Barred owl enjoys touch
We just want someone to look at us the way Barry the barred owl looks at Education Curator Amanda. Not all wild animals like to be touched, but Barry clearly does. Using the positive reinforcement that animals prefer, whether that be food or touch or something else, helps build a trusting, close bond between them and their human caretakers.
Giving ZOOday
We love getting a chance to share our mission and vision with pretty much anyone who will listen, especially today, Giving ZOOday. As a non-profit, all of our revenue goes back into making the Zoo a great facility for animals and visitors. It costs a LOT to run a Zoo, from heating and cooling to water to medication to beautifying the grounds. Every little bit you contribute helps! We’re proud to be part of this vibrant, growing community. Help the Zoo grow too with your donation today. https://26294.blackbaudhosting.com/26294/Annual-Appeal-2024
Tamandua naptime
Anyone else just want to curl up and take a nap? Our southern tamandua couple, Olive and Franklin, have the right idea today! Thanks to Education Curator Amanda for capturing their sweetness. #pzoolife #zoolife #wjldlife #tamandua #aza #zoo
The Gift of Lights a the Potawatomi Zoo
We might be closed for the season, but that doesn't mean the fun ends! We open on Friday for the Gift of Lights, efficiently powered by Indiana Michigan Power!
Enjoy the Zoo with family and friends this holiday season! Visit Santa, see the lights, ride the train, peek at the animals after dark, and more!
Details on our website: potawatomizoo.org/lights
Giraffe calf tries leaves
Learning to eat leaves is a process! Our sweet giraffe calf is only a month old, so she’s not weaned yet, but our keepers have already started teaching her to accept browse (branches with leaves) from them. It helps her learn that they’re not scary and that interacting with them is a positive experience. Building this kind of trusting relationship with keepers is an important step in caring for her physical and mental health. Thanks to Keeper Emily for sharing!
Alligator walks inside
It’s that time of year! Smiley the alligator has moved inside for the season! Alligators go through a winter torpor called brumation. It’s a time of slowed metabolism and activity, so he doesn’t eat much or do much except snooze. Not a bad way to pass the winter! Also, it’s kind of cool to see how big he is compared to people! Thanks to Keeper Sabrina for sharing this cool video!
Hornbill investigates pumpkin
A hornbill-carved pumpkin for a southern ground hornbill! Our youngest hornbill male, Cyrus, was very curious about this fascinating new thing! The spooky season may be over, but that doesn’t mean our animals don’t still like to eat pumpkin. Pumpkins are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and nutrients for a wide range of animals at the Zoo, and even domesticated animals! Thanks to Keeper Lisa for sharing!
Baby marmosets learning to play
Teeny little marmoset kisses! If you haven’t seen the baby white-fronted marmosets in the Learning Center, please know that they’re a) tiny and b) cute!
Giraffe Zindzhi gives birth
It's something incredible to see a giraffe calf born! Thanks to cameras throughout the giraffe barn, animal care and vet staff were able to watch Zindzhi give birth without disturbing the natural process. Our preference is to be hands-off, and thankfully, this birth went as smoothly as possible.
We think it's especially sweet that the male Masai giraffes were so interested in the process. Giraffes are herd animals, so this kind of curiosity is completely natural for them.
Sand Cats Get Fed
It’s the best time of day! Breakfast! At least…the best time until dinner. The sand cats get mice twice per day, and they’re working on target training. The zoo keeper asks them to go to a specific spot before they get their food. Training like this helps with caring for the cats, and it ensures each animal is getting the right amount of nutrition.
Andean bear brothers debut at the Potawatomi Zoo
We can BEARLY contain our excitement! The Zoo's new Andean bear brothers, Ian and Sean, are out and about in the Andean bear habitat next to The Lodge!
Ian and Sean are only two years old, and they recently moved to the Potawatomi Zoo from another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo.
Although Andean bears are solitary in the wild by nature, Ian and Sean will stay together in the habitat and behind-the-scenes, separate from Muniri, the Zoo’s first Andean bear. Muniri will continue to live at the Zoo, and visitors will see either him or Ian and Sean when they visit the Zoo.
We're so lucky to have this unusual, vulnerable species of bear living at the Zoo. We get to share the conservation story of this species and their native region (the Tropical Andes), and we look forward to the opportunity to contribute to species preservation through a future breeding recommendation.
Check out our website for more information and pictures. potawatomizoo.org/new-andean-bear-brothers/
Snow leopard versus treat ball
Sometimes you get the treats, and sometimes the treats fight back!
It's International Snow Leopard Day, and we love to celebrate this fascinating species of cat. Native to central Asia, scientists estimate there are only around 4000-6000 snow leopards left in the wild. Although they're endangered, wildlife conservation organizations like Snow Leopard Trust are working to preserve snow leopard habitat and conserve the species.
Don't worry, Dian did eventually succeed at eating the meatball hidden in this treat ball. Even with one eye, he's very good at getting food! Curious about his missing eye? He was born with a genetic abnormality found in snow leopards called multiple ocular coloboma syndrome, which caused chronic discomfort. After multiple surgeries to try and fix the problem, in 2019, his ophthalmologist and vet decided removing the eye would be the best plan for controlling his pain. It was a success, and Dian has done so well without it!
