These two titis, brothers Erasmo and Guillermo, were transferred to the Jenkinson's Aquarium in New Jersey.
source: instagram post
Minnesota Zoo Minnesota Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Dhole dude
- Start date
source: instagram post
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
The foal has suffered health issues and has gone abandoned by his mother in his earliest weeks, fortunately he has been reared by a "surrogate" Domestic mare.
Minnesota Zoo on Instagram: "A new foal is up on his feet at the Minnesota Zoo. Born May 17, 2025, he is the latest in a long line of more than 50 Asian wild horses born here at the Minnesota Zoo since 1978 that are helping to ensure the survival of the species. A few days after his birth, he fell ill and was transferred to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center for treatment. After recovering, he returned to the Zoo – only to find his mom, Nady no longer had the instinct to mother and nurse him. This is not an unusual circumstance with wild horses when they are separated from their foals. But hope was not lost. Consulting veterinarians at the University knew of a domesticated horse, Alice, whose foal had sadly died due to an injury. Alice’s owners Sylvia and Jeff Passow hoped she could help. Asian wild horses and domesticated horses are related, but very distantly. But that didn’t matter to Alice! Her mothering instincts kicked in as soon as she and the foal met, with their bond forming quickly thereafter. Alice will stay with the foal at the Zoo for several months in the pasture along the path to the Wells Fargo Family Farm. You can read more about Alice and the foal, and learn how you can support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife — including Asian wild horses — at the link in our bio."
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
You beat me to it!
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
The newborn was named Marat.
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/rejected-by-his-mother-a-rare-wild-asian-horse-20401226.php
And he has made national news! This type of press is sorely needed at the Minnesota Zoo, and at other zoos around the country, so it's always great to see!
Rejected by his mother, a rare wild Asian horse foal finds a new mom in a grieving domestic mare
After Getting Sick, an Endangered Baby Horse Was Rejected by His Mom. Then, a Grieving Pony Stepped Up
Updates from my visit on Tuesday:
. The last Green Moray, Green Sea Turtle, and Hawksbill Sea Turtle have all passed away. While this is certainly disappointing, the zoo is working to bring back the Morays and at least one species of Sea Turtle. It's astonishing to think that the zoo went from having three Sea Turtle species to none in just a year.
. The zoo's elderly Komodo Dragon, "Bowser," unfortunately passed away last week
. His old exhibit is currently occupied by a pair of Bennett's Wallabies, which were confiscated from SeaQuest a couple of months ago. This, however, is only temporary, as the zoo has a juvenile Komodo Dragon behind the scenes that will *hopefully* go on exhibit once it is fully grown.
. A makeshift Leopard Tortoise exhibit has been created behind the Cape Porcupine exhibit. It's actually been around for a couple of months, but it's so out of the way that I never noticed it!
. Surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet, but the Linnaeus Two-Toed Sloth from SeaQuest has been added to the Titi/Agouti Exhibit.
. Two Pied Avocet chicks hatched within the last week.
. A Livingstone's Turaco, a Toco Toucan, and a Milky Eagle Owl have been added to the bird show. I suppose the Toucan lot is a lot less of a misnomer now.
. There are now 2 Przewalski's Horses in the old Mux Ox exhibit
Now for some more general comments on the zoo;
Now that I've seen it twice, I can confidently say that the new Red Panda Forest, I can confidently say that I'm thoroughly impressed with this exhibit. Going into this, my expectations were pretty low, but I think the zoo did a great job! Both the Red Panda and Tufted Deer/Crane exhibits are top-notch, and the zoo did a great job the planting and furnishing both in and around the exhibit. I'm very glad they brought back the drawn animal signage from the Northern Trail, as those are some of my favorite pieces of Zoo signage. My only major complaint is that the dividing fence between the two exhibits is a little too noticeable, but other than that, this is an excellent pair of exhibits. While losing the Dholes was very disappointing, I believe this exhibit does the best possible job at trying to follow up.
The zoo appears to be slowly shrinking almost every exhibit on the Northern Trail the last few years. When Tiger Lair was renovated during the pandemic, the enclosure noticeably shrank by about 10%, while the larger Camel/Horse exhibit was reduced to less than half of its former size to make way for the llama Trek. Most recently, the Bison exhibit lost nearly a third of its area to make way for the bison landing. From what the keepers have said, they originally intended for the Bison to have access to this part of the exhibit, but considering it's been two years since the Treetop Trail opened, it's pretty clear they won't be able to access this area. I'm not quite sure of the reason for these changes (or even if there is one), but it has been mildly irritating me for years now.
