Today, Fiona the sichuan takin was humanely euthanized due to progressing arthritis. A sad loss to start the year for sure. She was one of my favourite residents, and is my current profile photo. Other minor news that has happened so far: The zoo was closed for their annual maintenance from January 8th - 20th. The zoo received a large donation that allowed them to purchase a new x-ray machine. The first patient was Padme the black tree monitor who is a part of a behind the scenes breeding program. Maavi the baby white-handed gibbon is growing well.
More unfortunate news. Bob the percheron horse has been euthanized after he did not respond to treatment for his colic. He was 25, and one of four of the original inhabitants of McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre when it opened in 2015.
Finally after months of not going - I got a zoo day in! Lots of things to note. First off, the zoo's social media has been incredibly active as of Janurary. Very exciting to see! Grassland and Boreal Forest - New signs for the three habitats, rather than swapping out the big signs and having them be incorrect as different species are shifted around, they've added to the signage! I've never been so happy to see it, haha. Will toss some photos in the gallery later. Poor Bear the wolf - he looks so small in that habitat all by himself. Kinsmen Discovery Center - The Patagonian Maras (moved from Toucan Ridge) were in where the tortoises used to be, and the tortoises are with the woylie and the tawny frogmouths. The free flying bird room has some beautiful new plants, no doubt from The Leaf. Toucan ridge - The Toco toucan/Mara habitat is still actively under construction. The glass goes much higher now. However, Chimichanga the toco toucan is still not on display! Seems a little silly not to have Toucan Ridge's namesake away for so long. However, that makes me wonder if that is where our future lemurs from Toronto will go. I also believe the Red-winged parrots are new, but I am not 100% sure on that. Animals of Asia - Most excitingly, the steller's sea eagles were sitting on a nest. Did get to see tiny Maavi the white handed gibbon. Looking forward to seeing Hoot mix in with the bunch. The emu exhibit has signage up indicating that construction will be happening. The emus have been moved to the exhibit across from Toucan Ridge's entrance. Misc - Looks like animatronic dinosaurs are out and animatronic giant bugs are in this summer. Xtreme Bugs and Defenses of the Animal Kingdom are this summer's rotating exhibits. Lots of other things going on now that the snow is nearly gone. Looking forward to what this spring will bring!
The zoo has shared news of the passing of Bragin the ocelot. He was quite the senior citizen at 24, and his health had taken a turn for the worst.
No!!!. He's the reason I decided to look into the zoo in the first place! Also you mentioned a behind the scenes breeding program?
As per their social media, they have a black tree monitor breeding program behind the scenes. I am sure there are others, but the zoo is not as vocal about them! One of their most critical bts breeding programs is the Poweshiek Skipperling, which they have an article about here. They participate in 30 SSPs/EEPs but I couldn't honestly name any outside the obvious (Red panda, snow leopard, white handed gibbon, ect.) I may do some further research into that when I have time to spare! I do have an ongoing list of named individuals, and do intend on getting more detailed with my notes. Stay tuned
Yes he was the last one. You can see in this thread mentioning that he was the last one in Assiniboine zoo. Is there any Ocelots in any Canadian zoo
Looks like there has been a joey born recently! The zoo posted a video of red kangaroo mom Hazel not sharing her lettuce with her joey. Excited to see them once they are out on display.
The zoo has rescued a young pronghorn they have named Tilly. This brings the herd to 1.3, I believe. Nice to have some new animals after all the losses over the past couple months.
It is cool to have pronghorns in a Canadian zoo. Also, it might be a girl. Here is the link for other people: Assiniboine Park & Zoo
