Lace up your sneakers and prepare for a scenic tree-lined course that is perfect for walkers, runners and families. The 33rd annual ZooZoom is Sunday, April 14 from 7 a.m. until noon in William Land Park. Sponsored by Fleet Feet, the event will include a 5K walk/run, 10K run or kids’ fun runs. The unique race ends at the back of the Zoo where all participants enjoy cooling down and rehydrate inside the Zoo by the flamingos on the lake.

For 33 years, ZooZoom has been a favorite of area runners, walkers and their families. Kids ages 3 to 12 can participate in the Saucony “Run for Good” fun runs; from the 220 yard dash to the one–mile run, there is an event for every age group. With support from Saucony, Fleet Feet will award grants to schools that have the greatest number of participants and the highest percentage of kids entering the event.

For registration and information, visit www.sacramentozoozoom.com. Participation includes a ZooZoom t-shirt, refreshments for runners and free admission to the Zoo on race day for the runners and their immediate family (limit four people). All proceeds from the event benefit the Sacramento Zoological Society. Bring your entire family to ZooZoom!

If you go:

What: 33rd annual ZooZoom 5K/10K run and kids’ fun run
Where: Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Drive in William Land Park.
When: Sunday, April 14, from 7 a.m. to noon.
Why: To raise funds for the Sacramento Zoological Society while enjoying scenic William Land Park.

The Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital opened on Nov. 9, 2006. Photo by Lance Armstrong

Note: This is part four in a series regarding past and present details about the Sacramento Zoo.

On a daily basis, visitors of the zoo pass by a large sign, which reads: Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital. But not everyone is aware of who Murray is and why the hospital was named after him.
First of all, Murray was very connected with the zoo, as he served as its first regular veterinarian for more than two decades.
And he is also widely recognized as the “father of zoological medicine.”
His life began in 1928 in Glendale, Wash., where he resided for nearly his first two years of life before moving with his family to his father Harry C. Fowler’s old hometown of Huntington, Utah.
Two months later, in July 1930, the family moved to Salt Lake City, where Harry obtained his pharmaceutical license and began the first of his many years working at a drugstore in that city.
The Fowler family, who was actively involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, moved once again in the summer of 1933, when they acquired about a 65-acre farm between Draper and Sandy, Utah.
Because Harry worked his job as a pharmacist in Salt Lake City, he was gone a considerable amount of time during each week. Therefore, Murray and his brother, Norman, were the family’s farmhands.
Murray, who began riding horses when he was 5 years old, had an interest and a work responsibility with all kinds of farm animals, including sheep, pigs and cattle.
After graduating from Jordan High School in Sandy, Utah in 1946, Murray became eligible for the draft.
Soon afterward, Murray joined the Navy and attended a nurses’ school in San Diego. He remained in that city as a “dry land sailor” for the following two years.
Utilizing the GI Bill, Murray then attended Utah State Agricultural College (today’s Utah State University), where he ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry.
Because of his love for animals, Murray decided to become a veterinarian, and thus attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University), where he graduated in 1955 as a doctor of veterinary medicine.
After working for three years as a veterinarian, who mainly worked on racehorses in the San Fernando Valley, Murray became a member of the animal surgery staff at the University of California, Davis.