Speaking of the Llama Trek, I visited it for the first time in a long while, and it was just as disappointing as I remember. It still feels very out of place along the NORTHERN Trail, and overall feels very haphazard. It also frustrates me that they replaced Kangaroo Krossing with an exhibit dedicated solely to domestics. The one non-domestic species held here, the Greater Rhea, was phased out years ago, and the exhibit was left abandoned. Overall, it's an eyesore that I hope the zoo eventually replaces or demolishes, as it was only ever meant to be temporary anyway.
I saw Ola for the first time this year! I really wish the zoo would actually let Ola use the main tank during visiting hours, as it basically comes down to lack as to weather or not you will see her.
Overall, a fairly pleasant visit. It was beyond exciting to finally see the zoo open a somewhat new exhibit for the first time in nearly a decade, and it's great to see the zoo continue to improve. Excited for whenever the animal hospital and lakeside terrace/Japanese Macaque start construction!
. The last Green Moray, Green Sea Turtle, and Hawksbill Sea Turtle have all passed away. While this is certainly disappointing, the zoo is working to bring back the Morays and at least one species of Sea Turtle. It's astonishing to think that the zoo went from having three Sea Turtle species to none in just a year.
. The zoo's elderly Komodo Dragon, "Bowser," unfortunately passed away last week
. His old exhibit is currently occupied by a pair of Bennett's Wallabies, which were confiscated from SeaQuest a couple of months ago. This, however, is only temporary, as the zoo has a juvenile Komodo Dragon behind the scenes that will *hopefully* go on exhibit once it is fully grown.. A makeshift Leopard Tortoise exhibit has been created behind the Cape Porcupine exhibit. It's actually been around for a couple of months, but it's so out of the way that I never noticed it!
. Surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet, but the Linnaeus Two-Toed Sloth from SeaQuest has been added to the Titi/Agouti Exhibit.
. Two Pied Avocet chicks hatched within the last week.
. A Livingstone's Turaco, a Toco Toucan, and a Milky Eagle Owl have been added to the bird show. I suppose the Toucan lot is a lot less of a misnomer now.
. There are now 2 Przewalski's Horses in the old Mux Ox exhibit
Now for some more general comments on the zoo;
Now that I've seen it twice, I can confidently say that the new Red Panda Forest, I can confidently say that I'm thoroughly impressed with this exhibit. Going into this, my expectations were pretty low, but I think the zoo did a great job! Both the Red Panda and Tufted Deer/Crane exhibits are top-notch, and the zoo did a great job the planting and furnishing both in and around the exhibit. I'm very glad they brought back the drawn animal signage from the Northern Trail, as those are some of my favorite pieces of Zoo signage. My only major complaint is that the dividing fence between the two exhibits is a little too noticeable, but other than that, this is an excellent pair of exhibits. While losing the Dholes was very disappointing, I believe this exhibit does the best possible job at trying to follow up.
The zoo appears to be slowly shrinking almost every exhibit on the Northern Trail the last few years. When Tiger Lair was renovated during the pandemic, the enclosure noticeably shrank by about 10%, while the larger Camel/Horse exhibit was reduced to less than half of its former size to make way for the llama Trek. Most recently, the Bison exhibit lost nearly a third of its area to make way for the bison landing. From what the keepers have said, they originally intended for the Bison to have access to this part of the exhibit, but considering it's been two years since the Treetop Trail opened, it's pretty clear they won't be able to access this area. I'm not quite sure of the reason for these changes (or even if there is one), but it has been mildly irritating me for years now.
Speaking of the Llama Trek, I visited it for the first time in a long while, and it was just as disappointing as I remember. It still feels very out of place along the NORTHERN Trail, and overall feels very haphazard. It also frustrates me that they replaced Kangaroo Krossing with an exhibit dedicated solely to domestics. The one non-domestic species held here, the Greater Rhea, was phased out years ago, and the exhibit was left abandoned. Overall, it's an eyesore that I hope the zoo eventually replaces or demolishes, as it was only ever meant to be temporary anyway.
I saw Ola for the first time this year! I really wish the zoo would actually let Ola use the main tank during visiting hours, as it basically comes down to lack as to weather or not you will see her.
