Zoo Blog

After being off exhibit for renovations, the macaques (snow monkeys) were reintroduced to their home last weekend! The exhibit received a much-needed update to its caging, and in the process we added a new interactive log for you to get into the exhibit and see the macaques up close. 

We have 16 macaques at Blank Park Zoo, six males and ten females – including a new baby girl! 




Check out a live webcam of our new baby macaque. 
 

Macaques are found on the islands of Japan, mainly in forested mountain areas. They enjoy Iowa winters and can be found outside at the Zoo year-round.  If it is below freezing they are allowed access to their holding building, but unless it is very cold, you’ll find them outside playing.

I caught up with Val Hautekeete, one of our animal keepers, and asked her some questions about the macaques:

What do they like to eat? 
They like to eat seeds, grains, fruits and veggies. Their daily diet here includes oranges, oatmeal, peas, a mixture of other fruits and veggies and nutritionally balanced biscuits.

How long do they typically live? 

They typically live to their older 20s. If you would compare it to human years, take their age and multiply it by three.

What kind of enrichment activities do the macaques enjoy? 

They have all sorts of food enrichment - they love yogurt and cereals. They love all sorts of toys - Little Tykes backyard toys (slide, kitchen, table, chairs) and puzzle toys. They are a fun group to work with, always investigating new things.

How endangered are they? 
They are listed as Threatened, which is upgraded from Endangered in 1996. They have been a protected species in Japan since 1947. The population is threatened and still declining due to deforestation and humans. Every year, over 10,000 are killed by farmers claiming to be protecting crops and livestock.

What can we do to help them through conservation efforts? 
The easiest way for the public to help is through the Zoo’s adopt an animal program. The Zoo supports international conservation efforts.

Do all of the macaques at the Zoo have names? 
In order to track their history (like health, behavior, locations, ancestors and descendants) they all have numbers – like we have social security numbers. They do also have names given by the staff that works with them.

Can you tell them apart? 

Yes. They all have very distinct personalities once you get to know them. They also have facial tattoos to help with recognition - have you ever noticed a black dot or two on their faces?

Any other interesting facts about macaques?

The Japanese macaques live in a matriarchal society - which means the Alpha female is in charge (keeps the peace) and the alpha male is the protector (tells the troop when to move and fends off predators). The youngest daughter always has the highest rank. The Alpha lineage and the beta lineage are blood lines. The youngest daughter of the alpha female takes over when the alpha female passes away - this is true in the wild and captivity. Japanese Macaques have been observed since the 1920s. Our Alpha and Beta lines can be traced back to Japan – it’s amazing how they know their own blood line!

It’s a Fiesta Latina this Saturday, May 5 at Blank Park Zoo!

Adventure Days, a themed series at Blank Park Zoo every other Saturday this summer, kicks off this Saturday, May 5 with our Fiesta Latina Day. Our first Adventure Day – which is a free event for Zoo members – will highlight the Latin American culture and animals at the Zoo. 

Do you know which animals at our Zoo originate from Latin American countries? Have you ever salsa danced? Don’t miss the flower-making activity from the Latino Heritage Festival and the performances and lessons from Salsa Des Moines from 2 to 5 pm.

Our special, featured animal is the dwarf caiman, which comes from Central and South America. 

Caimans like wetlands such as rainforests or the Amazon River basin. Caimans also live in flooded savannahs. Caimans belong to the same group because of a bony ridge that is above their eyes.

The Dwarf Caiman (found in the Discovery Center at Blank Park Zoo) is the smallest crocodilian and is distinguished by a high, smooth skull and brown eyes, instead of yellow, which are common to most crocodilians. They measure 5 to 7½ feet in length.

Dwarf caimans have 78-82 teeth, and some of their teeth are curved. In the wild, they eat invertebrates, fish and large insects. The caimans at the Zoo eat mice and capelin (fish).They lay 10-25 eggs. Caimans are considered widespread, and their population is stable.

