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Category: Zoo News

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Second Pair Of Cotton-Top Tamarin Twins Born at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of two cotton-top tamarins on Saturday, April 20. This is the second birth of cotton-top tamarins twins since the opening of Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear in March 2018. Since cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered in the wild, every birth of captive cotton-tops helps secure the future of this decreasing population. “Keepers have been monitoring Caqueta for pregnancy over the last several months,” said Sabrina Barne... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, April 29, 2019

Nashville Zoo Awarded AZA Accreditation For Fourth Time

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce it has been granted accreditation from The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo has been accredited since 2003 and reaccredited four times. “One of our goals is to provide our animals with the best possible care,” said Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo President and CEO. “AZA accreditation ensures the public and zoos around the world that we are exceeding the standards for quality animal husbandry. It also highlights the fact th... Read More
Posted by Kelsey White at Monday, April 22, 2019

Tiger Crossroads Exhibit Now Open!

Nashville Zoo opened its new Tiger Crossroads exhibit featuring four-year-old female Sumatran tigers to the public on Friday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. Originally built in 1989 as a black bear exhibit and then home to Bengal tigers until 2015, the Zoo’s tiger exhibit was in great need of renovation. Improvements to the exhibit enlarged the tigers’ habitat and night quarters, as well as added a new indoor viewing area for guests. The viewing building features reinforced glass panels f... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, April 12, 2019

Nashville Zoo's AI Clouded Leopard Gives Birth To Two Cubs

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce Niran has given birth to two cubs between 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. In 2017, Niran was the first clouded leopard ever to be born from artificial insemination (AI) through cryopreservation.   The newest cubs weigh about 187 and 192 grams each. With the addition of these cubs, the Zoo is now home to eight clouded leopards. Nashville Zoo has been working with these cats since 1987 and has welcomed 34 cubs since 2009. There are currently 69 clou... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, March 28, 2019

Tiger Crossroads Exhibit To Open April 12

Nashville Zoo will open its new Tiger Crossroads exhibit featuring four-year-old female Sumatran tigers to the public on Friday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m. Originally built in 1989 as a black bear exhibit and then home to Bengal tigers until 2015, the Zoo’s tiger exhibit was in great need of renovation. Improvements to the exhibit enlarged the tigers’ habitat and night quarters, as well as added a new indoor viewing area for guests. The viewing building features reinforced glass panel... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Nashville Zoo Welcomes First Ever Aardvark

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the arrival of Winsol, its very first aardvark. One-year-old Winsol arrived from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden this past weekend and has been adjusting to Nashville life in the HCA Healthcare Veterinary Center Neonatal Animal Care Room. Guests are able to say hello through a outdoor viewing window.  Winsol will be a part of Nashville Zoo's Ambassador Animal program, participating in daily animal shows and walking around the Zoo for ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, March 22, 2019

Significant Success in Clouded Leopard Breeding

In 2017, Niran was the first clouded leopard ever to be born from artificial insemination (AI) from frozen/thawed semen. Now, Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce she is pregnant through natural reproduction with her first cub(s). “We’ve made history with Niran and we’re making history again,” said Dr. Heather Robertson, Nashville Zoo Director of Veterinary Services. “Knowing that a clouded leopard born from artificial insemination ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, March 21, 2019

Nashville Predators Foundation Donates Proceeds of Calendars to Zoo

The Nashville Predators Foundation donated funds raised from the sale of the 2019 Nashville Predators team calendars to support Nashville Zoo's animal conservation efforts around the globe. The check for $44,063.05 was presented to Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo President and CEO and Julie W. Walker, Nashville Zoo Board Chair, at the Tuesday, March 19 hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “The Nashville Predators Foundation has been a tremendous community partner and supports ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Major Breakthrough for Eastern Hellbenders

