San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo News 2025

Kudu21 said:
I would be surprised if the Zoo ends up maintaining all five non-phase-out bear species long-term. There just really is not enough space to maintain proper exhibits for all of them. They seem very committed to giant pandas, polar bears, and sloth bears, but I could see the fate of the Andean and grizzly bears being up in the air looking ahead. Bear Canyon and Urban Jungle are pretty much set to be the next major renovations at the Zoo, but I think that, especially, with a new CEO coming in eventually, a lot of what the future of the Zoo will look like will be up in the air. I wouldn't be surprised to see some shake ups of other areas, too.
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The San Diego Zoo probably has the best collection of bear species in the United States, but it's probably for the better for the Grizzly Bears and Andean Bears if the zoo decides to phase them out along with the Sun Bears due to not having enough room for them and that they can focus more on the Giant Pandas, Polar Bears, and Sloth Bears.
 
Kudu21 said:
There is still the troop of Angolan colobus in the exhibit that also held the last black crested mangabeys, which is the old lion-tailed macaque exhibit in Sun Bear Forest. The old black crested mangabey exhibit across from the bonobos that is being referenced by @Jambo has, indeed, held the Zoo's second South African vervet troop for quite awhile now. This move occurred after the Zoo's last breeding age black-crested mangabeys were moved out to other institutions.



I think that depends on your definition of "major rarity". If we look at primates with 10 or less holders, they house blue-eyed black lemur, bonobo, gelada, lesser spot-nosed guenon, silvery langur, South African vervet, and Wolf's mona monkey.
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One of the Zoo's two adult male mandrills has now moved into the former lion-tailed macaque exhibit in Sun Bear Forest. I do not know whether he is going to be introduced to the Angolan colobus that lived there with the last black-crested mangabeys (he did previously live with a troop of Schmidt's red-tailed guenons in Monkey Trails and Forest Tales) or if the colobus have been moved out.
 
It seems the Main focus after Elephant Valley for the Zoo is Renovations for the Polar Bear Passage, probably the rest of the Northern Frontier might be re-themed to Animals of the Americas (Grizzles and Spectacled Bears might move there), and the Urban Jungle, could be re-themed to African Savannah animals present and from Northern Frontier to go with the rest of Africa Rocks, and the Asian Passage Bear Grottos, Sun Bear Forest could be renamed to Sloth Bear Forest once the Sun Bear passes awya and the Sloth bears are moed and the rest of the Grottos would be for other asian animals, and the Indian Rhinos might be moved there.
 
Thomas said:
It seems the Main focus after Elephant Valley for the Zoo is Renovations for the Polar Bear Passage, probably the rest of the Northern Frontier might be re-themed to Animals of the Americas (Grizzles and Spectacled Bears might move there), and the Urban Jungle, could be re-themed to African Savannah animals present and from Northern Frontier to go with the rest of Africa Rocks, and the Asian Passage Bear Grottos, Sun Bear Forest could be renamed to Sloth Bear Forest once the Sun Bear passes awya and the Sloth bears are moed and the rest of the Grottos would be for other asian animals, and the Indian Rhinos might be moved there.
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That could work, so we can still have all 5 bear species as well.
 
ZooFan1 said:
That could work, so we can still have all 5 bear species as well.
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I do not see why SD Zoo should have 5 bear species. It might be a wise move to dedicate additional spaces at the Safari Park for at least +1 bear species and have ample more space to redevelop / redesign the current Bear area to a more modern state of the art new bear area.

BTWL Why not, ... I just cannot see a 2025 zoo like SD Zoo to remain a postage stamp collection, but go through some meaningful changes.
 
Thomas said:
Sun Bear Forest could be renamed to Sloth Bear Forest once the Sun Bear passes awya and the Sloth bears are moed and the rest of the Grottos would be for other asian animals, and the Indian Rhinos might be moved there.
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The whole area should and likely will end up being redeveloped/re-themed. It's just a matter of how and when, once the new CEO arrives and makes decisions on those matters. The current Sun Bear exhibit isn't huge by any means, and definitely won't be able to support the zoo's Sloth Bear breeding program.
 
