Does this mean that the zoo will no longer be exhibiting kiwis?
Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian National Zoo News 2016
- Thread starter TZFan
- Start date
Does this mean that the zoo will no longer be exhibiting kiwis?
All kiwis will be (maybe they already left) sent to SCBI, so yes the zoo will no longer be exhibit kiwis.
A pitty that the kiwi's will leave / have left the zoo because they gained so much experience with them !
And they will use that experience to continue their conservation efforts with kiwi's. The only difference is they'll all be at SCBI (the zoos off campus breeding and research facility in Virginia) instead of some at both facilities.
A members only goodbye for Bao Bao will take place on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Bye Bye Bao Bao
Kara the grey seal is pregnant! You can watch her ultrasound here.
Also another Eld's deer fawn was born early Saturday.
Bye Bye Bao Bao
Kara the grey seal is pregnant! You can watch her ultrasound here.
Also another Eld's deer fawn was born early Saturday.
Some notes:
- Got dive-bombed by an oropendola in Amazonia today. Also one of the spoonbills bit a kid's hand and then wandered into the hallway to nip at a woman's handbag. Quite bold birds.
- Does anyone know where their arapaimas came from? The biggest one is enormous!
- The alcove with the ruffed lemurs and mouse deer was closed off yesterday, but open again today with several travel crates in their enclosure. I saw 7 ruffed lemurs but no mouse deer, and the exhibit next to it only had a sloth and an agouti. I saw several mice inhabiting both enclosures as well.
- Do they still have Komodo dragon? If so, are they not on display somewhere during the winter?
- Did anyone know about the Conservation Lab they have downstairs from the exit of the Amazon building? It is extremely cool and now one of my favorite exhibits at the zoo; I wish that more zoos had something like that (although perhaps it would not be as impressive at many other institutions...)
- The river otter exhibit had no otters; it now has signage for wood ducks, and the exhibit had wood ducks in it? What's the story there?
- The Think Tank is very cool, although I wish I could have seen the Sulawesi macaques when they lived there. It's a shame that they are being phased out, especially considering how endangered they are in the wild.
- I visited the Bird House for the first time (missed it when I visited a year ago), and I am even more disheartened with the new renovation. I very much like the Bird House as it stands right now, but all of the large wire enclosures that surely once held impressive and rare tropical species now hold a very small number of rather uninspiring songbirds from the Americas. The free-flight room held ducks, peafowl, a lone macaw on a perch, a few stray songbirds, and a chicken. Pitiful. The outside enclosures are very large for their bird inhabitants and it will be sad to see species like the bustards, cassowary, and rhea go. The impressive-looking Aviary was closed, and the sign said it would be until renovations finish in 2020. 2020!? The renovation is supposed to take over three years? I really do hope the new facility is worth the wait...
- Got dive-bombed by an oropendola in Amazonia today. Also one of the spoonbills bit a kid's hand and then wandered into the hallway to nip at a woman's handbag. Quite bold birds.
- Does anyone know where their arapaimas came from? The biggest one is enormous!
- The alcove with the ruffed lemurs and mouse deer was closed off yesterday, but open again today with several travel crates in their enclosure. I saw 7 ruffed lemurs but no mouse deer, and the exhibit next to it only had a sloth and an agouti. I saw several mice inhabiting both enclosures as well.
- Do they still have Komodo dragon? If so, are they not on display somewhere during the winter?
- Did anyone know about the Conservation Lab they have downstairs from the exit of the Amazon building? It is extremely cool and now one of my favorite exhibits at the zoo; I wish that more zoos had something like that (although perhaps it would not be as impressive at many other institutions...)
- The river otter exhibit had no otters; it now has signage for wood ducks, and the exhibit had wood ducks in it? What's the story there?
- The Think Tank is very cool, although I wish I could have seen the Sulawesi macaques when they lived there. It's a shame that they are being phased out, especially considering how endangered they are in the wild.
