Shingleback Skink

NOTE: Education Animals are “behind-the-scenes” animals & only appear to the public during Educational events. This includes scheduled events or programs such as daily animal mingles, private onsite programs, and zoo reaches. For more information, please reach out to edureservations@lvzoo.org.

Program and General Information

Shingleback skinks are native to the desert grasslands, shrublands, and sandy dunes of Australia. They are a large lizard with a sturdily built body and relatively large head. They grow to 12-18 inches in length. Coloration differs from light brown streaks to earthy tones and darker coloration. They use their bright blue tongues to hunt prey, ward off predators, and attract a mate. Shingleback Skinks are solitary lizards that only meet in the spring or winter to breed. These skinks are ovoviviparous and females give birth to 10-20 live young about 100 days after reproduction. Skinks take about 3 years to mature. Because of their docile nature and relatively decent size, skinks have become popular pets. By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade so be sure to do your research and only purchase from reputable breeders.

Diet

Shingleback Skinks are omnivores that eat a mixture of vegetables and protein, with minimal fruit. In the wild, they eat a variety of bugs, snails, flowers, and fleshy leaves. Under human care, they can eat many types of protein including pinky mice, mealworms, insects, turkey, chicken, and lean beef, as well as most vegetables. Their diets at the zoo include insects, vegetables, and fruits, as well as a mouse every other week.

Much like a snake, skinks will use their tongue to sniff out their prey by tasting the air and using their Jacobson’s organ to determine the location of their prey.

Skinks store fat reserves in their tails to use when food is scarce. They draw upon these reserves during the winter when they begin a hibernation-like period called brumation.

Habitat and Range

Shingleback Skinks live in Australia. They commonly live in semi-desert ecosystems with burrows. They also live in grasslands and shrublands and use leaf litter or logs to hide.

Skinks are ground-dwelling animals and typically use burrows to escape predators and the scorching heat. They bask in the sun early in the day to raise their body temperature, then move off to forage for food. They retreat to their shelter at the end of the day to sleep among leaf litter or under rocks and logs.

Common Physical Features

The Shingleback Skink is a large lizard reaching up to 12-18 inches long. They have a sturdily built body and relatively large head. Coloration differs from light brown streaks to earthy tones and darker coloration. The Shingleback Skink has a stumpy tail that is typically the same color as its body and closely resembles the head. Their scales are supported by bony plates called osteoderms that give them extra protection from predators. Their unique scales not only add extra protection, but also help the skinks blend in with their environment since they look just like pinecones!

Adaptations: Shingleback skinks have unique adaptations that allow them to catch prey and avoid predators. Just like their close relative, the blue-tongued skink, shingleback skinks also have a bright, blue- colored tongue. They use their tongues to sniff out prey, find mates, and escape from predators. Like other reptile species, shingleback skinks have a Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. They will stick out their tongue in order to pick up scent particles in the air or from the surface of objects. They will then bring those particles into their mouth to the Jacobson’s organ, which will process the information from the scents. This information can help find potential mates, prey, or predators.

Their blue tongue isn’t just for sniffing! Because they are not quick enough to escape potential predators, blue-tongued skinks will employ a few fascinating defense mechanisms. When threatened, shingleback skinks will open their mouths wide and stick out their bright, blue tongue. Bright colors in the wild tend to indicate that an animal is either poisonous or venomous, like our poisonous, brightly colored dart frogs. The shingleback skink is neither poisonous nor venomous but uses its bright tongue to trick predators into thinking it is.

Shingleback skinks’ tails closely resemble their heads. This is a defense mechanism used to confuse their predators. If under threat, they will wiggle their tail to draw the attention away from their head. A shingleback’s tail is fat storage. Unlike many other skink species, shingleback skinks cannot drop their tail. If they lose their tail they will not be able to grow it back.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Shingleback Skinks are solitary lizards that only meet in the spring or winter to breed. Males are very aggressive and fight other males for a chance to breed. During copulation, they even tend to bruise females. Shingleback skinks are ovoviviparous which means that females will lay eggs inside their bodies. The eggs hatch inside the body and the mother will give birth to live young. The mother can then reabsorb all of the nutrients left behind from the eggs inside her body. After reproduction occurs, females will give birth to 2-3 live young 100 days later. Several days to a few weeks after birth, baby skinks will begin to explore on their own eating slow-moving insects and licking fruit when available. They take 3 years to mature.