In regard to how he began working at the zoo in Sacramento, Murray said, “I went (to Davis) as an equine surgeon and all during that time, I took all kinds of animals into the (university’s) clinic. Our dean, (William Pritchard), in about 1965 or something like that, told the faculty that he wanted to have a wildlife person on the faculty, and he advertised and he had no takers for two years. If that kind of position arose now, there would be hundreds of applications for that position. There was nobody in the world that was trained. One day, when I was in his presence, he was bemoaning the fact that nobody was applying, and I said, ‘Well, why don’t you let me do it?’ And he tossed the ball and that’s when I started doing work at the zoo.”
Murray proceeded to discuss his early memories of the zoo.
“Bill Steinmetz, who was a local practitioner, had been doing the (veterinarian) work at the zoo on an on-call-type basis,” Murray said. “And so, I started a couple days a week going to the zoo, taking students with me. And then I developed a program in what is called, and is still called, zoological medicine. At that time, Hank Spencer was the director of the zoo and we hit it off pretty well and it just all grew from there.”
Murray, who was once the only person in the world who had a university position and worked with wild animals, became the zoo’s first regular veterinarian in 1967.
It was also during the later 1960s when Murray visited every major zoo in the United States to communicate with other zoo veterinarians.
During another time, Murray took a sabbatical leave from the university to spend a year in the San Diego Zoo.
He has also traveled the world teaching, lecturing and caring for wild animals.
Murray, who was president of the Sacramento Zoological Society in 1978 and 1979, and again in 1991, was also asked to serve on the board of the Morris Animal Foundation.
In discussing this organization, Murray said, “It was a foundation established (in 1948) by a fellow by the name of (Dr. Mark L.) Morris and he was a veterinarian who was actually in the East. He established this foundation to do research on essentially domestic animals – dogs and cats primarily. But it expanded to horses and ultimately to wild animals, and so that organization sponsored the first edition of (the book), ‘Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine.’ We’re getting ready to publish our eighth edition of that publication. It first came out in 1978. The (book included writings) by all U.S. authors. In that particular (book), I was probably responsible for writing two-thirds of it. We covered all the animals and that book was published first by (the) W. B. Saunders (Co.) and then by Elsevier (Health Sciences). That book, in the seventh edition, went from being ‘Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine’ (to) ‘Fowler’s Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine.’”
Around the same time, Murray had a book about the restraint and handling of wild and domestic animals published. And altogether, he is the editor, co-editor or author of 25 books.
In commenting about his work as an author, Murray said, “As a teacher, I perceived a need for information. My name of the game was sharing and teaching.”
Murray’s name was memorialized at the zoo in a grand way with the opening of the aforementioned Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital in 2006. The name was recommended to the city a year earlier by Mary Healy, the zoo’s current director.
While discussing this hospital, Murray said, “The most important thing, as far as I was concerned, is now the highest quality of medical service could be given to the animals at the zoo.”
Although Murray expressed that his work was not always as joyful and exciting as one might have perceived it, as he performed a lot of labor such as heavy lifting, long hours of kneeling and performing surgeries in the rain, he cherishes his experiences as a whole.
“I like the animals, I like the people who are caring for the animals and it has been a great career,” Murray said. “I couldn’t wait to get to work in the morning, because I liked it so much.”

This unique-looking, early 1960s structure is located at the entrance of the Sacramento Zoo. Photo by Lance Armstrong

Note: This is part three in a series regarding past and present details about the Sacramento Zoo.

As referred to in the last article of this series, the Sacramento Zoo has experienced many changes throughout the years.
The zoo became a much different looking place in the 1960s.
On July 26, 1960, The Sacramento Bee presented a proposed layout of the zoo under a major modernization and expansion project that had been then-recently approved by the city council.
The 21 sections shown on the illustrated layout were birds, aquatic birds, seals, small animals, otter, orangutan and gorilla, monkeys, gibbons, chimpanzee, open air grottos for tigers, lions and bears, cat cages, monkey island, field animals, alligators, reptile house, penguins, flamingos and non-flying tropical birds, bird house, entrance and concessions and new rose garden.
The initial phase of the zoo’s building project included the entrance structure and concessions building, a flamingo pond, five moat enclosed animal confinement areas and new animal cages.
The project’s second phase, which would be completed at a cost of about $90,000, included confinement areas for penguins and alligators and cages for monkeys, gorillas, reptiles and small animals.
Prior to the 1960-61 project, many animals were housed in wooden cages that had been constructed by Works Progress Administration laborers during the Depression.
Assisting with the reptile house, which would exhibit the zoo’s first snakes, was Kenneth C. Johnson.
In addition to serving as the director of the Sacramento Civil Defense Area, Johnson was one of the region’s most notable reptile experts and owned one of Northern California’s most extensive private collections of snakes.
The monkey island exhibit, which would be constructed by John F. Otto, Inc. (today’s Otto Construction), would allow zoo visitors to obtain a full view of its monkeys.
Among the monkeys that were transferred to monkey island upon its completion was Spooky, who had been a resident of the zoo since its opening in 1927.
In an update about the project, The Bee reported on Aug. 7, 1960 that $200,000 had been allocated by the city, while an additional $100,000 in contributions was being sought from the public. The latter sum would be used to modernize the old portion of the zoo.
It was also mentioned in the same Bee article that Emil A. Bahnfleth, president of the Sacramento Zoological Society at that time, announced that individuals donating $100 or more would have their names placed on special donors plaques at the zoo’s entrance.
Anyone donating $5 to $99 would receive an Honorary Z-B (“Zoo Builder”) certificate.
As for Bahnfleth, whose name was later memorialized through the naming of Emil Bahnfleth Park at 950 Seamas Ave., he never witnessed the opening of the expanded zoo, as he died at the age of 70 on March 30, 1961.
With the new, spacious zoo only two months away from the completion of its initial phase, The Sacramento Union, on April 9, 1961, ran an article, which included the following words: “The sumptuous new quarters are designed with an eye to convenience and animal comfort, and are a combination of sweeping, curved architectural lines, sharp, straight lines and blended landscaping that brings the creatures virtually into their natural setting and provides zoo visitors with a walk through the park.”

