Tag

Zoos

All articles tagged with #zoos

us-news29 days ago•23 min saved

Two missing Virginia giraffes found safe after zoo investigation

Two baby giraffes that vanished from the Natural Bridge Zoo in Virginia in 2025 were located safe during an extensive investigation and have been placed in a professional facility for medical and behavioral care. The Natural Bridge Zoo has a history of legal trouble, including a 2023 animal-cruelty probe that led to seizures of nearly 100 animals and the arrest of co-owner Gretchen Mogensen. Births occurred around April 2025 but the newborns disappeared, prompting further scrutiny. A reward offered by Alicia Silverstone is noted in the report, and Virginia prosecutors emphasize accountability and public safety in resolving the case.

via New York Post|

#animal-cruelty #animal-rescue #giraffes

world3 months ago•10 min saved

Kangaroo Chesney on the Loose in Wisconsin, Police Appeal for Tips

A denim-clad kangaroo named Chesney escaped from Sunshine Farm petting zoo in Wisconsin, and the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office says the public can help locate the missing marsupial after several sightings; Chesney is believed to be frightened, and his owner has been using a drone to search, with officials cautioning people not to approach him, while noting that keeping kangaroos is legal in Wisconsin. A prior Alabama incident involving a runaway kangaroo was cited as a parallel example.

via The Independent|

#cops #kangaroo #missing

pets-animals4 months ago•9 min saved

Viral baby macaque Punch bonds with a stuffed orangutan at a Japanese zoo

Punch, a seven‑month‑old Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and is being raised with a stuffed orangutan; he has gone viral for dragging the plush around his enclosure and seeking comfort, with zookeepers and older monkeys reacting in various scenes captured in Reuters/Storyful photos.

via USA Today|

#japan #monkeys #pets-animals

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Zoo Animals' Behavior Shifted During Pandemic Closures

During the COVID-19 pandemic, zoo closures led to noticeable changes in primate behavior, as observed in a study at UK zoos. Primates like bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and baboons altered their habits, such as resting and eating patterns, in response to the absence and return of visitors. The study highlights the complex impact of human presence on zoo animals, suggesting that visitor interactions can be both stimulating and disruptive. This research provides valuable insights for improving animal welfare in zoos and parks.

via ScienceAlert|

#animal-behavior #covid-19 #primates

health1 year ago•2 min saved

Study Reveals 20% of Zoo Animals Infected with COVID-19

A study at Belo Horizonte Zoo in Brazil found that 1 in 5 animals tested positive for COVID-19, likely contracted from humans. The research highlights the risk of virus transmission between humans and animals in zoos, with species like western lowland gorillas and maned wolves testing positive for variants like Alpha and Omicron. This underscores the importance of monitoring wildlife to prevent the virus from evolving and spreading, especially in conservation-critical species. The findings call for integrated public health strategies to address emerging infectious diseases.

via ScienceAlert|

#animal-health #covid-19 #health

health1 year ago•7 min saved

Zoo Animals Test Positive for SARS-CoV-2, Human Transmission Suspected

A study at Belo Horizonte Zoo in Brazil found that 19.1% of tested animals were positive for SARS-CoV-2, likely contracted from humans. Researchers identified Alpha and Omicron variants in animals like wolves, deer, and gorillas, suggesting human-to-animal transmission. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife to understand transmission dynamics and prevent future zoonotic outbreaks.

via University of Minnesota Twin Cities|

#animal-transmission #health #phylogenetic-analysis

animals2 years ago•1 min saved

"San Antonio Zoo Animals' Reactions to April 8 Solar Eclipse Caught on Video"

The San Antonio Zoo released video clips showing how animals reacted during the solar eclipse, with meerkats running through their habitat, whooping cranes "dancing," and flamingos clustering. The animals' activities, though not uncommon, were performed in a different context than usual, with the meerkats displaying evening activity patterns during totality. Zoos across the country were excited to study animals' behavior during the eclipse, as researchers have found that many animals display behaviors connected with an early dusk.

via KSAT San Antonio|

#animal-behavior #animals #meerkats

science-and-nature2 years ago•2 min saved

"Unusual Animal Behavior During Total Solar Eclipse: A Fascinating Study"