Conservation Messaging

Purposeful Pet Ownership
Although a relatively large-sized lizard, shingleback skinks are incredibly docile and rarely bite unless threatened. This has made them quite popular in the pet trade. Many people don’t realize, however, just how much work goes into caring for reptile species. Reptiles require specific lighting, humidity, space, nutrients, substrate, heating, and if they do not receive the proper care then that reptile’s health can decline rapidly. It can be difficult to find veterinarians that are equipped to care for reptiles if they get sick.

What can we do?: Be sure to fully research any pet before buying one. While you may think a reptile would make a cool pet, it’s important to know all of the care that goes into providing that animal with the best possible welfare, and as mentioned before reptiles require a lot of extra care. It is important to make sure that if you do buy an exotic pet that you are buying it from a reputable breeder, someone who knows how to properly care for the animal and hasn’t taken that animal from its natural habitat.

Do not release an unwanted pet into the wild. While you may think that you are doing something good by releasing the animal back into the wild, animals that have been kept under human care often do not know how to survive on their own out in the wild and could end up getting hurt or dying if left to their own devices.

Fun Facts

The Shingleback Skink goes by many nicknames, including the “Pinecone Skink”, “Lazy Skink”, and “Stumpy-Tailed Skink”.
Skinks may look like snakes, but they have external ear holes and eyelids which makes them lizards.
They are threatened by invasive species of feral cats and dogs in the wild.
Breeding pair bonds may last a lifetime—the male and
female reunite each year during mating season but spend winters
apart.

Bibliography

Angolan Python

Program and General Information

Angolan pythons are a non-venomous, constrictor species native to the shrublands and rocky outcrops of Southern Angola to Namibia. They are a moderately sized snake ranging from 3-6 feet in length. These pythons are a reddish-brown to brown (almost black), overlaid with irregular white or cream bands and spots. Their belly is yellowish and their head is covered by a large, reddish-brown triangular marking bordered on the sides by creamy white, black- edged bands. Angolan pythons are carnivores and their diet consists of small mammals, birds, amphibians and insects. Not much is known about this snake, but October is thought to be peak breeding season. Angolan pythons are oviparous and lay small clutches of 4-5 eggs, which hatch after about 70 days.

Diet

Angolan pythons are carnivores. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals and birds, but will also prey on small amphibians and occasionally insects.

They are largely nocturnal preferring to hunt for their food at night. Angolan pythons have five heat sensitive pits on either side of their face allowing them to figure out the distance and direction of warm-blooded prey.

Habitat and Range

Angolan pythons are found in Southwest Africa from Southern Angola to Namibia. These snakes live in the scrublands, grasslands, and rocky areas limited to elevations between 2460 and 5250 feet above sea level.

Little is known about the python’s natural history in the wild due primarily to its isolation within its range, some of which has experienced war and political unrest. From what field observations have been done, Angolan pythons appear to prefer rocky outcrops and drier habitats. Precipitation is rare and populations will concentrate around whatever source of water they can find.

Angolan pythons can withstand extreme temperatures as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Because they live in such harsh environments, these snakes will often seek shelter in caves and rocky outcroppings. Bead-like scales help Angolan pythons retain moisture in their dry environments.

Common Physical Features

Since these snakes live in such a harsh environment and the political unrest and wars surrounding their native habitats make it difficult for researchers to reach them, little information is known about these snakes. The info that we do know is from what few field observations have been made throughout the years. Angolan pythons are a moderately sized snake that can grow up to 3-6 feet. Pythons and Boas, including Angolan pythons, have anal spurs, appearing on each side of the vent. These spurs are important for the mating process, aiding the snakes in clasping onto their mate. The spurs on males are generally longer than those on females.

Angolan python’s coloration form a type of camouflage called countershading where the upper side is dark in color and the underside is light in color.

Adaptations: Being primarily nocturnal hunters, Angolan pythons have adapted to hunt better at night. Above their lip they have heat-seeking pits, which are able to detect wavelengths of light in the infrared spectrum and the signal is processed visually, meaning, they are capable of seeing a thermal image of their surroundings giving them an advantage in hunting in the dark as well as seeking out refuges when temperatures are too hot or cold.

