Reid Park Zoo - Tucson Zoological Society

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!

Reid Park Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. We will be open for regular business hours as schedule beginning on Friday, the 25th of November. Have a great holiday!

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!

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.

Howl-o-ween 2011 was a huge success, with record attendance! Many thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, and staff members who worked SO hard to make this event great. And thanks to everyone who came out, braved the crowds, and supported the Zoo!

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Join us on Saturday, Oct. 22nd at 9:00am at Reid Park Zoo’s polar bear exhibit as we bid farewell to Kobe, our female polar bear!  She is heading to Pittsburgh in November to meet her new boyfriend (bearfriend?) Koda.  On Saturday, we’ll be celebrating all things polar bear, and providing Kobe with lots of treats so she’ll remember us fondly.  Hope to see you there!

Travel with Reid Park Zoo!

Reid Park Zoo is offering two exciting opportunities to explore exotic destinations and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Guided by wildlife experts and experienced Zoo staff, our travelers will experience an adventure to remember.

Tanzania – African Safari
January 23 – February 3, 2012
Due to the sold-out status of the recent Zoo tour to Tanzania, this classic safari is being offered again – at the same rate! This exclusive journey through Tanzania, including the Serengeti, will allow us to see the “Big Five.”  A special visit to Tarangire, with its dense elephant population, will include a stop at the Tarangire Elephant Research project – a program supported by the Reid Park Zoo.

Galapagos & Ecuador
May 17-27, 2012
Cruise the Galapagos Islands on a first class touring yacht while you enjoy remote island tours, shore excursions, and snorkeling. Expert naturalists will show you the biological and geological wonders of these islands, including wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

If you are interested in learning more about either of these opportunities, please contact Vivian VanPeenen at 520.791.3204 x 12, or vivian.vanpeenen@tucsonaz.gov.

Howl-o-ween is coming, and the Zoo needs all the candy it can get its hands on to provide safe trick-or-treating for 7,000 kids!  If you’d like to donate individually wrapped candy, or other small giveaway items, we’ll be gratefully accepting donations at front gate of the Zoo (every day between 9am and 4pm) until Wednesday, October 26.  Every little donation helps make this event GREAT–thanks so much!

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 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!