Overall, a fairly pleasant visit. It was beyond exciting to finally see the zoo open a somewhat new exhibit for the first time in nearly a decade, and it's great to see the zoo continue to improve. Excited for whenever the animal hospital and lakeside terrace/Japanese Macaque start construction!
Do you mean American Avocet, or do they actually have Pied Avocets now?Updates from my visit on Tuesday:
. The last Green Moray, Green Sea Turtle, and Hawksbill Sea Turtle have all passed away. While this is certainly disappointing, the zoo is working to bring back the Morays and at least one species of Sea Turtle. It's astonishing to think that the zoo went from having three Sea Turtle species to none in just a year.
. The zoo's elderly Komodo Dragon, "Bowser," unfortunately passed away last week
. A makeshift Leopard Tortoise exhibit has been created behind the Cape Porcupine exhibit. It's actually been around for a couple of months, but it's so out of the way that I never noticed it!
. Surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet, but the Linnaeus Two-Toed Sloth from SeaQuest has been added to the Titi/Agouti Exhibit.
. Two Pied Avocet chicks hatched within the last week.
. A Livingstone's Turaco, a Toco Toucan, and a Milky Eagle Owl have been added to the bird show. I suppose the Toucan lot is a lot less of a misnomer now.
. There are now 2 Przewalski's Horses in the old Mux Ox exhibit
Now for some more general comments on the zoo;
Now that I've seen it twice, I can confidently say that the new Red Panda Forest, I can confidently say that I'm thoroughly impressed with this exhibit. Going into this, my expectations were pretty low, but I think the zoo did a great job! Both the Red Panda and Tufted Deer/Crane exhibits are top-notch, and the zoo did a great job the planting and furnishing both in and around the exhibit. I'm very glad they brought back the drawn animal signage from the Northern Trail, as those are some of my favorite pieces of Zoo signage. My only major complaint is that the dividing fence between the two exhibits is a little too noticeable, but other than that, this is an excellent pair of exhibits. While losing the Dholes was very disappointing, I believe this exhibit does the best possible job at trying to follow up.
The zoo appears to be slowly shrinking almost every exhibit on the Northern Trail the last few years. When Tiger Lair was renovated during the pandemic, the enclosure noticeably shrank by about 10%, while the larger Camel/Horse exhibit was reduced to less than half of its former size to make way for the llama Trek. Most recently, the Bison exhibit lost nearly a third of its area to make way for the bison landing. From what the keepers have said, they originally intended for the Bison to have access to this part of the exhibit, but considering it's been two years since the Treetop Trail opened, it's pretty clear they won't be able to access this area. I'm not quite sure of the reason for these changes (or even if there is one), but it has been mildly irritating me for years now.
Speaking of the Llama Trek, I visited it for the first time in a long while, and it was just as disappointing as I remember. It still feels very out of place along the NORTHERN Trail, and overall feels very haphazard. It also frustrates me that they replaced Kangaroo Krossing with an exhibit dedicated solely to domestics. The one non-domestic species held here, the Greater Rhea, was phased out years ago, and the exhibit was left abandoned. Overall, it's an eyesore that I hope the zoo eventually replaces or demolishes, as it was only ever meant to be temporary anyway.
I saw Ola for the first time this year! I really wish the zoo would actually let Ola use the main tank during visiting hours, as it basically comes down to lack as to weather or not you will see her.
Overall, a fairly pleasant visit. It was beyond exciting to finally see the zoo open a somewhat new exhibit for the first time in nearly a decade, and it's great to see the zoo continue to improve. Excited for whenever the animal hospital and lakeside terrace/Japanese Macaque start construction!
Sorry, I meant to say Black-Necked Stilt. Don’t know where I got Pied Avocet from
.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Dari the Amur tiger has died.
Amur tiger at Minnesota Zoo dies | kare11.com
Amur tiger at Minnesota Zoo dies | kare11.com
The zoo’s male Tapir, Tuah, has moved to the Woodland Park Zoo.
Zoo welcomes new male Malayan tapir: Pleased to meet you, Tuah!
Zoo welcomes new male Malayan tapir: Pleased to meet you, Tuah!
Wisp O' Mist
Well-Known Member
Any idea which two horses? I know there were plans to introduce Loretta and Varuschka to Bentley in the former musk ox enclosure as of a few months ago. Bentley was already up there, so perhaps the reintroduction process has started, and you saw Loretta and Varuschka that day?
