New animals at Bloomington’s Miller Park Zoo

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[May 05, 2015]  BLOOMINGTON  - SUMATRAN TIGER ADDED TO MILLER PARK ZOO - A critically endangered Sumatran Tiger is now at home at Miller Park Zoo.

A 10 year old (in June) male with the name of Heran arrived on April 18 from Landry’s Downtown Aquarium-Denver.

Sumatran Tigers are the smallest of the tiger subspecies. They are found only on the island of Sumatra. Destruction of natural habitat and encroachment has caused the wild population to decrease dramatically.

Breeding programs are an important part of the Miller Park Zoo mission, and play a vital part in the conservation mission of Species Survival Programs (SSP). Zoo Director, Jay Tetzloff, serves on the Tiger SSP steering committee.

Tigers are solitary except for when a pair comes together for breeding and mothers with cubs. Heran is the only tiger at the Miller Park Zoo. Although not in a breeding situation in this circumstance, the Miller Park Zoo participates in the SSP by providing space for the program for Sumatran Tigers that may not be high on the breeding list.



TEXAS LONGHORN RETURNS TO MILLER PARK ZOO

A hand-raised Texas Longhorn named Lord Antioch arrived at Miller Park Zoo today, Wednesday (4/29). On loan from Heaven on Earth Ranch, he will be on exhibit next to the Children’s Zoo area. Heaven on Earth Ranch has also graciously agreed to donate the hay to feed the cattle

The seven-year-old steer (castrated male) weighs approximately 1,800 pounds and boasts 85 inches of horn. Texas Longhorns have been a registered breed since 1964. Last year, Lord Antioch’s arrival marked the first time the Zoo has had a Texas Longhorn in its animal collection.

“We’re excited to showcase this breed again at Miller Park Zoo,” said Jay Tetzloff, Miller Park Zoo Superintendent. “He was such a big hit last year. We had to bring him back.”

The Texas Longhorn will be housed with the Randall Lineback, another rare breed of cattle.

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OTTER PUP ON EXHIBIT AT MILLER PARK ZOO

Miller Park Zoo’s male otter pup born on February 21 is on exhibit now at the facility, along with his mom, “Tallulah.”

The birth of the otter pup is the second consecutive year for Miller Park Zoo to have pups and a rarity in general. North American River Otters rarely reproduce in zoos and aquariums, averaging only about three litters a year total across 110 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. A typical litter is three pups but can be anywhere from one to five.

“This is a big step for the pup,” explained Jay Tetzloff, Miller Park Zoo. “We’re enjoying watching him grow up, and I encourage people to stop by and see him.”

The opportunity to name the pup will be auctioned off at Zoo Do in September.

A new river otter exhibit is in Phase I of the Zoo’s Master Plan. The Miller Park Zoological Society is currently fundraising for implementation of the Plan.

[Nora Dukowitz]

 

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