Make sure to find all of the Central and South American animals at the Zoo at our Fiesta Latina Adventure Day this Saturday:
 

· Tamarins

· Macaw

· Amazon River exhibit animals

· Flamingos

· Penguins

Experience the Zoo in a whole new way during our Fiesta Latina. Learn about Latin American countries & cultures and the animals of Blank Park Zoo!

  
Source for caimans.

Zoodlers! just wrapped up its five-week program, and I had the chance to stop in to say hello.  I’ve never seen one of our classes before and thought it would be fun to share with you.

Zoodlers! is a special program for 3-5 year-olds, and the children are dropped off for a few hours in the morning. Held in our green room, the class allows the opportunity for the kids to peek into the Discovery Center while they are learning in the classroom.

 
The morning starts off with educational games before a visit through the Zoo. The children come back to the classroom for special animal visitors, learning about and seeing them up close. Today’s visitors were an owl and a ferret.

 
Audrey Pohlmann, education specialist, teaches the children about Meg, one of the Zoo’s ferrets.

 
Then, each child gets a turn to touch Meg.

 
After animal visitors, it’s time for crafts. This time, the kids learned how to make their own paws, fur and all. Sam Dunn helps one of the children place toes on the paw.

Even though Zoodlers! is over, there are still many opportunities to enjoy the Zoo’s educational programs.

·       Summer Safari has camps for children of all ages, 3 through 7^th grade. Registration is now open!

·       Set up a library visit - the Zoo logs thousands of miles in the summer as Audrey and Sam hit the road to different libraries all across the state with their educational programs. Check your local library to see if we’re planning a trip near you! 

·       Field trips to the Zoo are a fun way to experience the Zoo with your classroom. May is a popular month to plan your field trip just before school is out! 

Check our website for a full list of our educational programs and how you can participate!
 

 Jack is back!

Jack – of course, being America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack Hanna* – is making his second visit in just over two years to Blank Park Zoo. The Zoo is excited and proud to be a part of this unique dinner event Friday, April 27 in partnership with Nationwide Insurance. 

Jack’s visit will include:

-       Exotic animal friends,

-       Stories of his fun adventures and

-       An evening that benefits the animals of Blank Park Zoo!

An interview with Jack**

How many countries have you visited?

Too many to count. I do know that I have been to all seven continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and Antarctica.

What is your favorite color?

Hunter green.

What is your favorite food?

Chicken dumplings. No wait – homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Has an animal ever bitten you?

I have been bitten and nipped at more times than I can remember. The two worst bites I’ve had were from a HUGE anaconda and, believe it or not, a beaver!

What is your favorite animal?

I love all kinds of animals! But elephants are probably my favorite to watch in the wild.

Learn more and see Jack in person at a unique dinner event Friday, April 27 – at the Community Choice Credit Union’s Convention Center in Veteran’s Memorial.

General admission for the event is $100/person.

Schedule for the evening’s events:

5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception (VIP ticket required - sold out)

6 p.m. Doors Open

6:30 p.m. Jack Hanna program

7:15 p.m. Dinner

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets, or call 515-974-2533. (link to /index.cfm?nodeID=26296&audienceID=1)

* Animal expert Jungle Jack Hanna’s hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer.  Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances since 1983 on shows such as Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, Larry King Live, The Talk, The Maury Show, Fox News Programs, and CNN News Programs.  He is the host of TV’s Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild, and Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown. For more information, visit www.jackhanna.com.

** From the website www.jackhanna.com.

 Thank you to everyone who came and braved the chilly temps last Saturday to participate in Eggstravaganza! Despite the drizzle, nearly 2,000 guests came to hunt for eggs, participate in scavenger hunts and meet the Easter Bunny himself.

Our animals enjoyed their special egg enrichment treats as well!

If you weren’t able to make it, we’ve got a fun craft we did that day for you to make at home just in time for spring. These paper lilies will brighten any home! All you need is white and green card stock, a green plastic straw, yellow pipe cleaner – and an outline of your hand. These step-by-step instructions will show you how to make them with your children.

 When you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful bouquet!

 Special thanks to Disney Family Fun for the idea! Happy spring!