|
 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] |