Nashville Zoo’s ectotherm team took a monumental step toward continuing the growth of the local wild population of Eastern hellbenders. The team produced the largest amount of healthy Eastern hellbender eggs in human care through hormonal induction and artificial fertilization. These 24 healthy Eastern hellbenders are the largest success in seven years. The team has successfully been using a hormonal induction and artificial fertilization technique since 2012.  The zoo also made ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, March 1, 2019

Nashville Zoo Welcomes Four Juliana Pigs

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the arrival of four Juliana pigs (Sus domesticus) to Critter Encounters. The Zoo is welcoming three females, who were born in the same litter and a male, born with the same father as the females. These pigs will stay in Critter Encounters, so the guests can interact with them, and will also be trained to take leashed-walks throughout the Zoo. Other than during colder months where they will have access to a heated indoor area, they will be able to cho... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, February 12, 2019

The Rainforest Only Has One Chance

Deep in the Amazon, located outside the small town of Iquitos, Peru, far from electricity, wifi, air conditioning and even warm showers, stands the Rainforest Awareness Rescue and Education Center (RAREC). Its mission, as its founder and president John Garnica puts it, is simple. “Education is the key to lasting change,” Garnica said. “We want to work with the locals, and provide them with the tools they need to support themselves in an ecologically responsible manner, to p... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, February 1, 2019

Zoo welcomes Adventure Science Center Members with Discount in January

During the month of January, Nashville Zoo and Adventure Science Center will offer their members a special reciprocal program.  Each organization will allow all members of the other organization admission to their attraction at a 50% discount. To qualify for the discount, members must show their membership card and a photo ID. Zoo members visiting the Adventure Science Center will receive a 50% discount for anyone listed on their Zoo membership card.  Adventure Science Cente... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, December 17, 2018

Zoo partners with Harpeth Conservancy to showcase importance of local river

Nashville Zoo and the Harpeth Conservancy partnered through Lessons on the Harpeth to bring awareness to the importance of waterways to the Nashville community. “As a science-based organization, sometimes the science can get in a whirlpool behind the scenes, and it can be hard to communicate everything that we’re doing,” said Molly Warner with the Harpeth Conservancy. “This is a good chance to be able to connect with the public and show them a little bit of what we&rs... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, September 10, 2018

Nashville Zoo Successfully Breeds Rare Species

UPDATE: Nashville Zoo welcomed one more Central American giant galliwasp (Diploglossus monotropis) born in August 2018. This is the second successful birth of this species at Nashville Zoo. This species is infamously difficult to breed. Once the females lay the eggs, they go into hiding for about four months until the babies are hatched. In that time, keepers refrain from checking on them, in case the mother becomes startled and defensively eats the eggs, so predators do not eat the eg... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Three More Meerkat Pups Born at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of three meerkats on July 11, 2018. This is the second litter for parents Calvin (age 12) and Victoria (age 10). The pair has been together for 3.5 years, but only just recently produced pups last August. This will bring Nashville Zoo’s total to 8 meerkats. With the newest trio, Nashville Zoo primate area supervisor, Sabrina Barnes said this is a great opportunity for the three other siblings to learn how to take care of the young, so they... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, August 3, 2018

Tools to Keep Animals Cool at Nashville Zoo

In Tennessee, July means scorching sun and record-breaking temperatures. At Nashville Zoo, keepers find creative ways to keep the animals cool. The Behavioral Husbandry department at the Zoo is home to ambassador animals that are native to locations all over the world, from tropics, to mountains, to deserts. Because of the diverse climates these animals come from, ensuring the comfort of each animal during the summer is an extremely thought-through process. One way to combat the heat, is to... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Nashville Zoo Keepers Use Disguising Techniques to Feed Snowy Owl Chicks

Nashville Zoo welcomed two snowy owls on July 13 and July 15. These owls are the first raptors to be hatched at Nashville Zoo since the Zoo was located in Joelton, TN back in the 1990s. Unlike other animals, such as our clouded leopards, where working with their keepers from an early age helps them become more comfortable with humans later in life, some species of birds, including snowy owls, have the reverse reaction to working closely with humans as chicks. “Baby birds can become &#... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Two Iconic Tennessee Entities Partner to Save a Species