The article also noted that the society’s campaign to raise $100,000 had reached the $41,000 mark.
While anticipating the opening of the newly improved zoo, which was designed by architect Douglas M. Kelt, the zoo’s superintendent, Anthony A. “Hank” Spencer said, “People don’t know what this means to me. I’m the kind of guy who is lucky enough to have his hobby and his work all wrapped up in one job. And think what it will mean to the animals. Oh, it’s a wonderful thing.”
In preparation for its reopening, the zoo was closed for the 10 days prior to its June 11, 1961 dedication, which would be directed by the city and the zoological society.
During that time, the animals were moved to their new locations.
The reopening of the zoo was a grand occasion that drew thousands of people, including special guests, state Senator Albert S. Rodda; Assemblymen W. A. “Jimmie” Hicks and Edwin L. Z’berg; Leslie E. Wood, chairman of the county board of supervisors; Milton Schwartz, chairman of the city board of education; Maj. Gen. Robert B. Landry, commander of the Sacramento Air Materiel Area at McClellan Air Force Base; Brig. Gen. Norman Callish, commander of Mather Air Force Base; and Col. Leo Tamamian of the Sacramento Signal Depot (later renamed the Sacramento Army Depot).
To present more people with the opportunity to visit the zoo during its reopening week and to bring awareness to the $100,000 Zoo Builders campaign, Mayor James B. McKinney proclaimed the week as Zoo Builders Week, and the zoo maintained longer hours, as it remained open until 7 p.m.
Later changes for the zoo during the 1960s included the redesigning and rearranging of animal enclosures.
A new master plan for continued improvements and another expansion of the zoo was approved by the city council on July 9, 1970. The master plan was the first of its kind in the zoo’s then-43-year-history.
A month later, the Sacramento Zoological Society adopted its docent program. The program has since grown to include about 1,400 volunteers, who donate about 34,000 hours of their time to the zoo each year.
In September 1971, the zoo experienced a major change, as William “Bill” Meeker replaced Spencer as the zoo’s superintendent.
Four years later, the zoo received accreditation by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums – today’s Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The zoo became a participant in the International Species Inventory System in 1979. The mission of ISIS is “to facilitate international collaboration in the collection and sharing of knowledge on animals and their environments for zoos, aquariums and related conservation organizations to serve institutional, regional and global animal management and conservation goals.”
The first ZooZoom, the zoo’s annual 5k and 10k run fundraiser, was held at William Land Park in October 1980. This year, the event will be held at the park on April 14.
Other events that have attracted visitors to the zoo during its history include the California Celebration multicultural day (May), the King of Feasts food and wine luau (June), Zoo Camp (June through August), the “Boo at the Zoo” Halloween event (October) and Holiday Magic (December).
Another highlight of the zoo occurred in 1983, when the zoo became involved with AAZPA’s Species Survival Plan for Siberian tigers, Asian lions and Sumatran orangutans.
In 1987, the zoo celebrated its 60th anniversary and zoo guests, 60 years old or older, were admitted into the zoo free of charge for the entire month of March.
During the 1990s, the zoo opened its Lake Victoria exhibit, Rare Feline Center, gift shop and office space structure and concessions and conference facility.
It was also in the 1990s when the Sacramento Zoological Society assumed complete financial and daily operational management of the zoo.
Zoo highlights of this new century have included the opening of the on-site Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital and the Red Panda Forest, Australian Outback and Tall Wonders giraffe exhibits, the debut of the Conservation Carousel, and the zoo’s first Sumatran tiger birth.
In its 85th year, the now 14.3-acre zoo continues to serve its visitors through its mission to “(inspire) appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation and conservation.”

