Buffalo Zoo Buffalo Zoo 2012

Part of me wonders how big this exhibit is going to be - especially with the lack of funding. With the animals mentioned; polar bears, Arctic foxes, lynxes, and bald eagles, I can almost see them do a similar format to the Maryland Zoo where the smaller animals do not have that big of enclosures.

Unfortunately smaller zoos don't get much funding for their projects. Even if they don't compare to projects like Congo Gorilla Forest, Arctic Ring of Life, or Toyota Elephant Passage, they could be big steps for a smaller zoo. My zoo's planned South American exhibit, Andes Adventure, that would provide new homes for condors and bears, welcome new species into the collection, and would include a state-of-the art jaguar exhibit was canceled. I sincerely hope that the Arctic Edge exhibit can get enough funding to make a top-notch Polar Bear exhibit, but almost anything is better than the hell-hole those bears have now.
 
How many U.S. Zoos have musk ox? I would love to see one. Although they'd adapt well in Buffalo's weather, I doubt the zoo has finances to house them.
 
Yes they do in the rainforest ecostation, but it splits times in the exhibit with Golden Lion Tamarins. It is out in the afternoon and typically does not get out of its hide box till the lights go out which is close to closing time.
 
So the Buffalo Zoo posted what they thought was a nice photo of their elephant: Photo by buffalo_zoo • Instagram

A person commented back on why their was a chain on the elephant's ankle. Here is the zoo's response:

"Currently we have two elephants residing with us. That isn't a chain, more of an anklet or bracelet, like us wearing watches. Her movements are not restricted ever. The bracelet gets used only to aid the keepers in caring for her in veterinary procedures or other animal care issues."

Does anyone else find this ridiculous? That chain has been there since the spring I left Buffalo in 2011. I remember asking one the keepers and they referred to it as the elephant's "bling bling". I honestly don't find the use for it, especially since other zoos can manage their elephants for procedures without it.
 
I usually don't like to express my opinions publically on facebook, but I responded back:

I do not mean to sound ignorant about elephant care, but what is the purpose of having the anklet on them most of the time? I would understand if it was added around the time of medical procedures, but elephants do not need accessories (bracelets) like humans do. This is just my opinion, but whenever I saw this in person or in pictures, it just makes me think the zoo is taking a step back in time.
 
The male polar bear is having a bon voyage party this weekend. I assume he will be leacing sometime next week. The zoo has not yet released what zoo he is heading to, but I am working on getting an answer (I'm hoping Hogle Zoo). A zoo has not been finalized for the female yet. Buffalo Zoo Says Bon Voyage to Polar Bear Nanuq
 
Moving from one the worst polar bear exhibits to one of the best in the U.S. This makes me very happy! It looks like I need to do a road trip out there again in the future.
 
New Arrivals at the Buffalo Zoo.

Buffalo Zoo's facebook has been very informative today! I guess the zoo does not mind having cross breed baby giraffes. I also found out that both Andean bears, Bernard and Diana, are in the Vanishing Animals exhibit. They made room in the inside holding area to accommodate both. I am unsure if the Fernando, the other Andean bear, is still at the grottoes or was relocated to another zoo.
 
The Rainforest Falls exhibit has decorated for the holiday with stocking featuring animal names on them. Even Christmas lists from their animals. She was kind enough to send me a video going down the line showing all the animals. Some thing caught my eye. They mentioned at least three prehensile tailed porcupines and two other tamanduas. The porcupines I feel are off exhibit animals, like their female sloth. However, I had no idea the zoo had two more tamanduas. So it's 2.1 total. I have contacted the zoo to get more information about this.
 
After speaking with a friend who works at the zoo and getting an email from them directly, the two tamanduas are a new editions at the zoo and are on exhibit. They have been at the zoo for a few months. The zoo also went through with their plans and got an orange spotted ray for the Rainforest exhibit.
 
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