Snakes have an interesting way of sniffing out their prey items. Like other reptile species, Angolan pythons have a Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. They will stick out their tongue in order to pick up scent particles in the air or from the surface of objects.
Their tongues are forked at the end, splitting in two directions in a V-shape, allowing the snake to pick up scent particles from two different directions. When the tongue is brought into the mouth to the Jacobson’s organ, the organ will process the information and determine which side of the tongue the scents came from. This will inform the snake which direction to go to find that scent. (If it picks up the scent on the left fork, then it knows to go to the left. If it picks it up on the right, then it goes to the right. And then if it picks up the scent on both forks then it knows the scent is coming from straight ahead. )

Angolan pythons are ambush predators; they will sit and wait for their prey to come to them. Like other snakes, they do not have moveable eyelids. Instead, they have a special clear scale that covers the eyes, making them appear to be always awake. Not having eyelids allows the Angolan python to refrain from blinking and keep its cover when it is camouflaged. Once a prey is close enough, the Angolan python will grab the prey and wrap tightly around it.

They have powerful body muscles to squeeze and suffocate prey. Snakes have a highly flexible skull that allows them to swallow their prey whole. Contrary to popular belief, they do not actually unhinge/dislocate their jaws to swallow prey because there isn’t anything to actually unhinge/dislocate! A snake’s jaw is only loosely joined to its skull by ligaments, which allows the jaw to be solid enough to bite, but flexible enough to expand for swallowing. Once prey is inside the mouth, the snake alternate using the left and right sides of the upper and lower jaws to “walk” the prey to the back of the throat where powerful muscles will help force the prey down the rest of the body. To better visualize the movement of the jaw imagine laying on your stomach and crawling using your elbows and knees to move. That is similar to how the snake’s upper and lower jaws work to push the food into the mouth and down the throat.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Angolan pythons are oviparous, laying small clutches of 4-5 eggs. It is not known whether or not the females incubate the eggs as other pythons do. The eggs hatch after about 70 days, and hatchlings are between 10-17 inches long.

Hatchlings are independent from birth and mature around 3 years of age.

Conservation Messaging

Purposeful Pet Ownership
Although a decent sized snake, Angolan pythons are considered fairly docile. This has made them quite popular in the pet trade. Many people don’t realize, however, just how much work goes into caring for reptile species. Reptiles require specific lighting, humidity, space, nutrients, substrate, heating, and if they do not receive the proper care then that reptile’s health can decline rapidly. It can be difficult to find veterinarians that are equipped to care for reptiles if they get sick.

By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade. Oftentimes these exotic pets are taken out of their natural habitat to be sold in the pet trade, which can be detrimental to wild populations. One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild which is resulting in species population numbers dropping drastically. This is especially harmful for species like the Angolan python whose populations are already hard to get to and study because researchers may not be able to catch a decline in numbers as easily or quickly.

Fun Facts

Angolan pythons are one of the rarest snake species in Africa. They are also known as Anchieta’s Dwarf Pythons.
Ecological Role of Reptiles: Snakes play an important role as both prey and predator in ecosystems all over the world. They can be very important in regulating the populations of pest species such as rodents which are common around human activity.
Angolan pythons are the national snake of Namibia.

Bibliography

Amazon Milk Frog

Program and General Information
Amazon milk frogs are one of the largest frogs in South America growing up to 4 inches in length. They live up in the tree canopies in the rainforests of South America. While they rarely leave the trees, milk frogs prefer to be near slow- moving water. They are a light gray color with patterns of brown or black banding, which fade as they age. The name “milk frog” does not refer to their color; it refers to the poisonous secretions this frog may secrete when threatened.
Breeding takes place between November and May. Females lay ~2000 eggs in slow-moving water or in water trapped in a tree cavity, where males will come and fertilize them. Eggs hatch within 1 day and metamorphosis from tadpole to adult takes about 3 weeks.

Diet
Milk frog’s diet consists of insects, other invertebrates, and other small amphibians. As long as they can fit it in their mouth, a milk frog will try to eat it!

Milk frogs don’t use their tongue to catch prey like other frog species do, but instead ambush prey and use their front limbs to shove the prey into their mouth. Frogs will actually use their eyes in order to swallow their prey. Frog saliva is very thick and while it aids in keeping prey items in their mouth, it also makes swallowing more difficult. So in order to swallow frogs will push their eyeballs into their mouth cavity and push down on the prey against the tongue. This will increase the pressure inside the mouth liquifying that super thick saliva, which releases the prey from the tongue and forces that prey down the throat.

