
4 male Mexican wolves have arrived and are currently being acclimated to their habitat.
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They just put out a blog post that goes into more detail (with pictures!) They're all 6 year old brothers from the California Wolf Center and say they'll act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts throughout North America. Can't wait to see them sometime soon
Howls Return! New Wolf Pack Arrives at Woodland Park Zoo.
 
SZM said:
Luzon Bleeding-hearts have joined the conservation aviary walkthrough area.
The zoo also has Cotton-top Tamarins, soon to be at Tropical Rainforest.
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Very pleased with the choice of bringing in cotton-top tamarins!

SZM said:
4 male Mexican wolves have arrived and are currently being acclimated to their habitat.
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I know I'm going to be in the minority here, but I'm sort of disappointed with the inclusion of Mexican wolves. The Living Northwest Trail is my most anticipated exhibit to see here at the zoo, and as someone from SoCal where most American themed exhibits already focus on desert-esque North American species rather than the more cold-hearty species of upnorth, I was really hoping to see Grey or Arctic wolves. It really breaks the immersion to have so many more rugged cold-hearty species emulating Seattle's natural local wildlife like the grizzlies, elk, mountain sheep, otters, etc., only to break the immersion with Mexican wolves of the Mexican drylands. Makes more sense to me for the zoo to prioritize a cold-hearty species and save the Mexican wolves for the warmer region's zoos. The Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or Sacramento Zoo for example would have been much better places to continue the Mexican Wolves' breeding efforts.

In general, in my opinion colder region zoos should really prioritize colder region species (polar bears, grizzlies, snow leopards, Japanese Macaques, moose, grey and Arctic wolves) that the warmer region zoos couldn't as adequately sustain, and vice versa prioritize warmer climate species in the warmer region's zoos (clouded leopards, jaguars, most primate species, Pronghorns, more larger herps, Mexican wolves, etc.). One of the best zoos in one of the colder regions not taking advantage of its climate to exhibit the more cold-hearty animal of the species seems like a real waste to me. Next thing you know their snow leopards will be phased out for cheetahs or African leopards, and their mountain goats will be phased out for Desert Bighorn Sheep.
 
BenFoxster said:
I know I'm going to be in the minority here, but I'm sort of disappointed with the inclusion of Mexican wolves. The Living Northwest Trail is my most anticipated exhibit to see here at the zoo, and as someone from SoCal where most American themed exhibits already focus on desert-esque North American species rather than the more cold-hearty species of upnorth, I was really hoping to see Grey or Arctic wolves. It really breaks the immersion to have so many more rugged cold-hearty species emulating Seattle's natural local wildlife like the grizzlies, elk, mountain sheep, otters, etc., only to break the immersion with Mexican wolves of the Mexican drylands. Makes more sense to me for the zoo to prioritize a cold-hearty species and save the Mexican wolves for the warmer region's zoos. The Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or Sacramento Zoo for example would have been much better places to continue the Mexican Wolves' breeding efforts.

In general, in my opinion colder region zoos should really prioritize colder region species (polar bears, grizzlies, snow leopards, Japanese Macaques, moose, grey and Arctic wolves) that the warmer region zoos couldn't as adequately sustain, and vice versa prioritize warmer climate species in the warmer region's zoos (clouded leopards, jaguars, most primate species, Pronghorns, more larger herps, Mexican wolves, etc.). One of the best zoos in one of the colder regions not taking advantage of its climate to exhibit the more cold-hearty animal of the species seems like a real waste to me. Next thing you know their snow leopards will be phased out for cheetahs or African leopards, and their mountain goats will be phased out for Desert Bighorn Sheep
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Mexican Gray Wolves are not that much less cold-hardy than their northern kin. Also pointing out they are still Gray Wolf, they're only a subspecies. Given basically all Gray wolves aside from Mexican in NA zoos are generic zoo mix, providing space for an endangered breeding program is the better move here.
Feels like some rather harsh and undeserved criticism when a single sensible and fully reasonable replacement doesn't change the fact the zoo has an extensive collection of cold hardy species and has for a long time.
 
Great Argus said:
Mexican Gray Wolves are not that much less cold-hardy than their northern kin. Also pointing out they are still Gray Wolf, they're only a subspecies. Given basically all Gray wolves aside from Mexican in NA zoos are generic zoo mix, providing space for an endangered breeding program is the better move here.
Feels like some rather harsh and undeserved criticism when a single sensible and fully reasonable replacement doesn't change the fact the zoo has an extensive collection of cold hardy species and has for a long time.
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I know, I'm just kind of disappointed. The only species of wolf I've ever seen in real life is the red wolf, so I've been wanting to see one of the much larger species like the Grey or Arctic wolf for a long time now. And since I'm hoping to visit the Woodland Park Zoo this summer the Living Nothwest exhibit would have granted so many firsts (first large wolf species, first elk, first mountain goat, best grizzly and sea eagle exhibits, etc.). That and it still ruins the immersion for me, since I'm hoping to get a National Park-esque immersive exhibit with woodland and mountane species never typically exhibited here in Cali. Just seems like a waste to me I guess. I'd be just as disappointed if say The Living Desert Zoo phased out their Mexican wolves in exchange for Grey or Arctic wolves.
 
