New England Cottontails
Here are a few of our New England cottontail kits munching on some tasty veggies before their upcoming release in Maine and New Hampshire. The Queens Zoo participates in the New England Cottontail Reintroduction Program, in which young rabbits born at the zoo are released into the wild. We're working in partnership with Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI, state wildlife agencies, universities, and private landowners to bolster the populations of this iconic American species and help them to establish new colonies in safe and suitable habitats.
Our milking shorthorn cow has hoof check up
Our keepers recently noticed that Earl Gray, our milking shorthorn cow was limping, so the team decided to investigate. Hoof care requires a collaborative team effort of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and keepers.
Luckily, our keepers did not find any signs of hoof abscess or decay and our hoof care specialist evened out his hoof to prevent any future limping. You can visit Earl Gray at the Queens Zoo Farm.
Domestic geese take their daily stroll
Waddle into your Wednesday with this great clip of our domestic geese out for their daily stroll. The geese are always happy to see Donna from the Animal Department, especially when she has something tasty to offer them. Visit them today at the Queens Zoo Farm!
📸: Assistant Curator Donna
Southern Pudu Fawn Debuts at the Queens Zoo
Pudu PSA 🗣️Say hello to our new pudu fawn! As you may know, pudus are one of the world’s smallest deer species. This little fawn was born in late June at about two pounds. Although small, the fawn is a big win for the Near-Threatened species.
The Queens Zoo breeds southern pudu as a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan where accredited zoos collaborate to maintain genetically diverse and healthy populations of hundreds of species. Since establishing the pudu program in 2005, eight fawns have been born at Queens Zoo. Stop by soon to meet the newest addition to the Wild Side Trail!
Shetland sheep plays tetherball
If tetherball were an Olympic sport, we think our Shetland sheep would win gold! 🥇
During this enrichment activity, our sheep are able to engage in their natural head-butting behavior. A moving target also challenges them to pay close attention to what direction the ball is coming from, according to their keepers.
📹: Keeper Jose
Queens Zoo burrowing owlets have a checkup
In this video, you can see senior keepers Dana and Chris with veterinarian Jean, and vet tech Natalia during a checkup of our five burrowing owlets. In June, our team conducted the checkups, including collecting weights, observing wing and body condition, and administering vaccines.
National Keeper Week 2024
Happy #NationalZooKeeperWeek to our amazing team of keepers at the Queens Zoo. We appreciate your hard work, dedication and passion!
When you see a keeper, aquarist, or trainer at any of our New York City parks, make sure to say “thanks” for taking such great care of our animals! #NZKW2024
Andean Bear Day
Tomorrow is #AndeanBearDay and we can bear-ly contain our excitement! Earlier this summer we announced that not one, but THREE Andean bear cubs are now on exhibit at the Queens Zoo.
Andean bears are the only bears found in South America and researchers estimate there are fewer than 18,000 bears now surviving in the wild. Deforestation has caused a dramatic decline in their populations. Plan a trip today to the Queens Zoo to see our triplets and learn more about how we are working to save this incredible species.
Swan cygnet season at the Queens Zoo
Tis the season for swan cygnets! Assistant Curator Donna-Mae captured this #MomentOfZoo featuring our young trumpeter swans on the Marsh. Queens Zoo and Bronx Zoo have participated in trumpeter swan restoration projects, which send young swans to Western states to help rebuild their wild populations.
A Wonderful World of Birds!
This summer, travel around the world by seeing incredible wildlife without leaving New York City! In the Aviary guests can walk amongst green-winged and military macaws (seen in this video), sun conures, black-crowned night herons, and many other stunning birds!
Scottish Highland cow enjoys ice treat on summer day
In this #MomentOfZoo, our Scottish Highland cow, Sunnyside, enjoys an “apple popsicle” prepared for her by Keeper Maya. This satisfying treat helps keep our animals cool on warm summer days and serves as a tasty enrichment.