What pairs well with Jack Daniel’s? Here at Nashville Zoo, our rhinoceros hornbills do! Nashville Zoo and Jack Daniel’s have partnered to give our nesting rhinoceros hornbills a temporary home by donating unused whiskey barrels. The partnership started back in 2008. Rhinoceros hornbills are fairly large birds that need large hollow spaces to lay their eggs and care for their young. “Rhino Hornbills are cavity nesters,” said Joe deGraauw, Nashville Zoo Avian Curator.... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Cotton-Top Tamarin Twins Born at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of two cotton-top tamarins on Wednesday, May 23. This is the first birth of cotton-top tamarins since the opening of Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear in March 2018. Since cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered in the wild, every birth of captive cotton-tops help secure the future of this decreasing population. “Caqueta, the mother, gave birth to these babies at 4 p.m.,” said Sabrina Barnes, Nashville Zoo Primate Area S... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, May 28, 2018

Fifteenth Great Blue Turaco Chick Born

Nashville Zoo avian department welcomed their 15th great blue turaco chick on April 9. Over the last eight years the Nashville Zoo avian department and veterinary staff have worked tirelessly to try and develop a successful hand-rearing and medical care plan for this species.  Due to the low survivability rate of chicks, few zoos have been able to breed and raise these beautiful birds. Over the past five years, the Zoo has been able to increase its breeding success rate dramatically, f... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Saturday, May 26, 2018

Nashville Zoo Welcome First Blue-Billed Curassow Chick

The survivability of blue-billed curassows just increased. Nashville Zoo avian staff welcomed its first curassow chick on May 5. After incubating the egg for 30 days, the chick was assisted in hatching by Nashville Zoo keepers and veterinary staff.  Nashville Zoo keepers had to assist the hatching of this chick because the chick was slightly inactive during the second day after its initial pip in the shell membrane. After keepers noticed the shell membrane was dry instead of wet, they ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo and Tennessee Virtual Archives Partner to Give People Access to More Zoo History

When Margaret and Elise Croft deeded their property to the Nashville Children's Museum in 1964, they left not only their land to be used for nature education, but also their home and all of their personal belongings, including more than 10,000 paper documents. All of those documents were transferred to the Tennessee State Library and Archives for safe keeping after Elise Croft's death in 1985. The collection was digitized a few years ago, and now part of the collection is being m... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Nashville Zoo Veterinarian Travels to Africa to help protect highly-poached animals

Dr. Heather Robertson, DVM ventured across continents to South Africa in November 2017 to the Thanda Safari Reserve where she was able to assist in the process of protecting highly-poached animals, such as the South African elephant and South African white rhinoceros. While the Southern white rhino is the least endangered of the living rhino species with 21,077 remaining in the wild, they are listed as near threatened due to habitat loss and illegal poaching. In South Africa alone, poachers ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, March 30, 2018

Tips for a Great Eggstravaganzoo Experience

We hope you're planning to join us for our annual spring festival featuring the biggest and best egg hunts in town. Historically, this upcoming weekend is a busy one at the Zoo, so we've put together tips and hints to help make your visit the best one yet.   Tips for a great Eggstravaganzoo Experience! Arrive Early. Plan to arrive at least one hour in advance of the egg hunt for your child's age group to allow plenty of time to park the car and get to Festival Field. Pic... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, March 29, 2018

Female Clouded Leopard Cub Born at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a female clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, on Monday, February 19. This is the sixth litter for eight-year-old parents Lom Choy, mother, and Luk, father. The couple have been paired for mating since they were one year old and have been having litters since 2011. Their newest cub weighed about 188 grams at birth. With the addition of this cub, the Zoo is now home to nine clouded leopards. Nashville Zoo has had 32 clouded leopards born s... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Zoo to Hold Program Sharing Its Unique History