Is it possible that this tortoise has been there for a while? I seem to remember seeing him in that makeshift pen a few times.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Updates From The Zoo's Emails:
A three-year-old female Amur Leopard from the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium named Nyura is now visible in Russia's Grizzly Coast. She will eventually be introduced to Valeri, the male, as a potential breeding mate.
Another bison calf was born on the Fourth of July.
A second Dutch Belted, Bonnie, gave birth in June at the family farm. The calf, another male, was named Buzz.
The zebra shark pup that hatched last summer has moved into the Tropical Reef.
A three-year-old female Amur Leopard from the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium named Nyura is now visible in Russia's Grizzly Coast. She will eventually be introduced to Valeri, the male, as a potential breeding mate.
Another bison calf was born on the Fourth of July.
A second Dutch Belted, Bonnie, gave birth in June at the family farm. The calf, another male, was named Buzz.
The zebra shark pup that hatched last summer has moved into the Tropical Reef.
I visited the zoo today and took note of a few things.
The Burmese mountain tortoise enclosure held what I believe is a leopard tortoise. The enclosure is still signed for the longtime resident species, despite it not holding one.
The pair of Asian wild horses at the old muskoxen enclosure that @Dhole dude saw must have been Varuschka and Loretta as I suspected. Today, the two of them were in that enclosure with Bentley, who has been living in that space for at least a few months now.
A male and female domestic Bactrian camel have temporarily moved from one of the zoos in the Dakotas while their home is undergoing some renovations. The intention is for the bull to breed with the Minnesota Zoo's herd.
The second window for the lemur enclosure in the Tropics Trail was boarded off. The first no longer exists at all. There is nothing to suggest it ever actually did exist at all. Signs for the chameleon have also been removed, but the cockroaches are still present in their terrarium. I don’t know what's going on, but I'm hopeful that whatever changes are being made are executed speedily. The enclosure was never all that great for lemurs, or the the leopard before the lemurs, so we will see what happens here.
Sourcing wild boar from the breeder in Canada is apparently no longer a viable option, so the domestic pigs will remain in the enclosure for the foreseeable future. This is very dissapointing to say the least, especially because the keeper who said this expressed doubts that another source for wild boar will ever be found and/or pursued.
There's a shark pup in the designated tank in Discovery Bay. I think it is a brown-banded bamboo shark, but I'm definitely not certain.
The Burmese mountain tortoise enclosure held what I believe is a leopard tortoise. The enclosure is still signed for the longtime resident species, despite it not holding one.
The pair of Asian wild horses at the old muskoxen enclosure that @Dhole dude saw must have been Varuschka and Loretta as I suspected. Today, the two of them were in that enclosure with Bentley, who has been living in that space for at least a few months now.
A male and female domestic Bactrian camel have temporarily moved from one of the zoos in the Dakotas while their home is undergoing some renovations. The intention is for the bull to breed with the Minnesota Zoo's herd.
The second window for the lemur enclosure in the Tropics Trail was boarded off. The first no longer exists at all. There is nothing to suggest it ever actually did exist at all. Signs for the chameleon have also been removed, but the cockroaches are still present in their terrarium. I don’t know what's going on, but I'm hopeful that whatever changes are being made are executed speedily. The enclosure was never all that great for lemurs, or the the leopard before the lemurs, so we will see what happens here.
Sourcing wild boar from the breeder in Canada is apparently no longer a viable option, so the domestic pigs will remain in the enclosure for the foreseeable future. This is very dissapointing to say the least, especially because the keeper who said this expressed doubts that another source for wild boar will ever be found and/or pursued.
There's a shark pup in the designated tank in Discovery Bay. I think it is a brown-banded bamboo shark, but I'm definitely not certain.
Three pygmy marmosets have moved into the enclosure with the armadillo at the end of the Tropics Trail, and it seems that the golden lion tamarins are now gone. Young male Paploo; his dad, Soda; and mom, Teek came from the Houston Zoo.
Construction on the Japanese macaque enclosure and surrounding area will begin in September.
Construction on the Japanese macaque enclosure and surrounding area will begin in September.
The three longtime resident gray wolves have been retired to a non-public enclosure elsewhere on zoo property. A new pack of gray wolves will be moving into the Minnesota Trail enclosure next month.
It will be interesting to see whether the new wolves are the Mexican subspecies or not.
It will be interesting to see whether the new wolves are the Mexican subspecies or not.
Have they released any details about what exactly they are doing to the Japanese macaque exhibit? Are they tearing down the existing space and building a new one, or is this more of a refurbishment of the existing exhibit?