The Chattanooga Zoo this week announced the continued growth of its animal collection and offerings to the community. The recent animal acquisitions have grown the Zoo’s animal ambassador collection, increased the Zoo’s involvement in other conservation organizations, and added to the number of the Zoo’s Species Survival Plans (SSP).
Through the Zoo’s partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s SSP, the Zoo has acquired four monkeys of two different species. Zafra is a breeding-recommended female pied tamarin for the Zoo’s resident male pied tamarin, Sammy. Zafra is eight years old and came from the Cleveland Zoo in Ohio. Pied tamarins are native to South American rainforests, and are considered an endangered species mainly due to deforestation.
In forming this breeding pair, the Zoo hopes to progress the pied tamarin population. In addition to Zafra the female pied tamarin, the Chattanooga Zoo also acquired two young male pied tamarins, Fitzceraldo and Sidenhari. Fitz and Sid came to the Chattanooga Zoo from the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill.
Shing Li, a François langur, is five years old, and came from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. François langurs are also listed as an endangered species. Shing Li will be housed with the Zoo’s resident François langurs, Trieu and Badu.
To develop the Zoo’s animal ambassador program, the Zoo has acquired six domestic chicks that are being hand raised and trained to be used in educational offerings and special events. The chicks are of three different species: Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, and Dominque. At the appropriate age, these animals will be used in onsite and offsite educational programs, and will be exhibited in the Warner Park Petting Zoo.
The Chattanooga Zoo has also expanded its reptile collection. In partnership with the Turtle Survival Alliance, the Western North Carolina Nature Center, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the SSP, the Zoo acquired two female Forsten’s Tortoises, one spotted turtle, and four spider tortoises. All of these animals are at endangered status. Currently, the spotted turtle can be seen in the Forest of the World exhibit building. The spider tortoises can be seen in the Gombe Forest exhibit, and at the appropriate age and size, the Forsten’s tortoise will be in the Zoo’s Himalayan passage exhibit.
The Zoo has also renovated and expanded its naked mole rat exhibit. The exhibit now offers four different viewing windows, a variety of lighting, and a tunnel system for the animals. Naked mole rats live primarily underground.
As the Zoo’s animal collection and staff continues to grow, increased admission pricing beginning June 1, 2016 will help offset the additional expenses. Regular Zoo admissions will increase by $1 to $9.95 for adults, $6.95 for children, and $7.95 for seniors. Children 2 and under will remain free of charge. The Zoo will continue its Military discount, student discount, and other discounts currently offered.
Learn more at www.chattzoo.org.
Source: Chattanooga Zoo