Nashville Zoo and the Tennessee State Library and Archives will co-host a free program highlighting the history of the property and historic home through a new digital collection on Thursday, April 5 at 7 p.m. The program, which will take place in the Zoo's Croft Center, will tell the story of how two sisters’ love of animals led to the Zoo's relocation. The collection includes photographs, letters, oral history audio excerpts, maps, memorabilia and land records. The home, bui... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, March 16, 2018

Baird's Tapir Calf Born at Nashville Zoo on March 7

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a male Baird’s tapir calf on Wednesday, March 7. Juju, the mother, gave birth at 12:53 a.m.  This is the second calf for four-year-old Juju and weighs about 22.8 lbs. The father Romeo passed away last year. Romeo was also the father of Tybalt, our male tapir, who was born in August 2016. With the addition of this calf, the Zoo is now home to three Baird’s tapirs. Four Baird’s tapirs have been born at Nashville Zoo since... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, March 9, 2018

UPDATED: Saddle-billed stork eggs not viable, the saga continues

The typical incubation for saddle-billed stork eggs averages about 31 days. We gave our saddle-billed storks an extra week of incubating beyond their due date before deciding to remove the eggs from the nest. This was done to ensure that they were not delayed in their development causing them to hatch later than expected. Earlier this week keeper staff finally removed the overdue eggs from the nest. The parents were not pleased at first, but quickly adjusted to the freedom of no longer needin... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, January 22, 2018

Niran, Clouded Leopard Determined to be Female

Nashville Zoo recently discovered an awkward surprise. Niran, the first clouded leopard to be born from an artificial insemination procedure using frozen/thawed semen was examined thoroughly at birth and determined to be a male. Only, he is actually a she.  The discovery was made after keepers noticed that Niran was not developing at the same pace as Kuso, a male clouded leopard of the same age. Kuso was brought to the Zoo in May to be a playmate for Niran. The two have b... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, December 21, 2017

Nashville Zoo Keeper Travels to South Africa to Help Endangered Penguins

In late November, Alison Day, Ambassador Animal Keeper, traveled 8,300 miles to Cape Town, South Africa, to volunteer at the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). As part of SANCCOB’s keeper exchange program, Day was able to care for the close to 200 birds at the facility and rehabilitate them, so they were prepared to return to their colonies. SANCCOB is a registered non-profit organization whose primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabir... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, December 20, 2017

'Tis the Season for Drunk Birds Flying Into Windows

Did you know up to a billion birds die due to glass collisions annually in the United States? We’ve all experienced the shock of hearing a bird hit a window and rushing to check if the bird was okay. Birds are more likely to fly into windows during this time of year for two interesting reasons. Around this time of the year, much of the fruit on trees and on the ground is fermenting. When birds consume fermented fruit, it has similar effects of a human drinking alcohol. Another factor t... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, November 2, 2017

Red Ruffed Lemur Family Now on Exhibit at Nashville Zoo

(Blog update on July 25, 2017) Guests visiting Nashville Zoo can now see the four red ruffed lemur babies born on May 30, 2017. The two month old lemurs have joined their parents Lyra and Dino and three older siblings on exhibit along Bamboo Trail. “The four babies are hopping around and playing with each other a lot as they explore and climb in their exhibit, said Sabrina Barnes, Primate Area Supervisor. “Thalia and Calliope, the one-year-old sisters, have really started intera... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, July 24, 2017

Do Animals Behave Differently when Experiencing a Solar Eclipse?

The total solar eclipse taking place on August 21, 2017 is creating a lot of excitement here in Nashville. At the Zoo, our animals are (we believe) completely unaware of the impending astronomical event. We are zoology professionals and enthusiasts, and we are very curious to see how our animal collection will react to a false dusk, night, and dawn taking place over the course of a few hours in the middle of the day. So on August 21, we will be watching our animals, and we invite you to come ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, July 7, 2017

