Happy World Wildlife Day from Zootah
Today, we honor the incredible creatures that make our planet so special. From the tiniest insects to the largest mammals, wildlife enriches our lives and inspires us to protect and preserve their natural habitats.
Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of wildlife by visiting Zootah and learning more about the amazing animals we care for. Together, we can make a difference in conserving the wild wonders of our world.
#WorldWildlifeDay #Zootah #Conservation #WildlifeLove #ProtectOurPlanet
We had to say goodbye to Gojeria, our green iguana, who lived a long 19 years. She came to the zoo in 2014 and quickly became a favorite among staff and visitors. Unfortunately, her health declined due to renal failure, and we made the difficult decision to let her go.
She spent her days basking in the warmth, observing the world with quiet curiosity, and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who cared for her. She’ll be deeply missed, but we’re grateful for the years we had with her.
#Zoo#iguana
Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles on their Super Bowl LIX victory! 🦅🏈
In honor of their win, let’s celebrate our own resilient bald eagle, Steele. Despite an injured wing, Steele thrives in his open enclosure, embodying the strength and perseverance that both he and the football team represent.
Did you know that bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction? Thanks to conservation efforts, their populations have rebounded across the United States. 
Just as the Philadelphia Eagles have overcome challenges on the field, Steele’s journey reminds us of the resilience inherent in all eagles. Let’s honor their spirit and determination today! 🎉 Photo credit: Leo!
#FlyEaglesFly #EaglesNation #SuperBowlChamps #PhillyPride #BirdGang #BaldEagle #EagleConservation #WildlifeRescue #ProtectOurPlanet #ResilientNature #SteeleTheEagle #EagleStrong
G’day, nature enthusiasts! Today, let’s delve into the captivating world of the kookaburra, Australia’s iconic “laughing” bird. Beyond their famous chuckle, these feathered friends harbor some truly intriguing secrets. Here are a few lesser-known facts about kookaburras:
1. Masters of Mimicry: Kookaburras are adept at imitating various sounds from their environment, including human laughter and even machinery noises. This talent not only showcases their adaptability but also plays a role in their complex social interactions.
2. Family Dynamics: These birds often live in family groups where offspring from previous years assist in raising new chicks. This cooperative breeding strategy strengthens family bonds and increases the survival rate of the young.
3. Territorial Duets: Mated pairs often engage in synchronized duets, producing a chorus that serves to establish and defend their territory. This harmonious display is both a bonding exercise and a warning to potential intruders.
4. Sunbathing Rituals: Kookaburras have been observed engaging in sunbathing behaviors, spreading their wings and exposing themselves to sunlight. This practice is believed to help in parasite control and feather maintenance.
5. Cultural Significance: In Indigenous Australian cultures, the kookaburra’s call is often associated with the dawn, believed to be a signal to the sky people to light the sun each morning.
Next time you hear the kookaburra’s distinctive laugh, remember there’s more to this avian icon than meets the eye!
#Kookaburra #BirdFacts #AustralianWildlife #NatureLovers #AvianWonders #WildlifeWednesday #Birding #NaturePhotography #FunFacts #Zootah
🐑 Our Zookeepers Are Always Learning! 🐑
At Zootah, our dedicated zookeepers are constantly expanding their knowledge to better serve our beloved animals. Check out this video of our amazing keeper, Emily, attending a sheep shearing class at the university agriculture barn! 🐏✂️
Sheep shearing is an essential skill that helps keep our sheep healthy and comfortable. By learning this technique, Emily is ensuring that our woolly friends receive the best care possible. 🌟
Congratulations to Emily for doing such a fantastic job! Your dedication and hard work make a huge difference in the lives of our animals. 🥳👏
We're excited to share an educational video featuring Hazel, our adorable three-banded armadillo, and Troy, our amazing director!
Join us as we learn all about Hazel's unique characteristics and behaviors. Did you know that three-banded armadillos can roll into a perfect ball to protect themselves? 🏀
#ThreeBandedArmadillo #WildlifeEducation #Zootah #AnimalFacts #Conservation #WildlifeWednesday #ArmadilloAwareness #LearnWithZootah #AnimalLovers #WildlifeConservation
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say thank you to each and every one of you. Your support, love, and participation made this year truly incredible. From moments of growth to countless memories of fun, we couldn’t have done it without you!