- I visited the Bird House for the first time (missed it when I visited a year ago), and I am even more disheartened with the new renovation. I very much like the Bird House as it stands right now, but all of the large wire enclosures that surely once held impressive and rare tropical species now hold a very small number of rather uninspiring songbirds from the Americas. The free-flight room held ducks, peafowl, a lone macaw on a perch, a few stray songbirds, and a chicken. Pitiful. The outside enclosures are very large for their bird inhabitants and it will be sad to see species like the bustards, cassowary, and rhea go. The impressive-looking Aviary was closed, and the sign said it would be until renovations finish in 2020. 2020!? The renovation is supposed to take over three years? I really do hope the new facility is worth the wait...
The zoo had one senior male river otter left and he passed away earlier this year. The zoo plans to have the North American river otter return sometime in 2017.
The birds in Amazonia are quite bold. I once saw a spoonbill strolling around in the area with the various tanks (not the science center, but the area with the milk frogs, mata mata, etc.).
I'd also like to know the answer to your arapaima question. They're among the largest that I've seen.
The mice are a problem in most of the indoor areas, though they are most pronounced in the Small Mammal and Bird Houses. The crates you mention (assuming they were all on the ground) are for the deer to hide in. I didn't see it last time either, and there was talk a while back of finding a female for it, so it may have transferred to another zoo.
The Komodo dragon has a set of enclosures down the path behind the Reptile House. If you didn't see the exhibits for tomistoma or Chinese alligator, you missed it entirely. If you did see the exhibits, then I'm not sure.
The Conservation Lab is quite a cool exhibit. I missed it on my first visit but now make sure I see it whenever I visit.
Macaques: the AZA is focusing on a different species, but the Sulawesi crested has an extremely strong program in Europe, so they were phased out to give whichever species we are focusing on space. If you are still in the area and can drive a bit, the Metro Richmond Zoo has three individuals and is 2-2.5 hours away.
I am not a huge fan of the Bird House at present. The wire makes photography a challenge, and the structure of the exhibits don't leave much room for some of their inhabitants to fly. The renovation will take a while, yes, but they are gutting nearly the entire building and constructing new exhibits, several of which will be walk-through. It's also a historic building, so they can't just tear it down and rebuild, they have to be very careful with their work. One section will have a large aquatic feature (horseshoe crabs, fish, and nearly 20 duck species!) and I'm sure that will take quite the life support system to be installed. Also, the outdoor birds are remaining the same. There may be a few renovations and some species changes, but that won't likely happen until after the building is renovated.
I'd also like to know the answer to your arapaima question. They're among the largest that I've seen.
The mice are a problem in most of the indoor areas, though they are most pronounced in the Small Mammal and Bird Houses. The crates you mention (assuming they were all on the ground) are for the deer to hide in. I didn't see it last time either, and there was talk a while back of finding a female for it, so it may have transferred to another zoo.
The Komodo dragon has a set of enclosures down the path behind the Reptile House. If you didn't see the exhibits for tomistoma or Chinese alligator, you missed it entirely. If you did see the exhibits, then I'm not sure.
The Conservation Lab is quite a cool exhibit. I missed it on my first visit but now make sure I see it whenever I visit.
Macaques: the AZA is focusing on a different species, but the Sulawesi crested has an extremely strong program in Europe, so they were phased out to give whichever species we are focusing on space. If you are still in the area and can drive a bit, the Metro Richmond Zoo has three individuals and is 2-2.5 hours away.
I am not a huge fan of the Bird House at present. The wire makes photography a challenge, and the structure of the exhibits don't leave much room for some of their inhabitants to fly. The renovation will take a while, yes, but they are gutting nearly the entire building and constructing new exhibits, several of which will be walk-through. It's also a historic building, so they can't just tear it down and rebuild, they have to be very careful with their work. One section will have a large aquatic feature (horseshoe crabs, fish, and nearly 20 duck species!) and I'm sure that will take quite the life support system to be installed. Also, the outdoor birds are remaining the same. There may be a few renovations and some species changes, but that won't likely happen until after the building is renovated.