Two Red Pandas Born June 16

Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of two red pandas on June 16. The cubs are doing well and bonding with their mother, Mei Mei, in their off exhibit den. “This is the second red panda birth at Nashville Zoo, and the first litter for first time mom, Mei Mei,” said Jennifer Wu, carnivore keeper. “We were able to track Mei Mei’s pregnancy progress because she allowed keepers to conduct ultrasounds during her regular training sessions. This helped the animal ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Southern White Rhinos Now Roaming at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is proud to announce the introduction of Southern white rhinoceros to our animal family. Four young females are now roaming in the Zoo’s former elephant exhibit. “This is the first time we are able to bring rhinos to Nashville”, said Zoo President Rick Schwartz. “We had to make several modifications to the former elephant habitat and barn in order to properly care for rhinos. The end result is exceptional and we can’t wait to show it to our guests.... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, June 30, 2017

Construction Update: Summer 2017

Nashville Zoo excitedly opened two of four new exhibits this spring. Guests can now venture along a suspension rope bridge to see four Mexican spider monkeys from a treetop viewing area at Spider Monkey: Treetop Passage as well as watch four young Southern white rhinos wallowing in mud pits at the former elephant habitat.   While we are excited for the opening of two new exhibits, the Zoo is still working hard to complete construction on its two remaining p... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, June 30, 2017

Nashville Zoo Participates in Giraffe Conservation in Uganda

In March, Nashville Zoo hoofstock keeper, Stephanie Edling, journeyed alongside Julian Fennessy, the cofounder and co-director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, to conduct field work and gather information on inbreeding, collect DNA samples and test new GPS collars on Rothschild’s giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda.   The week consisted of exploring three different routes to locate giraffes. Stephanie’s team was responsible f... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, June 19, 2017

Nashville Zoo Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Animal Health Center

Nashville Zoo dignitaries along with representatives from HCA Healthcare, The Frist Foundation, the Cal Tuner Family Foundation, and ESa (Earl Swensson Associates) officially broke ground on May 30 at the site of the Zoo’s planned Animal Health Center.  Designed by ESa, Nashville Zoo’s Animal Health Center will consist of a 20,000+ square foot facility that includes areas for observation, diagnosis, radiology, surgery, laboratory, pharmacy, and administrative functions. The ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, June 2, 2017

What's the Difference Between Turtles and Tortoises?

Did you know that tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises? Most people use the term “turtle” to reference any reptile with a shell on its back, but there’s several differences between these two unique creatures. World Turtle Day® is on May 23, and the Zoo is excited to raise awareness and share ways we all can enhance the conservation of turtles and tortoises. In order to help this animal, it’s important to know the difference between these shelle... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, May 4, 2017

Zoo Construction: Progress Report for Spring 2017

This is an update to our construction blog post from earlier this year. 2017 is a year of discovery for guests visiting Nashville Zoo. Along with the Zoo’s celebration of its 20th anniversary at Grassmere, guests will also celebrate and experience the openings of four new animal exhibits: Andean bear, Mexican spider monkey, Sumatran tiger, and Southern white rhino. Over 890,000 visitors strolled along pathways in 2016 and witnessed the construction progress of each of these unique exh... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, April 28, 2017

Spider Monkey: Treetop Passage Now Open!

  Spider Monkey Exhibit Now Open! The new spider monkey exhibit, graciously funded by Dottie Frist, opened on Thursday, April 6. The addition of Mexican spider monkeys marks the first monkey species to be housed at Nashville Zoo in more than four years. Exhibit details To enter the new exhibit, Zoo guests cross an elevated wooden bridge ending in a treetop view of these lively, inquisitive Mexican spider monkeys swinging among the trees. Half siblings, Sandy and Poppy, came to Nashvi... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, April 6, 2017

Spring Visiting Tips

Spring time is often our busiest time here at the Zoo, so we put together some tips to help you make the most out of your visit! Tip #1: Best Time of Day to Visit Weekdays – During April and May, the Zoo is especially crowded with school groups on Thursday and Friday mornings. If you are looking to avoid these crowds, we suggest you choose an alternate day or try visiting in the late afternoon. Remember, the Zoo is open every day until 6 p.m. Weekends – Get to the Zoo bright an... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Nashville Zoo & Smithsonian Make History with Birth of Clouded Leopard

