Detroit Zoo Detroit Zoo News 2024

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I didn't visit the zoo, a friend sent me the picture. I'm out of town and won't be able to visit the zoo for a little while. They're still listed on the website.
 
Dang, we've really been getting all sorts of primates since Murphy became director. Counting on my fingers and potentially forgetting some, there are currently 9 species at the zoo! (8 if not counting off-exhibit squirrel monkeys).
We just need to hope it won’t be a rotating habitat or the swamp monkeys are gone. It is 8 or 9 primates, since Murphy has gotten here there are 4 new species and technically 5 if you count the gorillas.
 
Dang, we've really been getting all sorts of primates since Murphy became director. Counting on my fingers, assuming the swamp monkeys are still present, and potentially forgetting some, there are currently 9 species at the zoo! (8 if not counting off-exhibit squirrel monkeys).
When you pick one of the nation's leading experts in primate veterinary care to be your new director, I would expect they'd bring a larger primate collection along with them! Dr. Murphy is the founder of the Great Ape Heart Project, and comes from Zoo Atlanta, which has one of the largest primate collections (and largest gorilla and orangutan troops) in the United States. It's not uncommon for directors to prioritize bringing in animals that they have a particular interest in- Indianapolis is a perfect example, where the current director has a long history working with orangutans, hence his first project being the International Orangutan Complex.

Swamp monkey/red-tailed monkey is a mixed-species combination that has been done plenty of times. I see no reason why that wouldn't be Detroit's intention, although of course individual temperaments could complicate things.
 
When you pick one of the nation's leading experts in primate veterinary care to be your new director, I would expect they'd bring a larger primate collection along with them! Dr. Murphy is the founder of the Great Ape Heart Project, and comes from Zoo Atlanta, which has one of the largest primate collections (and largest gorilla and orangutan troops) in the United States. It's not uncommon for directors to prioritize bringing in animals that they have a particular interest in- Indianapolis is a perfect example, where the current director has a long history working with orangutans, hence his first project being the International Orangutan Complex.

Swamp monkey/red-tailed monkey is a mixed-species combination that has been done plenty of times. I see no reason why that wouldn't be Detroit's intention, although of course individual temperaments could complicate things.
I suspect that will be the case. These monkey species are commonly mixed, I just don't know if the species are too similar or not. Perhaps the new monkeys are being acclimated and will eventually be outside with the swamp monkeys.
 
It seems kid zone will probably get delayed until the summer or fall, there is not any noticeable construction.
 
Based off the zoo’s website it states that the Schmidt’s Monkeys are rotated on exhibit now and probably with the swamp monkeys. From the Detroit Zoo website, “Known for their white noses and long tails, Schmidt’s monkeys are native to central Africa. Two Schmidt’s monkeys moved to the Detroit Zoo in 2024 — Nafis, born June 8, 2015, and Nhala, born Aug. 20, 2012.”
 
Few updates from my visit today
• River Otter habitat is receiving renovations
• Lappet Faced Vultures are now in the cinerous vulture habitat and the sandhill cranes are gone.
• Swamp Monkeys and Red Tailed Monkeys were together
• Baby Gorilla is on habitat and outside, the mom really hid it.
• Chimp renovation has finished
• New crowned lemur has been very friendly to other ring tailed lemurs.
• Indoor lemur was closed
• New wood covering for eagles, volunteer said it’s for Michigan’s temps
• Red Panda Babies aren’t on habitat yet
 
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Few updates from my visit today
• River Otter habitat is receiving renovations
• Lappet Faced Vultures are now in the cinerous vulture habitat and the sandhill cranes are gone.
• Swamp Monkeys and Red Tailed Monkeys were together
• Baby Gorilla is on habitat and outside, the mom really hid it.
• Chimp renovation has finished
• New crowned lemur has been very friendly to other ring tailed lemurs.
• Indoor lemur was closed
• New wood covering for eagles, volunteer said it’s for Michigan’s temps
• Red Panda Babies aren’t on habitat yet
So the Schmidt's and swamp monkeys are on exhibit together?
 
Here's a fly-through of the upcoming Discovery Trails exhibit that was released recently. Confirms prairie dog, burrowing owl, giant anteater, bush dog, stingrays and a revitalized farm area.

Where were the bush dogs? I didn’t see them included. Based off the video I’d expect the area to be delayed.
 
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