Elephants roam an area at the zoo in this c. 1955 photograph. These large animals are among some of the zoo’s earlier types of animals that are no longer a part of the zoo. Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Zoo

Note: This is part two in a series regarding past and present details about the Sacramento Zoo.

The Sacramento Zoo has experienced many changes since Sacramento State College – today’s Sacramento State University – published Marvin Delfendahl’s official William Land Park Zoo guidebook in 1952.
One of the zoo’s most noticeable changes was its increase in size from its original 4.2 acres to its present 14.3 acres.
And with this increase in acreage, the zoo houses many more animals than it presented when Delfendahl created the guidebook as his thesis when the college, which was then located a short distance northeast of the zoo, was less than five years old.
One of the 1950s most notable highlights was the Aug. 21, 1956 founding of the Sacramento Zoological Society, which was formed to support and raise funds for the zoo.
Among the animals that became residents of the zoo during the 1950s were an elephant named Winky, a male giraffe, 12 white-faced gibbons from Thailand, a blue wildebeest and four penguins from Peru.
During the same decade, various publications boasted the quality of the zoo.
In the November 1951 edition of the Sacramento City Employee, for instance, the zoo was referred to as “one of the best (zoos) in the state.”
The publication also noted the following: “Zoo experts and the general public rate (the William Land Park Zoo) equal to or better than the Los Angeles Zoo, and trailing only the world-famed zoos in San Diego and San Francisco.”
An indication of the level of growth of the zoo from its inception to the 1950s was presented in an article in the Nov. 15, 1959 edition of The Sacramento Bee.
In the article, it was noted that at that time, the zoo had become “the envy of visitors from other cities twice the size of Sacramento, many of which (had) no zoo at all.”
Credited in the article for much of the zoo’s progress was Anthony A. “Hank” Spencer (1907-1972), the zoo’s longtime superintendent.
Spencer, who grew up in Sacramento around a variety of animals, including horses, dogs, cats, guinea pigs and squirrels and also rode the rodeo circuit during his youth, studied animal husbandry and veterinary science while he was a student at Sacramento High School in the 1920s, when the school was located at 18th and K streets.
After graduating from high school, Spencer studied animal husbandry, veterinary science, dairy industry, poultry and horticulture at the University of California, Berkeley’s University Farm – today’s University of California, Davis.
The 1959 article described the job of the zoo’s superintendent as a natural position for Spencer.
Spencer’s experience as a horse trader during his rodeo circuit days gave him a valuable advantage when it came to acquiring animals for the zoo.
With this skill, Spencer managed to complete many quality trades for a large number of animals, including kangaroos, lions, leopards and chimpanzees. And by 1959, the zoo’s animal collection was valued at $60,000.
In commenting about his skill in animal trading, Spencer told The Bee, “I’m getting paid for something I’d do as a hobby.”
During his three decades as superintendent of the zoo, Spencer built up the zoo from about 75 animals to hundreds of animals.
In November 1960, a 6-foot-long, 220-pound alligator named Alvin arrived at Mather Air Force Base and was then delivered to the zoo by Spencer in the back of his station wagon.
Two and a half years earlier, Alvin had been lifted out of a Florida swamp and brought to Stead Air Force Base, near Reno, to be viewed by aircrews touring Stead’s survival school wildlife museum.
The Bee noted in a November 23, 1960 article that Alvin had grown to such an extent that he “literally ate himself out of the Air Force,” as he was consistently eating five pounds of raw meat per day.
Alvin became the zoo’s fourth large alligator at that time. The zoo also housed three small alligators, which The Bee described as “so small they hardly count.”
The zoo underwent many changes in the years of the late 1950s and early 1960s, including its expansion to a total of 10 acres.
With the 1960s came a major zoo renovation, which was an investment of $250,000.
A special dedication for the first of two phases of the improved zoo was held on June 11, 1961.
To introduce the new portion of the zoo, an untraditional ribbon cutting was held as Sacramento City Councilman Kneeland H. Lobner, with the “assistance of” a rose garlanded llama, cut a ribbon in front of the zoo.
Other attractions of the day included a speech by Sacramento Zoological Society President Albert W. Hellenthal, a concert by the Sacramento Symphonic Youth Band and, of course, opportunities to visit the newly renovated portion of the zoo.
The zoo’s new features included five, large, rock-walled moats for lions, bears and tigers, a monkey island, new cages for smaller cats and field animals, spacious walkways and new trees, shrubbery and flower beds.
One did not have to enter the zoo to observe a major change to the zoo at that time, as the zoo’s still present space-aged, Orbit gasoline station-esque-style entrance had been built along Land Park Drive in time for the 1961 ceremony. The former entrance was located south of the zoo’s present entrance, which was designed by architects Kenneth C. Rickey and Fred E. Brooks, whose offices were located at 2636 Fulton Ave.
Other not-yet-built portions of the project included cages for gorillas and orangutans, enclosures for flightless birds and a reptile house.
During his aforementioned speech at the ceremony, Hellenthal said, “Anyone comparing the old (zoo) with the new (zoo) will realize the work still to be done. When (that work) is accomplished, we will have one of the most attractive zoos in the country.”