Update: Clouded Leopard has a name! Nashville Zoo is pleased to announce the name of the clouded leopard cub born on March 1. Our partners at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, Dr. Adrienne Crosier and Dr. Pierre Comizzoli, were given the opportunity to name the historic cub and have chosen the Thai name, Niran (pronounced Nee-ron), which means eternal and everlasting. Niran opened his eyes just in time for Spring and has nearly tripled in size.  Birth Announ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Nashville Zoo + Cumberland River Compact Forge Ahead with Stormwater Management Project

The Nashville Crayfish and other aquatic species have new habitats to explore! Nashville Zoo, in collaboration with the Cumberland River Compact, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, and KCI Technologies Inc., removed two dams on Cathy Jo Branch. “There is a large drive by biologists, NGO’s along with Federal and state wildlife agencies to remove non-essential dams.  Dam removal allows for the migration of aquatic species which were previously blocked by dams within a watersh... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Fifth Masai Giraffe Born at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a male Masai giraffe. The calf was born February 10, weighing 163 lbs. and standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall. Mother, Margarita and calf are doing well and are currently off exhibit in the Zoo’s giraffe barn. This is Margarita’s fifth calf and second male to be born at the Zoo. “Margarita is a proven and successful mom for her calves, and this calf was no exception,” said Greg Peccie, Director of Animal Operations. “O... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, February 17, 2017

Spectacled Bear, Luka, Celebrates 4th Birthday

Nashville Zoo’s first Andean bear, Luka, celebrated her 4th birthday on January 3 with a Frozen themed birthday party. This is Luka’s second birthday at Nashville Zoo since arriving in June 2015 from Phoenix Zoo. The birthday party included Luka’s favorite enrichment items - large tubs, cardboard castles covered in different herbs and spices, a snow machine (using Dawn dish soap), bubbles and a birthday "cake" made of specialty bear biscuits soaked in diluted... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Endangered Yellow Blotched Map Turtles Hatch at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is excited to announce the hatching of four endangered yellow-blotched map turtles. This hatching ranks Nashville Zoo as the third AZA institution to ever successfully breed these beautifully patterned turtles. “This is an exciting hatching for the yellow-blotched map turtle and for the Zoo,” says Dale McGinnity, Nashville Zoo’s Ectotherm Curator.  “We are bringing awareness to the community about this threatened species and hope to increase support... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, November 29, 2016

How Much Medicine Do You Give a Lorikeet?

How do you know if you’re giving too much or too little medicine to a dog or cat? Typically, your pet’s veterinarian prescribes medications based on the abundant knowledge of domestic animal medicine. But how does the Zoo’s Veterinary Team know how much medication to prescribe tiny, exotic birds that weigh only a few ounces? Nashville Zoo has a flock of over 80 lorikeets which all receive regular treatments of the drug ponazuril. This medication protects lorikeets from... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, November 10, 2016

ZOO BABY: Baird's Tapir Born August 28

Nashville Zoo is happy to announce the August 28 birth of a male Baird’s tapir. This is the first birth for mom Juliet and her mate Romeo, who came to Nashville Zoo from Central America in 2008 to introduce a new genetic line into the United States tapir population. The animal care team had been closely observing the first time mom for several weeks as she prepared to welcome her first baby. New camera systems were installed in the tapir birthing stall so vet staff and keepers cou... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, August 31, 2016

ZOO BABY: New Face on Gibbon Islands

Baby Gibbon has a Name! Thanks to your overwhelming response to our baby gibbon naming contest, the Zoo will be donating over $1100 to Fauna and Flora International. Makaio was the winning name with $274 in donations (Makoto placed second with $176 and Mingli was third with $106 in donations). Thank you to everyone who generously donated and shared the contest with their friends!  Public Debut & Naming Contest A male white-cheeked gibbon was born on June 5. The family group will ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, July 4, 2016

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