Another new year means another winter trip to my home zoo. Here's some updates:
*When I looked at the new parking lot area while driving in (which apparently is still not complete), there was absolutely no progress made in constructing the second entrance and otter area. They still have a Memorial Day weekend opening lined up, but unless there's a miracle that comes up, I'm quite sure that will not happen.
*The path leading to the Animal Health Center was blocked off by snow. So no report on what is in quarantine at this time.
*The Diana monkey exhibit remains empty. I think it's safe to now say that, considering the exhibit lights have been out and a closed sign has been up for nearly a year, and the fact that she was pretty old, that the monkey has passed away. I have heard of a few possibilities for the vacant exhibit, but because nothing has been confirmed nor made public, I will not say what will happen just yet.
*Tom the orangutan seems to be enjoying the bachelor life. But not for long...according to a sign outside the exhibit, a young female orang is supposed to arrive in the spring. Whether it's a hybrid for companionship, or a pure bred female and then a pure bred male will eventually come in for breeding, I'm not sure.
*A few more animals to add to the list enjoying the Milwaukee winters: Japanese macaque (surprised this was the first time seeing them in the winter), American black bear, red kangaroo, and even zebras.
*Tafari the giraffe calf continues to do well.
*I got the opportunity to see the new shade structures in the polar bear and seal exhibit areas. They will be very beneficial during the scorching summers not just for the animals, but for visitors as well. I will admit though, they are definitely distracting.
*Unfortunately from what I heard, Max the Amur tiger will no longer be coming from Brookfield Zoo. No reasons have been given.
*According to the map and the Zoo's facebook page, the next summer special exhibit will be "Bugs! Larger Than Life."
*When I looked at the new parking lot area while driving in (which apparently is still not complete), there was absolutely no progress made in constructing the second entrance and otter area. They still have a Memorial Day weekend opening lined up, but unless there's a miracle that comes up, I'm quite sure that will not happen.
*The path leading to the Animal Health Center was blocked off by snow. So no report on what is in quarantine at this time.
*The Diana monkey exhibit remains empty. I think it's safe to now say that, considering the exhibit lights have been out and a closed sign has been up for nearly a year, and the fact that she was pretty old, that the monkey has passed away. I have heard of a few possibilities for the vacant exhibit, but because nothing has been confirmed nor made public, I will not say what will happen just yet.
*Tom the orangutan seems to be enjoying the bachelor life. But not for long...according to a sign outside the exhibit, a young female orang is supposed to arrive in the spring. Whether it's a hybrid for companionship, or a pure bred female and then a pure bred male will eventually come in for breeding, I'm not sure.
*A few more animals to add to the list enjoying the Milwaukee winters: Japanese macaque (surprised this was the first time seeing them in the winter), American black bear, red kangaroo, and even zebras.
*Tafari the giraffe calf continues to do well.
*I got the opportunity to see the new shade structures in the polar bear and seal exhibit areas. They will be very beneficial during the scorching summers not just for the animals, but for visitors as well. I will admit though, they are definitely distracting.
*Unfortunately from what I heard, Max the Amur tiger will no longer be coming from Brookfield Zoo. No reasons have been given.
*According to the map and the Zoo's facebook page, the next summer special exhibit will be "Bugs! Larger Than Life."
His name is Strannik, and he comes from the Toledo Zoo.
This leaves Milwaukee with female Mimi as the only rhino.