Animals at several zoos in the US displayed unusual behavior during the solar eclipse, with some showing increased alertness and interest, while others exhibited characteristics typically seen at night. Giraffes, gorillas, lions, lemurs, and various bird species demonstrated changes in behavior, such as moving towards barns, increased daytime activity, and laying eggs. Scientists noted that while some animals displayed signs of fear, most exhibited behaviors commonly observed in the evening or at night, providing insight into the effects of solar eclipses on animal behavior.

via NDTV|

#animal-behavior #celestial-event #nighttime-characteristics

science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Zoo Animals Exhibit Nocturnal Behavior During Solar Eclipse"

During the total solar eclipse, zoo animals such as giraffes, gorillas, lions, macaws, and flamingos exhibited unusual behavior, with some animals showing signs of increased vigilance and curiosity. At the Fort Worth Zoo, several animals made their way toward their barn doors as the skies darkened, while at the Dallas Zoo, giraffes and zebras ran around and chimpanzees patrolled the outer edge of their habitat. No signs of increased anxiety or nervous behaviors were observed, and researchers noted that most animals returned to normal behavior almost immediately after totality.

via CBS News|

#animal-behavior #research #science

science-and-nature2 years ago•3 min saved

"Animal Behavior During Eclipses: Insights from US Zoo Observations"

Animal behaviorists at several zoos in the US will be observing the reactions of various animals during the upcoming solar eclipse, building on their observations from the 2017 eclipse. The research aims to understand how animals respond to sudden darkness, with previous findings showing changes in behavior such as anxiety-related actions and unusual mating behaviors. The observations are not only for recreational purposes but also to understand and mitigate anxiety in animals, as well as satisfy the fundamental curiosity humans have about animal behavior.

via The Guardian|

#animal-behavior #observations #research

science-and-nature2 years ago•1 min saved

"Animal Reactions to Solar Eclipses: Anxiety, Bedtime, and Mating Behavior"

As the total solar eclipse approaches, researchers are eager to observe how animals will react to the sudden change in light and temperature. From cows heading to their barns for bedtime to flamingoes huddling in fear, and even the possibility of Galápagos tortoises mating, the eclipse's impact on animals' circadian rhythms and behavior is of great interest to experts. Zoos along the eclipse's path will be studying the animals' responses, with the anticipation that most creatures will notice the unusual event.

via The New York Times|

#animal-behavior #circadian-rhythms #research

international-relations2 years ago•5 min saved

Pandas make exclusive return to China as loan agreements with U.S. and U.K. zoos expire

China is recalling its giant pandas from zoos in the United States and the United Kingdom, signaling a possible shift in its approach to "panda diplomacy." The National Zoo in Washington will see its three pandas depart by December 7, leaving only four in Atlanta, who are also expected to leave next year. Britain and Australia will also lose their last pandas in December and next year, respectively, if existing agreements are not extended. This move is seen as a potential response to deteriorating relations between China and the West, as well as a reflection of China's changing conservation priorities. The departure of the pandas could have financial implications for the zoos, as pandas are a major attraction for visitors.

via The Washington Post|

#china #international-relations #panda-diplomacy

environment3 years ago•2 min saved

Record-breaking release of 'extinct in the wild' Polynesian snails.

More than 5,000 partula snails, belonging to 11 different species, have been released on the islands of Moorea and Tahiti after being bred in captivity. The snails, which play an important role in maintaining tropical forest health, were classified as "extinct in the wild" by the IUCN Red List of endangered species. The release is the largest ever of an "extinct in the wild" species and is helping to restore the ecological balance to the islands. The snails were individually marked with a dot of red UV-reflective paint to help conservationists monitor the growing populations.

via The Guardian|

#conservation #endangered-species #environment

travel3 years ago•4 min saved

Top Zoos in North America: Florida, Springfield, Cheyenne Mountain, Omaha's Henry Doorly.

Two Florida zoos, Brevard Zoo and ZooTampa, have been voted among the best in the country, with Brevard Zoo holding onto the No. 3 spot and ZooTampa ranking at No. 6. The top spot went to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, followed by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

via WESH 2 Orlando|

#animals #brevard-zoo #florida