The Sacramento Zoo’s giraffe herd has grown from four to five in the last month. “Shani” came to the Sacramento Zoo from the L.A. Zoo in mid-August and has completed quarantine. She is now exploring the exhibit and getting to know the Zoo’s three female Reticulated Giraffes and her new companion Chifu, a two-year-old male Masai Giraffe.
“Eventually Shani and Chifu will become the nucleus of a Masai Giraffe herd,” said Harrison Edell, General Curator. “As part of the Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan, the creation of this new herd will support genetic diversity in the North American Masai Giraffe population.”
Born Aug. 30, 2010, Shani stands approximately 11 feet tall. When full grown, she is expected to reach between 16 and 19 feet, smaller than the male by a few feet. Shani’s name comes from the Swahili word for “wondrous.” Keepers have noted that she enjoys the presence of the other giraffes and is getting along well with Chifu.
The Masai Giraffe is the largest giraffe subspecies and is found in southern Kenya and Tanzania. In addition to a difference in size, Reticulated and Masai Giraffes tend to have slightly different spots. A Masai giraffe’s spots are usually darker and irregular in shape.
Shani and Chifu are two of fewer than 100 Masai Giraffes in institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Giraffes in captivity have helped field researchers, such as those from the Wild Nature Institute, to recognize physical characteristics and social behaviors in the wild. The Wild Nature Institute is currently studying the demography of Masai Giraffes and the African Savannah ecosystem with photo recognition software. Through this methodology, researchers can follow the giraffes’ movements and reproduction habits in order to understand where and why they are declining in the wild. The study includes more than 1500 Masai Giraffes. The partnership between the Sacramento Zoo and the Wild Nature Institute is an example of research and education supporting conservation.

Located near the corner of Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road in William Land Park, the Zoo is wholly managed by the non-profit Sacramento Zoological Society.  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., general admission is $11.25; children ages 2-11 are $7.25 and one and under are admitted free.  Parking is free throughout the park or ride Regional Transit bus No. 6. For information, call 916-808-5888 or visit saczoo.org.

The Sacramento Zoo will celebrate 85 years of wildlife education in the community during its 16th annual Wild Affair Gala fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 1. It promises to be a fun and decadently delicious “walk on the wild side” for those who attend.

Celebrating the Zoo’s 85 years as the premier resource for wildlife education in the community, this exclusive, safari-style gala will include special guided behind-the-scenes tours that are only offered once a year, fine dining and much more.

Unlike any other Sacramento gala, attendees begin their evening with the opportunity to experience chimpanzees and lemurs up close, tour where snow leopards and giant anteaters dwell, and stand eye to eye with the giraffes. Behind-the-scenes tours like these are only offered once a year during Wild Affair. Between tours there is an opportunity to participate in a silent auction and enjoy specialty cocktails and appetizers.

At dusk, guests gather under a spacious tent decorated for the evening where they will enjoy a delicious farm-to-fork dinner prepared by Patrick Mulvaney of Culinary Specialists and Mulvaney’s Building & Loan. Live auction offerings include a cocktail party with the giraffes at the Tall Wonders viewing deck; stays in South Lake Tahoe or a Strawberry Creek cabin; and a River Cats Luxury Suite. This magical evening is hosted by Dave Bender of CBS13. Throughout dinner, Sacramento Zoo staff and volunteers will give a performance that will take attendees through time. It is sure to be a delightful and memorable event.

