Latest news with #SpeciesSurvivalPlan
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Minnesota Zoo says goodbye to 'Dari,' a 13-year-old Amur tiger who birthed six cubs
Sundari, a 13-year-old female Amur tiger who gave birth to six cubs at the Minnesota Zoo, has died. The tiger, whose name was often shortened to "Dari," was humanely euthanized July 12 due to mesothelioma, an aggressive and incurable form of cancer, the Apple Valley zoo announced. "We are grateful for the tireless and compassionate efforts of our animal care and veterinary teams and their work to ensure Dari passed peacefully under expert care," the zoo said on social media. She was born June 17, 2012, and raised at the Minnesota Zoo, where her keepers remember her as a "true matriarch, a pillar of strength and irreplaceable member of our zoo." She gave birth to six cubs: Vera, Brosno, Vostok, Yana and, most recently, Amaliya and Andrei, who were born May 23, 2024. "The arrival of Amaliya and Andrei shined a global spotlight on the Minnesota Zoo and served as a reminder of the critical role we play in tiger conservation," the zoo said. Related: In the woods of Minnesota, Avon Hills Folk School is quietly reviving lost arts Amur tigers, the largest of all cats, are considered endangered and came close to extinction in the 1930s and 1940s, though conservation efforts have since helped raise the population, the zoo said. Still, it's believed that about 500 or fewer remain in the wild. The Minnesota Zoo is involved in the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan, which it says serves as a 'genetic insurance policy' against extinction. By closely observing Sundari's maternal care and behaviors, Minnesota Zoo zookeepers have been able to share best practices with other zoos. 'Through her life, Dari gave the (Species Survival Plan) program what it needed most – consistency, maternal excellence and critical genetic contribution," Trista Fischer, a Minnesota Zoo zoologist and coordinator of the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan, said in a statement. "She nurtured her cubs with extraordinary love and helped guide a new generation of care for tiger mothers." There have been 46 Amur tiger cubs born at the Minnesota Zoo in its 46-year history. Of those, 21 have had litters of their own, resulting in another 86 cubs to boost the species' population, the zoo said. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota Zoo mourns 13-year-old Amur tiger who birthed six cubs Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Somersaulting red panda dies at California zoo
A red panda known for his somersaults has died at the San Francisco Zoo. The panda, named Tenzing, recently started to experience 'intermittent neurological symptoms,' prompting the zoo's medical staff to take him in for observations. In a social media post announcing his death on Friday the zoo said he started to also exhibit balance issues and episodes became more frequent and lasted longer. After several imaging sessions and testing, staff discovered Tenzing had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection that is common in red panders, zookeepers said. 'Despite receiving intensive medical care, Tenzing's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed peacefully under the care of his dedicated animal health team,' the post read. Tenzing first arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival plan, specifically for red pandas - a rare and endangered species. The 'fan favorite' animal was best known for his 'playful somersaults and engaging personality,' as he was often featured in viral videos, the zoo wrote. 'His keepers recall his remarkable participation in his own healthcare, including voluntary behaviors like stepping onto a scale, entering a crate, and even holding a brush to create his signature watercolor paintings,' it went on. He was seen in pictures getting examined by a team of doctors in May as they reviewed his brain scans and placed him in the MRI machine. The life span of red pandas is between eight to 10 years in the wild. They are known to live up to 15 years 'under human care.' The zoo said: 'Tenzing lived a rich and full life and will be remembered for his spirited nature, his artistic flair, and his invaluable contribution to global conservation. 'Tenzing was more than an ambassador for this endangered species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire.' Several of Tenzing's fans said their final goodbyes to him after the zoo announced his death. 'So sad. We loved seeing him on our many visits,' one said. 'Oh Tenzing. I'm so sorry you were sick. What an incredibly sad loss for your zoo family, the Red Panda family and all who loved you all around the world,' wrote another. Someone else commented: 'I'm Speechless. My deepest Condolences to everyone.' Red pandas are endangered species because they are often poached, or illegally hunted, and have experienced a habitat loss. Less than 10,000 remain in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Nearly 50 per cent of the red panda's habitat is located in the Eastern Himalayas, but because of the loss of nesting trees and bamboo that they depend on, there is decline in the population. The creatures are often caught in traps meant for other wild animals like pigs and deer. Some are hunted for their distinctive, red pelts, or fur, in Myanmar and China, the website said.