Habitat and Range
Amazon milk frogs can be found throughout Northern South America, but most commonly in Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia. They spend the majority of their lives up in the tree canopy and rarely, if ever, descend to the rainforest floor. Because of their highly permeable skin, which allows for easy transport of water and oxygen through the skin, milk frogs prefer high humidity and moist environments. They are often found near sources of water, whether that is slow-moving bodies of water on the forest floor or pockets of water in tree cavities.

Milk frogs are nocturnal (awake during the night), and can be found hidden under leaves and vegetation above streams during daylight hours.

Common Physical Features
Amazon milk frogs are a relatively large frog when compared to other species of frogs in the South America. They range from 2.5-4 inches in length with females being larger than males. Milk frogs are typically light gray in color with patterns of brown or black banding. They also have a long snout, large toe pads, and rough and bumpy skin texture. Juveniles are more distinct in color and have a smoother skin texture; bumps on the skin will form and their coloration will fade as they age. This coloration acts as excellent camouflage in the rainforest’s canopy. Milk frogs are a hardy frog with muscular limbs and large feet.

Adaptations: Milk frogs have large toe pads that allow for excellent climbing; in fact the toe pad of the milk frog can hold up to 14x the animal’s body weight! This is especially beneficial since this species of frog is primarily arboreal.

Their scientific name “Trachycephalus” refers to their rounded snout, which they use for pushing aside vegetation to hide amongst. Their common name “milk frog” does not refer to their coloration but to their poisonous secretions. When stressed or threatened, milk frogs may release a milky-white toxin, that although is not as potent as other frog toxins, can cause a predator to become sick. And not only does this toxin assist in deterring predators, but it also acts as a sort of sunscreen for the frog. Milk frogs can rub it all over to aid in water retention to ensure that they do not dry out in the sun.

Milk frogs also have large vocal sacs and are quite vocal, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active. Males become even more vocal during breeding season while they try to attract a mate.

Behavior and Life Cycle
Because they are mainly an arboreal (tree-dwelling) species, it is very rare that you would see a milk frog on the forest floor. In fact, the only time a milk frog would come down from the trees is during breeding season. Breeding season occurs during the rainy seasons of November through May. The male is responsible for finding a suitable area to lay the eggs, whether that is in a water filled-tree cavity or other source of water. The male will call to females to come and lay their eggs in the water. The female lays ~2000 eggs in a gelatinous mass, which the male will then fertilize. Once the eggs are fertilized, a male may call for another female to lay a mass of eggs next to the fertilized eggs. He will leave these eggs unfertilized so that they do not hatch and can provide food for the newly born tadpoles. This is the end of parent care, though both parents may remain near the vicinity of the hatching site.

Eggs will hatch within one day, and once the tadpoles hatch they must find their own food source and are left to fend for themselves. It takes about 3-5 weeks for tadpoles to metamorphose into froglets. At this point, the frogs will leave their natal area to find a territory of their own. They reach sexual maturity at 1 year.

Conservation Messaging
Conservation of the Natural World
Although population numbers are stable, habitat loss and pollution are a concern for the Amazon Milk frog and could lead to future decline. Human activities, such as residential and commercial development, farming and ranching, construction of roads and railways, and fishing have all contributed to habitat destruction for the milk frog.

Pollution is another big concern for frog species. Amphibian’s permeable skin can easily allow toxins and pollutants to enter their bodies, therefore, they cannot survive in polluted habitats. Tree frogs are considered an important indicator species that warns of future environmental degradation. If population numbers begin to decline then there is a strong possibility that that habitat could be polluted.

What can we do?
Supporting local conservation efforts and organizations is a great way to help ensure species such as the Amazon Milk frog continue to thrive. Switching to a more sustainable lifestyle can also help. By using public transport, turning off lights that are not in use, reducing the use of plastic, and using more organic cleaning products we can help to reduce pollution in our environments.
Remember the phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle!”

Never remove an animal from the wild! You might think you are helping it, but most people don’t realize the amount of care and time that goes into caring for these animals, and removing them from their natural environment can be detrimental to the wild populations. And while you may think they would make a cute pet, amphibians have a lot of special requirements, such as heating, humidity, nutrition, light, that all need to be considered before purchasing; and always be sure you are buying from a reputable breeder.

