Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ » Reid Park Zoo News

New Marabou Stork at the Zoo 1-31-12

Kristen.Metzger — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:54:06 +0000

Meet Reid Park Zoo’s newest resident: a 1-year-old male marabou stork who arrived from the Dallas Zoo last week! After 30 days in our Animal Health Center, and some standard health tests, he’ll join another male stork (age 43) in an African multi-species exhibit that also includes white rhino and Speke’s gazelle. Be sure to watch for him when you visit the Zoo this spring–how could you ignore a face like this?

Expedition Tanzania Nears Completion 1-27-12

Kristen.Metzger — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:50:50 +0000

Major construction on Expedition Tanzania is almost finished! The exhibit looks amazing, and will be a wonderful home for the Zoo’s new elephants. Watch this space for an official announcement of our grand opening, which we hope to host at the end of March.

Update on female polar bear “Kobe,” now at Pittsburgh Zoo

Kristen.Metzger — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:40:25 +0000

Check out this great video of female polar bear “Kobe” in her new exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo! We think she likes her new home….

Kobe’s debut in Pittsburgh

Polar Bear “Kobe” Makes her Debut in Pittsburgh 12-15-11

Kristen.Metzger — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:09:16 +0000

CLICK HERE for news about Kobe, the female polar bear who recently left Reid Park Zoo for Pittsburgh. She makes her exhibit debut today! Good luck Kobe….

Lion Update 12-05-11

Kristen.Metzger — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:11:43 +0000

Zoo Keepers have separated male lion “Shombay” from female lion “Kaya” and the three lion cubs again. The lions were getting along fine, but Keepers witnessed sooner-than-expected breeding behavior between Shombay and Kaya, and we’re not prepared for any more cubs just yet. We’re exploring our options, but wanted our guests to know that for the time being the lions will not all be on exhibit together…although Kaya and the youngsters will continue to be on exhibit together daily.

Lion Introduction Update 11-29-11

Kristen.Metzger — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:52:43 +0000

Introductions of adult male lion “Shombay” to his 4-month-old cubs are now underway, and going very well! After many weeks of having visual contact through a secure barrier behind the scenes, Shombay’s curiosity and calmness earned him the opportunity to begin interacting with the cubs in their exhibit space. Zoo Keepers started by introducing him to each cub individually, for a short time each morning. When they were satisfied that dad and all three youngsters could wrestle and play safely one-on-one, Keepers carefully started adding cubs to the mix. The Keepers watched very closely for any troubling signs of aggression, but with each successful session took another small step towards reuniting the family.

We will be continuing this gradual introduction each morning when the Zoo opens at 9am. We can’t promise how long Shombay and the cubs will be on exhibit together each day, but visitors who arrive close to opening time should have a good chance of seeing them.

Every decision about introductions will be made on a day-by-day basis, but Keepers are optimistic about the whole process so far. If all continues to go well, we hope the whole family will be out all day soon. We’ll keep you posted!

Anteaters introduced 11-18-11

Kristen.Metzger — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:24:28 +0000

This week, giant anteaters Zoe (a female) and Xander (a male) were introduced to the same exhibit after hanging out in side-by-side yards for a few months. There was a bit of pushing and shoving at first, but now the two anteaters are figuring out how to live peacefully together. They’re very active in the mornings, so come visit them next time you’re in the Zoo!

Bon Voyage, Kobe! 11-8-11

Kristen.Metzger — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:06:24 +0000

Kobe the female polar bear is officially on her way to Pittsburgh! A team of staff from the Pittsburgh Zoo came to Tucson to help our Keepers prepare Kobe for her journey (via air). We’re so sorry to see her go, but excited for her opportunity to meet Koda, a male polar bear at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Watch this space for updates about OUR new bear, scheduled to arrive in January from Orlando.

Lion Cubs get their first “Bloodsicle” 10-3-11

Kristen.Metzger — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:34:45 +0000

What’s a lion’s favorite popsicle flavor? Blood, of course! Keepers gave the cubs their first bloodsicle on exhibit yesterday afternoon, and it was a big hit with mom “Kaya” and the cubs.

Zoo Staff Member helps Protect Polar Bears 10-3-11

Kristen.Metzger — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:10:04 +0000

Zoo Education Coordinator Jennifer Stoddard leaves in just a few days for Churchill, Manitoba, Canada–the polar bear capital of the world! She’ll be attending a leadership camp hosted by Polar Bears International. Besides having the opportunity to observe polar bears in the wild, Jennifer will be working with other conservation leaders on action plans designed to save habitat for these magnificent animals. You will be able to follow her adventures on the Polar Bears International website starting October 9. We’re so excited for her!