Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian National Zoo News

Blackduiker

I guess Andean over Spectacled is the newly preferred name now. Those cubs were almost indistinguishable at first. Then I noticed the movements in the background. About the size of rats aren't they?
 
RE: Panda Mei Xiang

Following a final ultrasound and hormone analysis, National Zoo staff confirmed late yesterday that Mei Xiang is not pregnant but was experiencing a pseudo, or false, pregnancy during the past several months.
 
mweb08 said:
Pretty sure they have them for awhile. They did recently send one back who was born at the zoo.
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yeah i know tai shan was sent back, i meant as the pandas were only at the zoo on a ten year loan (which expired last year) and mei xiang is not pregnant will china request them back any time soon.
 
I'm assuming they've extended the loan. There is no talk that of sending them back that I'm aware of. They also built an incredible panda exhibit for them that is part of the excellent Asia Trail, so that's a sign that they want them long-term.
 
May 28, 2010

We're mourning the loss of our elderly male Sumatran tiger, Rokan, today, while celebrating his contributions to conservation during his long life. At almost 20 years of age, Rokan lived longer than the 15-year life expectancy for Sumatran tigers in the wild and was among the oldest Sumatran tigers currently in captivity.

Rokan first showed signs of a rear-leg lameness nearly 18 months ago. Although his condition initially improved with pain medications, his lameness soon worsened. The Zoo’s veterinary team anesthetized Rokan for a complete physical examination during which time veterinarians discovered that he had a neuromuscular disorder as the result of a spinal cord disease. Rokan was treated with medications to ensure his comfort and improve his coordination. However, in December 2009, Rokan’s condition again worsened.

“We knew he would get to the point when his quality of life was no longer medically manageable or acceptable,” said Dr. Katharine Hope, associate veterinarian at the National Zoo. “Input from the veterinary team, animal keepers and curators informs the careful decisions we must make about an elderly animal’s quality of life.”

A final pathology report will indicate if Rokan had a degenerative spinal condition such as invertebral disc disease that has been reported in older, large cats.

Rokan, who was named after the Rokan River in Sumatra, was a prolific breeder. He sired 10 surviving cubs between four litters—seven males and three females—as part of the Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP scientists determine which captive animals should breed by considering their genetic makeup, nutritional and social needs, temperament and overall health. One of Rokan’s offspring, 4-year-old Guntur, still lives at the National Zoo. Rokan was born at the San Antonio Zoo on September 6, 1990, and came to the Zoo in 1997.

“Rokan was eventually retired from the SSP because he was so successful at breeding,” said Craig Saffoe, acting curator of Great Cats. “Not only did he generate interest in his species among members of the public, but he greatly contributed to the survival of Sumatran tigers.”

Although tigers are generally solitary in the wild, Rokan formed an especially strong bond with the Zoo’s elderly female tiger, Soyono, said tiger keeper Marie Magnuson, who has worked with Rokan for nearly 11 years. Soyono and Rokan had three litters of cubs together. Rokan’s physical build also made him unique, Magnuson said.

“He was unusual for a Sumatran in that he had a rather muscular, bulky build. Most Sumatrans are like swimmers—they’re sleek and sinuous. Rokan was more like a linebacker,” Magnuson said. “He was also very calm. We could run a wet vac in the next enclosure, and he’d sleep right through it. Nothing seemed to upset him, except not knowing where Soyono was.”
 
Is the zoo still trying to get Shanthi the elephant pregnant through AI?
Are any new elephants coming to the zoo soon to fill up the habitat?
 
Perhaps they should consider charging an admission.That likely ensures those who pay to come to the zoo are there to enjoy the zoo and not to start trouble.It's a shame that a few hooligans:) have to ruin things for everyone else.

Team Tapir
 
With the talks of both female Giant and Red Panda being pregnant, I wrote a facebook status saying I was sad I may not see either animal if I go to the zoo next week. A friend wrote back to me that I would have to pay to see the Giant Pandas anyway. I know the zoo is free and have never heard of an additional fee to see this particular animal. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

It sounds like I may see the Giant Pandas if they are outside or at least see the male when he's inside. I was really looking forward to just see the Red Panda exhibit, but maybe I can get a glimpse of it from the barrier.
 
blospz said:
With the talks of both female Giant and Red Panda being pregnant, I wrote a facebook status saying I was sad I may not see either animal if I go to the zoo next week. A friend wrote back to me that I would have to pay to see the Giant Pandas anyway. I know the zoo is free and have never heard of an additional fee to see this particular animal. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
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I am planning on visiting the National Zoo also and so was curious about the "panda fee" you mention. I looked at their website about their pandas and panda exhibit and see no mention of any fee charged to view the pandas: Giant Pandas at the National Zoo - National Zoo| FONZ

There is this status update on viewing the pandas, as of June 1 2011:

"Visiting soon? When the pandas are inside, only Tian Tian will be on exhibit. Mei Xiang's area of the building will be closed to the public until further notice. This measure is to provide Mei with a more restful and less stressful environment as we prepare for a possible birth."
 
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