Fun Facts
While not all tree frog species are affected, the widespread infectious fungal disease chytridiomycosis has devastated many wild populations worldwide. Chytrid fungus can infect waterways and can cause the keratinized areas of the frogs to thicken. This hinders the ability to pass oxygen and other gasses through the skin and causes the frog to dry out. We can help prevent the spread of the Chytrid fungus by washing items we take into waterways, rinsing off our boots and shoes after being in waterways, and by not handling any wild animals.

Milk frogs are also known as “mission golden-eyed tree frogs” because of their unique yellow/copper eye color.

Bibliography
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/31/512622260/to-catch-prey-frogs-turn-to-sticky-spit
http://beardsleyzoo.org/amazonmilkfrog-fk1
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/55823/0 http://amphibianrescue.org/tag/trachycephalus-resinifictrix/ http://www.auduboninstitute.org/animals/frogs-beyond-green/amazon-milk-frog-3022 http://www.clemetzoo.com/animals/index.asp?action=details&camefrom=exhibit&name=RainForest+Amphibian+Exhibits&animals_id=1196
https://www.sfzoo.org/amazon-milk-frog/
https://www.saczoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Amazon-Milk-Frog-Factsheet.pdf

Masai Giraffe

Physical Description

Male Masai giraffe, known as bulls, can reach heights of 17-19ft and weigh between 2000 and 3000lbs. Females, known as cows, are a bit smaller at 16-18ft in height and weigh 1300-2000lbs. They are known for their “maple leaf” like spots. Each spot pattern is unique to that particular giraffe. These spots not only aid in camouflage but also with thermoregulation.

Predators

Because of their size and their powerful kick, not many animals hunt giraffes, but some predators that may prey on young, old, or weak giraffes include lions and crocodiles.

Lifespan

In the wild they can live an average of 10-15 years, but under human care they can live 20-25 years and possibly even longer.

Reproduction

Giraffe gestation is about 15 months, and mothers give birth standing up. The calf is about 6ft tall, weighs about 200lbs, and is able to walk within the first half hour!

Fun Facts

Giraffes are herd animals and will live in either a family herd or a bachelor herd.
Masai are the tallest and darkest of all the giraffe species (there are 4 species and several subspecies of giraffe).

Conservation Messaging

Like many other animals in Africa, giraffes are facing habitat loss. Agriculture, infrastructure, and resource extraction are just a few of the contributions to the destruction of wildlife habitats in Africa.

One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world.

Axolotl

Physical Description

Axolotls are neotenic salamanders (meaning they retain certain larval characteristics as adults) that remain aquatic their entire life. They average 6-18 inches in length and weigh 2-8 oz. Wild axolotls are typically dark in color and have the ability to shift their hue a few shades lighter or darker as needed for camouflage. They have feathery external gills, but they also have fully functional lungs. They also have long tails, four legs and large, flat heads.

Predators

Some predators they may encounter include predatory birds and larger fish.

Lifespan

They live an average of 10-15 years.

Reproduction

Axolotls breed between March and June. After a mating waltz, the female will lay 300-1,000 eggs and attach them to protective substrate individually. The eggs will hatch 2 weeks later and will have no parental care.

Fun Facts

Because of their limited distribution and their fragmented populations due to habitat destruction, axolotls are critically endangered.
Axolotls can regenerate their limbs, lungs, heart, jaws, spines, and even parts of their brain over the course of just a few weeks!

Conservation Messaging

In our Reptile and Amphibian (RAD) center you will find many different reptiles and amphibians including venomous and poisonous species of snakes and frogs. Many of these animals fall victim to habitat loss in the wild. Many of the species here are found in South American habitats which are subjected to deforestation, damming of rivers, water pollution, and poor agricultural and management practices.

Tawny Frogmouth

Physical Description

Tawny frogmouths are nocturnal or crepuscular birds with long wings, short legs, and stout bills. They average 8-21 inches tall with a 25-38 inch wingspan. They have wide, frog-like mouths and are typically gray with some black stripes.

Predators

Predators they may encounter include carpet pythons, foxes, and domestic cats and dogs.

Lifespan

In human care, they live an average of 10 years.

Reproduction

This species is monogamous and stay together for life. Breeding season runs from August-December, and pairs typically return to the same nest site each year. Females lay 1-3 eggs which will be incubated by both parents and hatch in 30 days. Parents will care for the chicks until they fledge 25-35 days after hatching.

Fun Facts

Tawny frogmouths are not owls even though they look very similar; they are actually part of the nightjar family.
When threatened, they will “stump,” which means that they will freeze their head craned upward, flatten their feathers, and reduce their eyes to slits in order to look like a broken branch.