During the evening, the Sacramento Zoological Society will recognize Wells Fargo for their generous contributions and ongoing support.

Open since 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is home to over 450 native, rare and endangered animals and is one of over 200 accredited institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Located near the corner of Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road in William Land Park, the Zoo is wholly managed by the non-profit Sacramento Zoological Society. This Sacramento treasure inspires conservation awareness through education and recreation.

The 16th annual Wild Affair Gala will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the zoo. Tickets for Wild Affair are $150 per person. A table sponsorship for eight is $1,500. Space is limited; reservations are recommended. Call (916) 808-8815 or visit saczoo.org for information and reservations. The Sacramento Zoo is located at the corner of Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road in Sacramento’s beautiful William Land Park.

It’s a “party for the planet” at the 30th annual ZooZoom, Sunday, April 11 from 7 a.m. to noon at the Sacramento Zoo, near the corner of Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road in William Land Park.  The 5-km, 10-km and fun runs for children age 3 to 12 are sponsored by Fleet Feet and benefits the Sacramento Zoological Society.

For 30 years, the ZooZoom has been a favorite of area runners, walkers and their families. Now, more distances for more kids, more events, more prizes and more fun!  Bring the family and enjoy a beautiful run and walk that finishes inside the Sacramento Zoo.

For race fees and information, please visit www.sacramentozoozoom.com. Fee includes a ZooZoom t-shirt and refreshments for runners, plus free admission to the zoo for runners and immediate family on race day (limit four people).

 

Zoo tour designed especially for seniors

If you’re a senior looking for a unique outing, then join us for a cup of tea, a bite to eat and a fascinating guided tour of the Sacramento Zoo. The Zoo’s Senior Tea and Tours, a seniors-only program (ages 55 and over), is on select Mondays in May, September and October. During the tea break, you’ll be served tea, lemonade, coffee, finger sandwiches, breads and cookies. At that time, guests will hear about the good things happening at the zoo.

Tours are scheduled on the following dates:  May 3, May 10, May 17, September 13 and 20, and October 18.  All Tea and Tours programs begin at 9:30 am at the front entrance of the Zoo and will last until about noon.  $15.00 per person includes tea, tour and admission to the Zoo. Reservations are required and tours fill up quickly.

Tea and Tour events sell out quickly. Reservations must be made at least seven days in advance at www.saczoo.com or  916-808-5889 .

 

Seven continents in 14 acres

Open since 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is home to over 140 native, rare and endangered species and is one of over 200 accredited institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo is wholly managed by the non-profit Sacramento Zoological Society. This Sacramento treasure inspires conservation awareness through education and recreation. Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, general admission is $9.50; children ages 3-12 are $7 and two and under are admitted free. Parking is free throughout the park or ride Regional Transit bus #6. For information, call  916-808-5888  or visit saczoo.com.

The Sacramento Zoo confirms pregnancy of its female Giant anteater, Amber.  The ultrasound was performed in the Zoo’s Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital this morning.  The anteater also received a full exam and is in good health.  Her due date is estimated to be at the end of April.  This will be the first Giant anteater baby born at the Sacramento Zoo.

The Sacramento Zoo started exhibiting anteaters in 2004. Amber arrived in March 2009.  Zookeepers observed breeding behavior in May and again in September and October and a full exam and ultrasound was scheduled.

After a gestation period of 180 days, the mother gives birth standing up to a single offspring (two is rare). In the wild, Giant anteaters are solitary and the male is not involved in caring for the baby.  That leaves the mother to do the heavy lifting, literally. Once the newborn lets out the first high-pitched screech, baby anteaters climb on their mother’s back and many will ride there for up to a year. A mature anteater can weigh as much as 140 pounds and stretch as much as seven feet from snout to tail tip.

 

About the Sacramento Zoo

Open since 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is home to over 140 native, rare and endangered species and is one of over 200 accredited institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Located near the corner of Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road in William Land Park, the Zoo is wholly managed by the non-profit Sacramento Zoological Society. This Sacramento treasure inspires conservation awareness through education and recreation. Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, general admission is $9.50; children ages 3-12 are $7.00 and two and under are admitted free. Parking is free throughout the park or ride Regional Transit bus No. 6. For information, call (916) 808-5888 or visit saczoo.com.