We’re so grateful for this amazing community and everything we’ve accomplished together. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Here’s to new adventures, unforgettable moments, and more ways to connect with the animals we all love.
Thank you for being part of our journey—see you next year! ❤️
🎄✨ Last Chance to Tell Santa You've Been Good! ✨🎄
Hey Zootah friends
Tonight is your last chance to tell Santa that you've been a good boy or girl this Christmas! Come on down to Zoo Lights and make sure Santa knows just how nice you've been. 🌟
But wait, there's more! We're keeping the holiday magic alive next weekend too! Join us on December 26-28 for Zoo Lights. If you're feeling cooped up with the family after Christmas, come spend some quality time making memorable moments together... outside the house! 🏠✨
Don't miss out on the festive fun! See you at Zoo Lights! 🎄✨
We’re thrilled to share that our African grey crowned cranes have recently welcomed two precious hatchlings! These beautiful birds are not only a delight to behold, but they also play an essential role in ecosystems across Africa.
The African grey crowned crane is a majestic species known for its striking golden crown of feathers and graceful movements. Native to wetlands and grasslands in sub-Saharan Africa, these cranes are a symbol of beauty and balance in the wild. Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to habitat loss, agriculture expansion, and human interference, leading to their classification as endangered.
At Zootah, we are dedicated to conservation efforts, and we’re proud to contribute to the preservation of this remarkable species. Through careful breeding programs and habitat support, we aim to increase their numbers and raise awareness about their plight. Every successful hatching is a step closer to ensuring a brighter future for these cranes.
Together, we can make a difference in protecting endangered species like the African grey crowned crane. Thank you for supporting our mission and celebrating this exciting milestone with us.
Do you know Zootah’s love story?
At Zootah, we’re proud to share the beautiful tale of Herbert and Maleficent, two sandhill cranes whose bond exemplifies love and loyalty.
Maleficent came to Zootah in May 2003, brought to us by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She was imprinted on humans and never learned how to survive in the wild, making her unreleasable. Herbert joined her in 2006, arriving from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources after suffering a severe wing injury that left him unable to fly.
Though both have faced challenges, their connection is remarkable. Sandhill cranes are known for forming lifelong bonds, and Herbert and Maleficent are no exception. They even perform elegant displays and offer twigs to one another.
While Maleficent’s feathers are trimmed to prevent flight for her safety, her lack of migration instincts and her strong bond with Herbert also keep her here. Despite the open enclosure where they live, Maleficent chooses to stay close to her partner, a testament to their enduring relationship.
Their story of resilience and devotion is inspiring, and we hope it brings a smile to your face. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Zootah!
Dear Guests,
We are deeply saddened to share the news that our beloved reindeer has passed away. Earlier this year, he developed an infection, and our veterinarian examined him and treated him with antibiotics. Over the following weeks, he recovered.
Our staff members continued to monitor him for any changes in behavior, and the vet made periodic visits to check on him.
Unfortunately, just a couple of weeks ago, he suddenly began to show signs of illness again. The vet was called in, and despite our best efforts and hopes for his recovery, he developed a severe infection that spread throughout his body. After much consideration, we made the difficult decision to end his suffering.
Video credit goes to our keeper, Emily.
Fun Fact Friday: Meet Maverick and Goose, our adorable fennec foxes! Did you know that fennec foxes have large ears that help them dissipate heat in their desert habitat? These tiny foxes are expert diggers and can even leap up to 2 feet in the air!
🌞 This weekend, come play with us and get a sneak peek of Maverick and Goose in action! Watch them frolic and play in our upcoming new enclosure as they showcase their adorable antics.
🦆 While you're here, visit our gift shop and grab some duck food for just $1.50. Our hungry ducks will appreciate your kindness! Your support helps us care for all of our adorable animals and continue our conservation efforts.
🌿 Join us this weekend for a special experience with Maverick and Goose. Witness the magic of these amazing creatures and enjoy a day filled with fun and learning. See you there!