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Eastern Rat Snake

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.

Physical Description

Eastern rat snakes are nonvenomous snakes that can grow to be 3-7 feet long. Their backs will have black scales while their bellies will have lighter colored scales often in a checkerboard pattern.

Predators

Some of their predators include hawks, great horned owls, and free-ranging domestic cats.

Lifespan

They have been known to live an average of 10-30 years.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs from May to June with egg-laying occurring in June or July. The female will lay 5-19 eggs which will hatch in 60-65 days.

Fun Facts

  • Eastern rat snakes are the most commonly seen snakes in Virginia.
  • This species is both terrestrial and arboreal, will hibernate underground or in deep crevices, and are even able to swim.

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.

Egyptian Goose

Physical Description

Egyptian geese average 25-29 inches in height, and they can weigh from 3-5 lbs. Their average wingspan is 15 inches. Egyptian geese have long necks, long pink legs, a pink bill, black tails, and brown eye patches encircling each eye.

Predators

Some predators they may face include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, and vultures.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live an average of 15 years, but in human care they have been known to live up to 35 years.

Reproduction

Males are aggressive during the mating season and will perform elaborate and noisy courtship displays. They are primarily monogamous, and a mated pair will nest alone in dense vegetation, holes, or simply on the ground. About 5-12 eggs will be laid and then will be incubated for 28-30 days. Fledging occurs about 70 days after hatching.

Fun Facts

  • Because the males and females are so close in size, the best way to determine their gender is by listening to their vocalizations. Males will make more of a whistle sound, while females will have more of a cackle.
  • Egyptian Geese usually settle in one pond, lake, stream or river for their entire lives, unless predators become too abundant or drought occurs.

Conservation Messaging

Here at our duck pond, we welcome all species of native migratory birds. You can see different species of ducks and waterfowl as they migrate with the seasons. Our resident waterfowl have learned to coexist and share their habitat with these birds because they serve them a purpose. As with most birds, these migratory species are excellent at seed dispersal allowing a diverse plant community to form within their habitat as well as many other habitats.

Emu

Physical Description

The average emu height is 4.9-6.2 feet tall weighing 66-121 lbs. Females are slightly larger and heavier than the males. Emus have shaggy, brown to grey-brown feathers on their body with small wings. Their feathers are double-shafted, long, and loose, and they are less water resistant than other birds. An emu’s head and neck are mostly bare and are bluish-black in color.

Predators

Adult emus are relatively free from predation and are able to defend themselves using their feet and nails to strike and rip. Dingoes or wedge-tailed eagles are their only natural predators.

Lifespan

In the wild, they usually live 10-20 years, but they can live up to 35 years in human care.

Reproduction

The male will build the nest out of twigs, leaves, and grass on the ground. The female will lay 11-20 eggs every 2-3 days and will lay up to 3 clutches per season. Once the eggs are laid, the female will leave the male and may find another male to mate with. The male will stay with the nest for 8 weeks until the eggs hatch. He will lose up to 1/3 of his body weight during this time because he does not leave the nest while incubating the eggs; he will only get up to turn the eggs and to tidy the nest.

Fun Facts

  • They cannot fly, but they can travel long distances at 30 mph and are capable of jumping up to 7 feet in the air!
  • Emus are the tallest bird native to Australia and are the second largest living bird.

Conservation Messaging

Emus are considered the largest native bird in Australia. They serve an important purpose for helping to preserve habitats by being seed dispersal specialists! They will often eat seeds whole then defecate and disperse them along the way.

Even though Emu’s are considered stable, they are facing some threats to their natural habitats. One major issue is logging and clearing land for agriculture and property development. More than 50% of Australia’s land mass is used for agricultural purposes!

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

Gila Monster

Physical Description

Gila monsters are the largest lizard native to the US and can grow to be up to 22 inches long with stocky bodies. They have distinct color patterns of black with pink or orange and bead-like scales.

Predators

Some predators they may encounter include hawks, owls, coyotes, and snakes.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live an average of 20 years, but in human care, they have been known to live 30 years or more.

Reproduction

During the breeding season in early summer, males will sometimes compete for mates by wrestling. The female then digs a hole to lay 3-13 eggs, which will incubate for about 4 months.

Fun Facts

  • Gila monster venom is injected into their victim when they bite through grooves in their teeth. By chewing, they are able to inject additional venom.
  • They are one of the only 2 types of venomous lizard in the world (the other being the Mexican beaded lizard).

