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Gila Monsters Hatch At North Carolina Zoo
Asheboro, NC - “One of two Gila monsters that hatched recently at the North Carolina Zoo makes its way from its shell, marking the first such hatchings at the zoo. Gila monster eggs have a longer incubation period than most reptiles—120-150 days, as compared to the average 40-60 days. The ‘little monsters’ pushed the high end of the incubation period with one hatching at 149 days and the other at 151 days. Few other zoos are reproducing these reptiles, and they are scarce in the wild, so the hatchings represent a significant event in the captive management of the species.” (NC Zoo photo by Ezra Ellis) Background on NC Zoo Gila Monsters: The two new Gila monster hatchlings are from 2 adults we have been trying to breed for several years now. Gila monsters do not reproduce readily in captivity. It has taken us a few years to refine our hibernation techniques for the adults, to increase the reproductive viability of the parents and to find the right incubation technique to bring the eggs to term. Gila monster eggs have a longer incubation period than most reptiles. Most reptiles average a 40-60 day incubation period; while Gila Monster eggs usually hatch in 120-150 days. The longer incubation period leads to higher risk of problems before the eggs hatch. These little monsters pushed the high end of the incubation period with one hatching at 149 days and the other at Few zoos are reproducing these animals and they are scarce in the wild so us being able to have offspring is a real asset. It is very hard to find other institutions that have surplus animals that they are willing to sell, loan or donate to us and with our current Gila monster population getting some age on it this could have been a problem for us down the road. There are a few private reptile breeders selling Gila monsters through the pet trade but the price is substantial, around |
By Tom Gillespie
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Unusual to have three snow leopard cubs
Congratulations to ABQ BioPark and the proud cat parents on the birth of three snow leopard cubs. That's fantastic news and we look forward to these three playing an important role in snow leopard survival breeding and also helping educate people about their endangered cousins in the wild.
Snow leopards live in some of the most extreme environments on earth - in high altitudes and freezing temperatures. If we don't do a lot of work with communities and governments in snow leopards 12 range countries, these beautiful cats may be extinct in the wild in our life time.
Sibylle Noras
Founder and Publisher
“Saving Snow Leopards” website. See how conservationists and zoos are working to help these rare and elusive cats avoid extinction.
http://www.snowleopardblog.com
Love penguin fluffballs.
I especially liked if you go to the zoo's homepage and click on the info about naming the baby, the winner says she'd like to be able to tell her dad that a penguin was named after him for his birthday. Adorable!
If you have any interest in reading a new blog, featuring conservation of adorable animals and their habitats, please check out my website...
Conservation:Cute
http://conservationcute.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
World Oceans Day
For more information about World Oceans Day and a list of other events in your area you can visit www.WorldOceansDay.org
Elephants
Asome news on the new baby! I agree with everyone here on the fact that animals should not be in captivation. If you want to check out a really cool place in Thailand where you can care for elephants check out http://www.elephantstay.com this place is a sanctuary for retired working elephants, it's an amazing place and they do so much good for the animals who live there. I went a few months ago and it was amazing.
Kimberly Juchnowski
Publisher, http://www.tikikiki.com
zoo animal diet's
It's ridiculous to try extrapolate zoo animals diet to human beings, and it flies in the face of all science of the last 30 years that looked into nutrition and health research. Maybe Rudy Socha was being sarcastic? I hope so.
response to starseed
I fully agree with you when it comes to the captivity of orcas. These animals live considerably shorter, unhealthier lives than they normally would have in the wild. I am disgusted by what I have seen at Sea World. They claim to be trying to educate people on the animals when really it is all nothing but a circus with the animals being made to perform to attract customers. I am a little more on the fence however when it comes to some other species of dolphins, such as the ones they keep at Vancouver Aquarium. While I do not support the capture of wild dolphins, I do recognize the fact that there are species that actually live longer and perhaps healthier lives in captivity than in the wild. One of the neat things at the Vancouver Aquarium is that none of the dolphins were captured for the purpose of entertainment: they were all animals that were rescued after getting caught and injured in fishing nets and are unable to return to the wild due to their injuries. I have seen the shows and the aquarium are truly focused more on educating visitors than trying to entertain them at the animals' expense.
Christian's Award
I know that Christian is dedicated to her aquarium job and to the rehab of sea turtles. I am proud of her.
Dry Tortugas National Park
The seashore, our accredited Summer Learning Adventure Camps merge scientific exploration Dry Tortugas National Park with hands-on fun and learning. Campers investigate marine habitats, create ocean art projects, learn about careers in oceanography, and combine the science and sports of surfing and snorkeling, all while making new friends and memories.
hey
http://www.deafmatching.com is an online community for deaf, ASL and hearing-impaired friends and singles!
Have fun with photos, message boards, chat, blog and more.
Don't support it anymore
I think we should move on from having dolphins in captivity now - we all know this isn't good for them.
diabetes
diabetes
pacaya samiria national reserve
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a magical place. The flora, fauna, remoteness and beauty are exquisite. Another interesting aspect is how the indigenous people there live. To learn more and see photos taken by indigenous children in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, you can visit ninosdelaamazonia.org
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