From the zoo's facebook page:
"It's been an incredibly difficult week for all of us here at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
With profound sadness we share the passing of Kalluk, a truly extraordinary polar bear and special member of the San Diego Zoo family. At the advanced age of 24 years old, Kalluk passed peacefully on August 14, surrounded by the Wildlife Care team who knew him best and cared for him deeply since he was a cub.
Recently Kalluk began to show signs of age-related illness, prompting our dedicated wildlife care and health experts to conduct a proactive and comprehensive wellness evaluation. After thoroughly reviewing the results and evaluating all options, wildlife experts made the difficult and compassionate decision to say goodbye.
Kalluk's story began in 2001, when he and his sister, Tatqiq, arrived as orphaned cubs alongside their companion, Chinook. Without mothers to guide them, the three cubs found a second chance at life here at the San Diego Zoo, where they have thrived for decades ever since. Kalluk became an ambassador in the truest sense, opening eyes and hearts to his species and the urgent need to protect it.
At 24 years old, Kalluk lived a remarkable life, as male polar bears live an average of 15–18 years in native habitats. Wildlife Care Specialists will remember him as a calm strength within the trio, with an inquisitive and adventurous nature that left an indelible mark on his care team and the countless guests who were inspired by him. Over his 24 years, Kalluk acted as a bridge between worlds, contributing to groundbreaking research on polar bear physiology, sensory perception, and adaptation. These studies have provided global conservationists and scientists with crucial insights into how polar bears navigate a rapidly changing world, helping to ensure a future for his counterparts.
After his passing, Tatqiq and Chinook were given the opportunity to say their goodbyes. Being with them in this moment reminded us that the feeling of loss transcends species, and our team remains committed to supporting them through this transition.
Kalluk lived a life of purpose, dignity, and connection. His legacy will live on through the conservation work he made possible and the lives he touched along the way. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for your support as we honor his journey. Please join us in celebrating Kalluk’s life and offering condolences to all who are feeling his absence."
 
blospz said:
From the zoo's facebook page:
"It's been an incredibly difficult week for all of us here at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
With profound sadness we share the passing of Kalluk, a truly extraordinary polar bear and special member of the San Diego Zoo family. At the advanced age of 24 years old, Kalluk passed peacefully on August 14, surrounded by the Wildlife Care team who knew him best and cared for him deeply since he was a cub.
Recently Kalluk began to show signs of age-related illness, prompting our dedicated wildlife care and health experts to conduct a proactive and comprehensive wellness evaluation. After thoroughly reviewing the results and evaluating all options, wildlife experts made the difficult and compassionate decision to say goodbye.
Kalluk's story began in 2001, when he and his sister, Tatqiq, arrived as orphaned cubs alongside their companion, Chinook. Without mothers to guide them, the three cubs found a second chance at life here at the San Diego Zoo, where they have thrived for decades ever since. Kalluk became an ambassador in the truest sense, opening eyes and hearts to his species and the urgent need to protect it.
At 24 years old, Kalluk lived a remarkable life, as male polar bears live an average of 15–18 years in native habitats. Wildlife Care Specialists will remember him as a calm strength within the trio, with an inquisitive and adventurous nature that left an indelible mark on his care team and the countless guests who were inspired by him. Over his 24 years, Kalluk acted as a bridge between worlds, contributing to groundbreaking research on polar bear physiology, sensory perception, and adaptation. These studies have provided global conservationists and scientists with crucial insights into how polar bears navigate a rapidly changing world, helping to ensure a future for his counterparts.
After his passing, Tatqiq and Chinook were given the opportunity to say their goodbyes. Being with them in this moment reminded us that the feeling of loss transcends species, and our team remains committed to supporting them through this transition.
Kalluk lived a life of purpose, dignity, and connection. His legacy will live on through the conservation work he made possible and the lives he touched along the way. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for your support as we honor his journey. Please join us in celebrating Kalluk’s life and offering condolences to all who are feeling his absence."
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That’s sad, at least the zoo still has other two Polar Bears
 
Kudu21 said:
The Zoo also announced on their socials that 28-year-old Masai giraffe “Nicky” was also euthanized yesterday due to an age-related rapid decline in health. She was the oldest Masai giraffe currently in human care.
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It should also be noted that the zoo named the (1.0) Masai giraffe born in July Madoadoa (Swahili for spots/blemish/frightened).

San Diego Zoo
 
Kudu21 said:
One of the Zoo's two adult male mandrills has now moved into the former lion-tailed macaque exhibit in Sun Bear Forest. I do not know whether he is going to be introduced to the Angolan colobus that lived there with the last black-crested mangabeys (he did previously live with a troop of Schmidt's red-tailed guenons in Monkey Trails and Forest Tales) or if the colobus have been moved out.
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Isoke will be introduced to the colobus monkeys next week. He was moved because the two mandrill brothers were not getting along.
 
ZooFan1 said:
Just found out that Red Ruffed Lemurs are currently in place of the De Brazza's Monkeys on Monkey Trails, does anyone know what happened to the De Brazza's Monkeys? I wonder if they still have them since they recently had a baby? Also, why even have Red Ruffed Lemurs where the De Brazza’s Monkeys are when they already have an exhibit for them in the Madagascar portion of Africa Rocks?
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The baby, Lulua, got out through the front mesh. They will stay off exhibit until she gets a little bigger.
 
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