🎥: Keeper Maya
Three Andean Bear Cubs Debut at the Queens Zoo
We can bear-ly contain our excitement! We are thrilled to announce that not one, BUT THREE Andean bear cubs are now on exhibit at the Queens Zoo. The cubs were born on January 3, 2024 and include two males and one female.
Andean bears are the only bears found in South America and researchers estimate there are fewer than 18,000 bears now surviving in the wild. Deforestation has caused a dramatic decline in their populations. The Queens Zoo is breeding Andean bears as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The three cubs born at Queens Zoo are the only three born in the AZA population in the past 12 months. Currently, there are 33 Andean bears in AZA zoos. There are very few U.S. zoos that have successfully reproduced Andean bears. In total, eight Andean bear cubs have been born at the Queens Zoo since 1995.
Plan a trip today to see our triplets and learn more about how we’re working to save this species! But please bear with us as the cubs acclimate to the new exhibit as they may not be visible at all times.
Geese Procession
Waddle into the weekend like our geese.
We hope your plans for Memorial Day weekend include a trip to see us at the Queens Zoo! Reserve your tickets today: https://bit.ly/3yC3D9y
Moving day for our American alligators
The key to a successful move is getting as many friends together as possible to help!
Last week, our skilled team of professionals moved our American alligators, which weigh 300 pounds or more, from their winter quarters to the Marsh exhibit. In addition to the move, our veterinary staff take the opportunity to perform wellness exams on these reptiles. We hope you can stop by to see them this summer!
Shetland sheep plays tetherball
Our sheep can play a mean game of tetherball! In this enrichment activity for our Shetland sheep, our animals are able to engage in their natural head-butting behavior. A moving target also challenges them to pay close attention to what direction the ball is coming from, according to their keepers.
📹: Keeper Jose
Puma tests new climbing structure
It’s all for the animals! Last month, our horticulture and animal care teams worked together to remove a large tree in the aviary. Thankfully, parts of this tree were repurposed. The tree was moved into the puma habitat as a new climbing structure that also provides novel smells and textures for our cats to explore.
How trumpeter swans stay warm in winter
Enjoy this #MomentofZoo courtesy of a trumpeter swan in our Waterfowl Marsh. Does it give you snow globe vibes?
Trumpeter swans can withstand frigid temperatures and icy waters because of several unique adaptations that keep them warm. In addition to their large size and weight, this species has a very thick layer of down feathers that helps insulate them in cold temperatures. Also, when they preen, they spread a layer of oil from a gland close to their tail across their feathers that waterproofs their outer feathers and keeps their down feathers dry.
Southern pudu at Queens Zoo
Standing at just 13 to 16 inches when fully grown, the southern pudu is one of the smallest deer species. Native to Chile and Argentina, southern pudu are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. As part of a collaborative Species Survival Plan among zoos, the Queens Zoo has been successfully breeding pudu for more than ten years. Stop by soon to spot this diminutive deer on our Wild Side trail.
Mulefoot hogs at Queens Zoo
Have you spotted our lovely mulefoot hogs, Chloe and Zoe, at the zoo?
When these hogs first arrived at the zoo, they were wary of keepers. Thanks to consistent training and enrichment, they've developed trust in their caregivers and allow keepers and vets to complete full body exams. Over the years, they've even become partial to belly rubs. This is especially helpful when the team needs to carry out veterinary procedures.
Mulefoot hogs are a critically rare heritage breed. There are only a few hundred purebred mulefoots remaining and we’re committed to participate in efforts to conserve heritage livestock breeds.
Roosevelt Elk Shows Off Antlers
Like most deer species, male elk grow a new set of antlers annually. Antlers play an important role in demonstrating dominance. In this video, Tebow, our male Roosevelt elk, shows any nearby female elk that he is the dominant male. Males shed their antlers in late winter/early spring following the fall mating season as testosterone levels drop. Male elk's antlers peak in size between the ages of nine and twelve years. As Tebow is approaching his twelfth birthday, his antlers have probably reached their maximum length.