@jayjds2 : I didn't see any of those three reptiles, so I missed it. In fact, I wasn't even aware that there was a path going behind the Reptile House. I will look for it when I go again.
Yes, the AZA is focusing on lion-tails because there is only space for one tropical macaque in AZA zoos and that was the species they chose to focus on. It's a shame, not because they are focusing on lion-tails, but because there is not space to keep both in North America. Unfortunately, I'm not going to make it down to Richmond while I'm here.
I see your points about the Bird House. I don't mind it going through a renovation, and I'm sure it will be a very good exhibit when it's done, but I am still very skeptical about whether it is the best way to use that space. That's good news about the outdoor exhibits, I can see some room for improvement with them too but I would hate to see those areas gutted of their species as well.
Yes, the AZA is focusing on lion-tails because there is only space for one tropical macaque in AZA zoos and that was the species they chose to focus on. It's a shame, not because they are focusing on lion-tails, but because there is not space to keep both in North America. Unfortunately, I'm not going to make it down to Richmond while I'm here.
I see your points about the Bird House. I don't mind it going through a renovation, and I'm sure it will be a very good exhibit when it's done, but I am still very skeptical about whether it is the best way to use that space. That's good news about the outdoor exhibits, I can see some room for improvement with them too but I would hate to see those areas gutted of their species as well.
The zoos three kiwi chicks born at SCBI have been named Hari (hatched May 10), Kaha (hatched June 1) and Kake (hatched July 31).
Three Kiwi Chicks at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Receive Names
Three Kiwi Chicks at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Receive Names
Couple observations for yesterday's visit:
- The cheetah yards are blocked off and there's construction equipment all around it. Not sure if the yards are getting renovated.
- There's a sign in the Giant Anteater exhibit saying its currently empty. Usually they aren't out during the winter, so I am not sure why they even had a sign up. I am curious if something happen to one or both anteaters.
- Three banded armadillo replaced the screaming hairy armadillo in the southern tamandua exhibit.
I remember a volunteer telling me a while ago that the zoo was thinking about making the barriers around the cheetah yards safer, like what they did at Lion and Tiger Hill and the Great Ape House.
However I have no idea if this is why the area is blocked off, but it wouldn't surprise me if that's the reason.
You are probably correct. I noticed higher fencing around the manned wolf exhibit. It's seems more and more at this zoo that open air exhibits are creating ugly barriers around them, which is annoying to photographers. I hope they leave the panda exhibits alone!
There's been a lot more shuffling about in the Small Mammal House. White faced sakis have been replaced by more golden lion tamarins.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are now on exhibit in the Bird House! They're in an exhibit that has been empty for a long time, that had the "Make Way for Delaware Bay" sign. A shame they'll only be visible for five more days (the house is closing on January 2nd).
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are now on exhibit in the Bird House! They're in an exhibit that has been empty for a long time, that had the "Make Way for Delaware Bay" sign. A shame they'll only be visible for five more days (the house is closing on January 2nd).
Since the 2nd news thread accumulated over 400 posts in just over a year, I figured it was time to start a new one for the year.
To recap the most recent news:
A Sumatran orangutan named Redd was born to parents Kyle and Batang, the first at the zoo in 25 years.
The zoo is raising funds for an electric eel exhibit for Amazonia. The goal is $100,000.
Build an Eel Exhibit
The Zoo's next major exhibit is Experience Migration, a significant renovation of the aging Bird House. It is split into three primary walk-through exhibits:
Delaware Bay Aviary, focusing on the Delaware Bay. The announced bird species are Red Knot (likely subspecies rufa) and Ruddy Turnstone. It will also include tanks for aquatic fish and invertebrates, highlighting the Horseshoe Crab. The estimate is 12 shorebird species.