Conservation Messaging

Tawny frogmouths face many threats from humans. Many of these birds are killed or injured each year by cars when they are chasing after insects illuminated by car headlights. They are also threatened by poisoning from insecticides and rodent poisons introduced to their environment by humans. Ecosystems have a natural balance so it’s important for us as humans to leave no trace! Once you leave nature, no one should know that you’ve been there. This means bringing out anything that you’ve brought in. Additionally, leaving the environment unaltered is equally important. To learn more about the Leave no Trace initiative and their 7 principles for minimum impact practices, visit www.lnt.org.

Domestic Chicken

Physical Description

Domestic chickens vary greatly in appearance due to breed, though they share common traits: squat stature, rounded bodies, dense feathers, and wattles of flesh around the face. Adult roosters (males) have distinct combs of red flesh and striking plumage including flowing tails and shiny, pointed feathers. They also tend to be larger than females. Roosters may also have spurs on their legs, which they employ in battles with other males.

Predators

Predators include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels, birds of prey, racoons, opossums, skunks, and snakes.

Lifespan

Chickens can live up to 10 years.

Reproduction

Chickens are diurnal, social animals, with one rooster and several hens making up a flock. Nests are made on the ground and females incubate using a bare patch of skin on her chest that develops when brooding. Each clutch can yield up to a dozen eggs. These eggs can incubate for up to a month before hatching.

Fun Facts

Roosters are known for their characteristic crow. This shrill call is used to assertively communicate territory to other males. Hens will not crow, but may cluck to communicate with chicks or after laying an egg.
Chickens have very sophisticated social behavior with a dominance hierarchy where higher individuals dominate subordinate individuals. This is where the term “pecking order” comes from!

Conservation Messaging

Chickens as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

For instance, most livestock animals are herd animals so having one is not an acceptable option. As always, every animal has individual needs that must be met in order to provide the best possible welfare which means you will need a veterinarian that specializes in hoofstock.

Toggenburg Goat

Physical Description

They are a sturdily built goat with strong legs and an elongated body. Their fawn, gray, or brown coat is short to medium in length with white markings. They average 26-33 inches tall and weigh 120-150 lbs.

Predators

Predators they may encounter include coyotes, mountain lions, wolves, and other large carnivores.

Lifespan

They live an average of 8-12 years.

Reproduction

Breeding begins once the ·day length shortens and ends in early spring. Gestation is about 150 days.

Fun Facts

They are thought to be the oldest known dairy goat breed!
Sometimes farmers will have them graze with their cows for pasture maintenance because they will eat many plants the cows don’t.

Conservation Messaging

Goats as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

Bald Eagle

Physical Description

Bald eagles can reach up to 3ft in height, have a wingspan of 8ft, and can weigh up to 15lbs. They have a white head, white tail markings, and a brown body. Bald eagles are not actually bald; the feathers on their head are short and white. Eagles have extremely good vision but can’t move their eyes from side to side. Instead, they have to turn their whole head in order to look around.

Predators

Adults have no natural predators, but chicks are preyed upon by bobcats, wolverines, black bears, foxes, raccoons, and large birds.

Lifespan

Bald eagles live 16.5 years on average.

Reproduction

Courtship usually begins in April with both males and females performing special aerial dances in the sky where they lock onto each other’s talons and tumble/twist in the air. Bald eagles will make their nest near water and will return to their original nest. Females lay 1-3 eggs several days apart, once a year. Both parents will help take care of the chicks, but the female will be the primary caregiver while the male is the primary hunter. The chicks will remain in the nest until they are about 12 weeks old.

Fun Facts

The bald eagle’s grip strength is 10 times that of the average human.
When a bald eagle loses a feather on one wing, it will lose a matching one on the other. This way it doesn’t lose its balance.

Conservation Messaging

Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming. One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.

Domestic Turkey

Habitat/Range: Domestic turkeys are raised throughout the temperate parts of the world. Their wild counterparts prefer hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forest with varied clearings such as pastures, fields, orchards and marshes. Turkeys are native to North America and were taken to Europe by the Spanish in the 1500’s.

Life Cycle/ Social Structure

Males are polygamous and mate with as many hens as are available. Male turkeys display for females by puffing out their feathers, spreading out their tails and dragging their wings, known as strutting. Males may be seen courting in groups, with the dominant male strutting and gobbling.