BenFoxster said:
I know, I'm just kind of disappointed. The only species of wolf I've ever seen in real life is the red wolf, so I've been wanting to see one of the much larger species like the Grey or Arctic wolf for a long time now.
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You do know Grey and Arctic are the same species right? Just color morphs/subspecies. Also a handful of options for gray wolf in California too.

BenFoxster said:
with woodland and mountane species never typically exhibited here in Cali.
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Unless I'm forgetting something the only species in the complex that isn't exhibited in California is the Mountain Goat - not all together in fairness, but just fwiw.
 
Managed to stop by right when they opened today for about an hour before my classes (was kind of cool to see all the animals, especially the birds, start to wake up and not be as active), but here are some things I noticed

African Savanna
  • The Patas Monkey viewing area + first den viewing for Lion's was blocked off, I'm assuming this is due to the new troop moving in and giving them less stress
  • (Sadly didn't see any of the Porcupines but I'm also assuming they weren't out due to how cold it was this morning)
Northwest
  • Excitingly, I did see 2 or 3 of the Wolves (I think it was 3 but most of the time they were spread out so I'm not exactly sure). There is a barrier up in front of the viewing area, but it's honestly not disruptive at all. It's a temporary fence with tarp over it, but there are tons of holes in the tarp they made for people to still get a good look at them. Plus the other viewing areas through the trees and branches. I didn't ask when the fence would be coming down, but it's not that big of an obstruction anyways. It was incredibly cool to see the Elk interact with them since they're not used to their presence yet (some of the Elk were very vocal and staring down the wolves, the wolves were staring them down back).
Rainforest
  • One of the indoor enclosures that had Rufous-collard Sparrows and Blue-grey Tanagers on my previous visit, no longer has the Tanagers. Instead, Chestnut-backed Thrushes and Violaceous Euphonias share the space with the Sparrows now.
  • While I sadly didn't see the Sloth again, they made a lot of changes to the Aviary for the Sloth. Most notably, the main tree now has a barrier around it, along with trail cameras and a "sleeping" box on the opposite side. I'm guessing they're trying to restrict it to the main, large tree so it's easier to spot and manage. You can't look into the box from the visitor viewing area, but I believe they had this same style box for the last Sloth at the Zoo so I'd imagine it's just sleeping in there.
Conservation Aviary
  • The Blue Magpie was moved out of the main aviary and now lives with the Edward's Pheasant pair in one of the enclosures outside. In return, the Bali Mynas and Chinese Hwamei in that enclosure were moved out.
  • One of the Victoria Crown Pigeons was moved from the walkthrough area to the Palm Cockatoo enclosure, so there's at least 1 that shares the space now.
  • (Sadly didn't see the Luzon Bleeding Hearts or the Wrinkled Hornbill again, I'm guessing the Hornbill will be out more once the female is introduced).
Bug World
  • Quite a few species changes happened in here compared to my last visit. Looking at my list, I believe this as follows:
  • The Goliath Beetles that were raised at the Zoo replaced the Peruvian Fire Sticks (kinda sad about this one, I liked the Fire Sticks)
  • Tailless Whip Scorpions / Vinegarroons have replaced the Emperor Scorpions
  • I'm blanking on the name (I should've taken a picture) but a species of Stick Insect replaced the Blue Death Feigning Beetles in that window to the behind the scenes area.
Family Farm
  • Something that wasn't reported was back in July, Sam the miniature Donkey passed away just a few months before his 32nd birthday. He was the last miniature Donkey at the zoo. They didn't say why but apparently the 30's age range is average for miniature donkeys, so I would guess age related possibly.
 
Other Spring / Summer 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On June 9th, the zoo announced they helped rear and release 30 western pond turtles back into the wild.

Woodland Park Zoo

On May 2nd, the zoo announced they named the southern pudu that was born in May 2024 Zapatito (Spanish for little shoe).

Woodland Park Zoo

On May 9th, it was reported that the zoo transferred a female (0.1) North American river otter to Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Utah on April 29th.

Otter-ly adorable: Help name the new river otter pup at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

On June 18th, the zoo announced that a male (1.0) Grant's gazelle named Shuka was born 4 months prior, which is on exhibit, and will be transferred to another facility in the future.

859 reactions · 29 shares | Shuka, our 4-month-old gazelle calf, tested out his pronking springs on the savanna! His zoomies were zooming and his pronking looked perfect. Shuka’s mom Bubbles shared the space with this little speedster while the other savanna animals stayed clear for the test drive. Shuka will soon join the others on the African savanna, keep an eye out for his need for speed! Shuka will live with our herd until he matures, then he’ll zip off to start a family of his own. Kudos to animal keeper Lauren for the fabulous footage! | Woodland Park Zoo

On July 11th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (2.2) Humboldt penguins to Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium in Pennsylvania.

