Latest news with #PeoriaZoo
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Peoria Zoo has a new zebra. It wants you to help name it
The Peoria Zoo has welcomed a new member: a young Grevy's zebra. Described as "striking and spirited," with big ears and personality, the unnamed 5-year-old zebra came to Peoria March 3 from White Oak Conservation Center in Florida, where he was born July 3, 2020. His arrival is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program managing healthy breeding and transfers along accredited zoos like Peoria's. Visitors can now see the zebra in the zoo's Africa! habitat, where he shares a mixed-species habitat with an 18-year-old female zebra named Phoebe and rhinoceroses. More: Year of transition: Here's a look at recent changes and the future of the Peoria Zoo The zoo is asking the public to help celebrate his arrival by voting for six potential names for the zebra. Each vote costs $1 and proceeds benefit Grevy's Zebra Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting and conserving endangered Grevy's zebras in their habitats. Name options include: Roman Stripes Masikio (Swahili for "ears") Radar Jimmy Neuman 'This is a fun way for our community to engage with wildlife conservation in a meaningful way,' said Peoria Zoo director Max Lakes in a release. 'Every vote supports a mission that extends far beyond Peoria — helping to protect a species that is truly at risk.' Voting is open through July 10 online and at the zoo, and supporters are encouraged to vote as many times as they want. More: 'Playful spirit': 1-year-old giraffe joins Peoria Zoo from Memphis This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria Zoo opens voting for name of new zebra
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What to know about Endangered Species Day
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Peoria Zoo is celebrating Endangered Species Day by recognizing the species they have within the zoo. Saturday, May 17, is Endangered Species Day, and its goal is to remind everyone that every creature matters and needs help, according to the zoo's Facebook page. 'Endangered Species Day reminds us that every creature matters—and many urgently need our help,' the post said. The following are lists of all the endangered species the zoo houses: Grevy's Zebra: Rarest of all zebras, less than 3,000 in the wild. Mandrill: Vulnerable due to habitat loss, protecting their rainforest home is key to their survival Amur Tiger: Fewer than 500 remain in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. Southern White Rhino: Threatened but making a comeback with conservation support. Cotton-Top Tamarin: Critically endangered primate native to Colombia. Chinese Alligator: Fewer than 150 remain in the wild, making it one of the world's rarest crocodilians. 'Peoria Zoo is committed to protecting wildlife through education, conservation partnerships, and Species Survival Plans,' the post said. For more information on the zoo and how they protect wildlife, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Peoria Zoo welcomes the newest spotted friend to their herd
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Peoria Zoo welcomes a long-neck friend who transferred over from the Memphis Zoo. Fitzniklas, who goes by Fitz, is a giraffe who is just over one year old, and the zoo said he is energetic with a bright future, they said in a release. 'Fitz brings youthful energy and a bright future to our giraffe exhibit, where he will soon be joining our two resident female giraffes, Vivian and Emy,' they said. Fitz was brought to Peoria with careful coordination from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. As is policy, Fitz is working to complete his quarantine period but has begun interacting with Emy and Vivian through a protective fence. 'Though separated by a protective fence for now, the trio have been spotted exchanging gentle nuzzles, offering a heartwarming preview of the bonds being formed,' the release said. Fitz is expected to finish his quarantine period next week, at which point visitors will be able to enjoy his presence in his new home with Emy and Vivian. His primary keeper, Lauren, said that he is fitting in well and the whole zoo is excited about his presence. 'Fitz is a sweet little guy with a lot of personality and curiosity,' said Lauren. 'He's going to fit in well with the girls, and they already love him as much as I, and the rest of the zoo crew, do.' For more updates on Fitz and other Zoo news, the release said to follow them on social media. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