Prairie Pothole, focusing on the prairie pothole region of the northern Great Plains. It will house 15-20 duck species, with an estimated 50 individuals.
Bird Friendly Coffee Farm Aviary, focusing on wildlife that could reasonably be found in a shade-grown coffee farm in Central America. Migratory species will be highlighted, though it's likely that some parrots from the region will also be exhibited because they are easy to acquire. There are an estimated 42 species of birds. In addition, live plants like coffee will be featured. Confirmed species are wood thrush, Baltimore oriole, and sunbittern. It will be a renovation of what is currently the Great Flight Room.
Some species recently put on exhibit that will be featured throughout the new experience:
Scarlet tanager
Indigo bunting
Ovenbird
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Black-necked stilt
Common yellowthroat
It's also likely that some remnants of the former collection will be featured. Some of the species (blue-gray tanager, for example) fit the theme.
The outdoor Bird Plateau will have minor if any renovations and will remain on exhibit for a few months after the Bird House closes (January 2nd).
The outdoor Great Flight Aviary may not have many renovations (few details available) but will have a new species list, exhibiting temperate forest birds that are conservation success stories. Confirmed so far are wood duck and wild turkey.
Experience Migration is set to open in spring 2020.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo To Build “Experience Migration” Exhibition Dedicated to Migratory Birds
Bao Bao the giant panda will be leaving the zoo in February for China. Bei Bei will eventually move into her habitat, and the plan is for Mei Xiang and Tian Tian to breed again.
A Sumatran orangutan named Redd was born to parents Kyle and Batang, the first at the zoo in 25 years.
The zoo is raising funds for an electric eel exhibit for Amazonia. The goal is $100,000.
Build an Eel Exhibit
The Zoo's next major exhibit is Experience Migration, a significant renovation of the aging Bird House. It is split into three primary walk-through exhibits:
Delaware Bay Aviary, focusing on the Delaware Bay. The announced bird species are Red Knot (likely subspecies rufa) and Ruddy Turnstone. It will also include tanks for aquatic fish and invertebrates, highlighting the Horseshoe Crab. The estimate is 12 shorebird species.
Prairie Pothole, focusing on the prairie pothole region of the northern Great Plains. It will house 15-20 duck species, with an estimated 50 individuals.
Bird Friendly Coffee Farm Aviary, focusing on wildlife that could reasonably be found in a shade-grown coffee farm in Central America. Migratory species will be highlighted, though it's likely that some parrots from the region will also be exhibited because they are easy to acquire. There are an estimated 42 species of birds. In addition, live plants like coffee will be featured. Confirmed species are wood thrush, Baltimore oriole, and sunbittern. It will be a renovation of what is currently the Great Flight Room.
Some species recently put on exhibit that will be featured throughout the new experience:
Scarlet tanager
Indigo bunting
Ovenbird
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Black-necked stilt
Common yellowthroat
It's also likely that some remnants of the former collection will be featured. Some of the species (blue-gray tanager, for example) fit the theme.
The outdoor Bird Plateau will have minor if any renovations and will remain on exhibit for a few months after the Bird House closes (January 2nd).
The outdoor Great Flight Aviary may not have many renovations (few details available) but will have a new species list, exhibiting temperate forest birds that are conservation success stories. Confirmed so far are wood duck and wild turkey.
Experience Migration is set to open in spring 2020.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo To Build “Experience Migration” Exhibition Dedicated to Migratory Birds
Bao Bao the giant panda will be leaving the zoo in February for China. Bei Bei will eventually move into her habitat, and the plan is for Mei Xiang and Tian Tian to breed again.
Drew730
Well-Known Member
- There's a sign in the Giant Anteater exhibit saying its currently empty. Usually they aren't out during the winter, so I am not sure why they even had a sign up. I am curious if something happen to one or both anteaters.
Well, that is disappointing to me. Thank goodness they still have tamandua. I am curious if they will house another animal in that exhibit eventually in the near future.