Game Changer: Humboldt Penguins and Brown Pelicans Are Joining Our Lineup - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Smaggledagle said:
On April 25th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) Humboldt penguin hatched on March 28th.

Woodland Park Zoo
Celebrate World Penguin Day with this newly-hatched Humboldt nugget!
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On July 31st, the zoo announced they named the penguin CALiente (Spanish for hot, named after MLB star Cal Raleigh)

18K views · 857 reactions | Woodland Park Zoo’s Humboldt penguin colony is proud to announce the naming of our latest homegrown rookie… “Now biting...Number 98…(Fish) Catcher…CALiente!!” As a tip of the cap to our favorite catcher with the HOTTEST bat in baseball—the penguin keepers have named their newest All-Star and future switch eater… “CALiente”… inspired by Cal “Big Dumper” Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. Her dedicated team of caregivers cheer on this rookie swimming sensation in her quest to win it all by fledging into the colony and contributing to the genetic diversity of the Species Survival Plan. Together, they form a genetic All-Star team of sorts that will contribute to the Humboldt penguin population in zoos and aquariums around the country. Her keepers train daily to keep this stunner happy and healthy. The word caliente is a nod to her Peruvian roots (in Spanish, caliente means “HOT”), the name also highlights her fiery disposition and spicy personality. While her Dumper is currently tiny, CALiente’s spirit is mighty! | Woodland Park Zoo

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SZM said:
Bali Mynas have joined the Golden-crested Mynas and Chestnut-backed Thrushes at TRF.

A pair of Southern Ground Hornbills and a pair of White-faced Marmosets have arrived.
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On October 6th, the zoo officially announced the arrival of the marmosets, named Dakari (from Los Angeles Zoo in California) and Maxine (from Ross Park Zoo in New York), respectively.

Also on October 6th, the zoo announced they acquired a male (1.0) striped skunk named Phoenix, which is now an ambassador animal.

Woodland Park Zoo
3.8K views · 559 reactions | Your new crush just made his first reel. Phoenix, the striped skunk, is just 4 months old and already stealing hearts and smashing pumpkins! Pumpkin Bash at Woodland Park Zoo is October 25 + 26! | Woodland Park Zoo
 
A few updates:
  • There is a new female Rhinoceros Hornbill at Conservation Aviary, replacing the White-cheeked Turacos. This is the 3rd Rhinoceros Hornbill arriving in the last few months :) and she will be joined by a male in the next few weeks.
  • The White-cheeked Turacos have replaced the Red-billed Blue Magpies at the 1st aviary; they have moved to the Bugworld aviary and the Bali Mynas there have moved to the Banyan Wilds aviary.
  • There is also a new female Wrinkled Hornbill, currently being introduced to the existing male.
  • White-throated ground-doves have joined the Golden-crested Myna, Bali Myna and Palawan Peacock-pheasant at TRF 1st aviary.
  • The former reticulated python exhibit at the orangutan area has been completely renovated, it is still empty but new inhabitants should be added soon.
 
SZM said:
A few updates:
  • There is a new female Rhinoceros Hornbill at Conservation Aviary, replacing the White-cheeked Turacos. This is the 3rd Rhinoceros Hornbill arriving in the last few months :) and she will be joined by a male in the next few weeks.
  • The White-cheeked Turacos have replaced the Red-billed Blue Magpies at the 1st aviary; they have moved to the Bugworld aviary and the Bali Mynas there have moved to the Banyan Wilds aviary.
  • There is also a new female Wrinkled Hornbill, currently being introduced to the existing male.
  • White-throated ground-doves have joined the Golden-crested Myna, Bali Myna and Palawan Peacock-pheasant at TRF 1st aviary.
  • The former reticulated python exhibit at the orangutan area has been completely renovated, it is still empty but new inhabitants should be added soon.
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Thank you for the updates @SZM. I visited the zoo yesterday and it was wonderful seeing all of the new birds. A few additional updates from my recent visit:

  • The Luzon bleeding heart dove was moved into the glass fronted aviary across from the anaconda in TRF.
  • The pair of plush crested jays are back on exhibit in TRF with the sunbitterns and blue crowned motmot.
  • Common Trumpeters are off exhibit (a longtime staple in Conservation aviary) I could very well see the pair being exhibited in TRF in time.
  • The new female Rhinocerous Hornbill is truly magnificent and it seems that she is of the Bornean subspecies and the pair in tropical Asia is the Javan subspecies.
I never would have thought at the beginning of 2025 that Woodland Park Zoo would obtain so many new species this year. We now have 7 hornbills with an 8th on the way thanks to Dr. Neves.
 
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