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Cute red panda beloved by children for its somersaults inside California zoo suddenly dies
An adorable 12-year-old red panda, known for his somersaults has suddenly died at the San Francisco Zoo. The panda, named Tenzing, recently started to experience 'intermittent neurological symptoms,' prompting the zoo's medical staff to take a closer look at him. He soon started to also exhibit balance issues as episodes became more frequent and lasted longer, the zoo said in a social media post announcing his tragic death Friday. After several imaging sessions and testing, staff discovered Tenzing had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection that is common in red panders, zookeepers said. 'Despite receiving intensive medical care, Tenzing's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed peacefully under the care of his dedicated animal health team,' the post read. Tenzing first arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival plan, specifically for red pandas - a rare and endangered species. The 'fan favorite' animal was best known for his 'playful somersaults and engaging personality,' as he was often featured in viral videos displaying his unique antics, the zoo wrote. 'His keepers recall his remarkable participation in his own healthcare, including voluntary behaviors like stepping onto a scale, entering a crate, and even holding a brush to create his signature watercolor paintings,' it went on. He was seen in pictures getting examined by a team of doctors in May as they reviewed his brain scans and placed him in the MRI machine. The life span of red pandas is between eight to 10 years in the wild. They are known to live up to 15 years 'under human care.' The zoo said: 'Tenzing lived a rich and full life and will be remembered for his spirited nature, his artistic flair, and his invaluable contribution to global conservation. 'Tenzing was more than an ambassador for this endangered species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire.' Several of Tenzing's fans said their final goodbyes to him after zoo announcing he passed away. 'So sad. We loved seeing him on our many visits,' one said. 'Oh Tenzing. I'm so sorry you were sick. What an incredibly sad loss for your zoo family, the Red Panda family and all who loved you all around the world,' wrote another. Someone else commented: 'I'm Speechless. My deepest Condolences to everyone.' Red pandas are endangered species because they are often poached, or illegally hunted, and have experienced a habitat loss. Less than 10,000 remain in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Nearly 50 percent of the red panda's habitat is located in the Eastern Himalayas, but because of the loss of nesting trees and bamboo that they depend on, there is decline in the population. The creatures are often caught in traps meant for other wild animals like pigs and deer. Some are hunted for their distinctive, red pelts, or fur, in Myanmar and China, the website said.
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
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A new rhino is calling Blank Park Zoo home
DES MOINES, Iowa — There's a new rhino at Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo. The zoo announced Wednesday that four-year-old male 'AJ' had joined the fold. The eastern black rhino comes from the Cincinnati Zoo. His more formal name. Ajani Joe, means 'he who wins the struggle' in Swahili. AJ was brought to the zoo as part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, and officials said he will play a vital role in maintaining a genetically diverse breeding population. Woodworking meets Broadway in small town Iowa 'The arrival of Ajani Joe is the next major step at Blank Park Zoo in our efforts to help increase the population of this critically endangered species,' Blank Park Zoo President and CEO Anne Shimerdla said. 'Eastern black rhinos were nearly wiped out by poaching, with their population dropping by over 90% between 1970 and the early 1990s. Thanks to conservation efforts, population numbers have been on the rise.' Rhinos first came to Blank Park Zoo in 2012. Since then, two rhino calves have been born at the zoo. Victim injured in Des Moines apartment fire has died A new rhino is calling Blank Park Zoo home DMPD seek help to find suspect in violent assault with a shoe 'ICE Out' protest brings in hundreds in Des Moines Iowa DNR reporting fish kill at Des Moines lake Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