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.

Golden Eagle

Physical Description

Golden eagles range in color from black-brown to dark brown with a striking golden head and neck. They can reach up to 3ft in height with a wingspan of up to 7.5 ft and can weigh up to 15 lbs. Their eyes don’t move much in the eye socket, but an eagle can rotate its head about 270 degrees.

Predators

Adult golden eagles have little to fear from natural predators, although crows, jays, and other raptors often harass them.

Eagle chicks are not so lucky, as wolverines and grizzly bears may prey on them.

Lifespan

Golden eagles live up to 38 years in the wild, and up to 50 years under human care.

Reproduction

Golden eagle pairs usually mate for life and will build several nests in their territory. Courtship begins at the start of the year. Males will put on an aerial display where he folds his wings and drops headfirst until close to the ground, when he spreads his wings to soar aloft and repeat the action. Females will lay 2 eggs a few days apart between January and May. Chicks will remain in the nest for approximately 50 days.

Fun Facts

  • Golden eagles are often mistaken for juvenile bald eagles, as their coloration and size are very similar.
  • Eagles have about 7,000 feathers.

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.

Red Kangaroo

Physical Description

Red Kangaroos are the largest living marsupial. Males, known as boomers, can weigh between 120-180lbs and stand around 5-6ft tall. Females, known as blue fliers, are smaller, weighing around 60-80lbs and stand around 4-5ft tall. They are named for the reddish-color fur of the males. Females are more of a bluish-grey in color.

Predators

Because of their large size and strong legs, most predators stay away. Dingoes will prey on kangaroos, and young kangaroos may be captured by raptors.

Lifespan

In the wild, the average lifespan of a Red kangaroo is 12-18 years. Under human care, they can live up to 25 years.

Reproduction

After a 33 day pregnancy, the new joey will crawl out of the mother’s womb and into the pouch; they will only be the size of a jellybean! Only 1 joey will be born at a time though the mother can nurse multiple different aged joeys at one time.

Fun Facts

  • When males fight to establish breeding rights, they appear to be “boxing” with their front limbs.
  • They live in small groups of 2-10 individuals with a single dominant male, several females, and their offspring.

Conservation Messaging

Although Red Kangaroos are currently listed as a species of least concern, just like many other Australian species they face many threats to their habitats. One major issue is logging and clearing land for agriculture and property development.

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.

Mongoose Lemur

Physical Description

Mongoose lemurs are the smallest of the 5 species of lemurs, weighing only approximately 3 lbs! They grow to approximately 14 inches long with an almost 19 inch tail. Females, which are typically dominant in this species, have white or creamy gray cheeks and beards and are a lighter gray overall. Males, on the other hand, have reddish brown cheeks and beards, darker tail tips, dark pygal (rump) patches, and creamy stomach coats.

Predators

Their natural predators in the wild are hawks, boa constrictors, and fossae, which are large carnivores related to the mongoose with qualities of a cat.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live an average of 18-20 years, but in human care, they can live into their 30s!

Reproduction

Females are only sexually receptive for a 24 hour period. They attract males by presenting their hind quarters, grabbing the male’s head, and/ or “chin cuffing,’ in which she cups her hand under his snout. Their gestation period is 125 days, and only one baby is born at a time.

Fun Facts

  • Lemurs are the most threatened group of mammals.
  • Groups of lemurs are “pair-bonded” and are comprised of an adult pair and their offspring. When families encounter each other in the wild, there is a lot of agitation, vocalizations, and scent-marking.

Conservation Messaging

Mongoose lemurs of Madagascar are considered the smallest of the 5 species of lemurs found in the genus Eulemur. These lemurs are listed as critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.

Human activity is decimating the mongoose lemur populations and their home on the island of Madagascar is diminishing at an alarming rate. In fact, it’s estimated that about 1-2% of Madagascar’s forests are destroyed each year, and only about 10% of Madagascar’s forests remain. Slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land for cattle, and charcoal production are destroying these precious forest ecosystems.

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

Lesser Siren

Physical Description

The lesser siren is a type of salamander with two front legs and no hind legs and retains external gills throughout its life. Their color can vary from deep brown to olive green to black. They can range from 7-27 inches in length and have a long, slender tail.

Predators

Predators they may encounter include water snakes, fishes, alligators, and wading birds.

Lifespan

Their lifespan in the wild is unknown, but in human care they have been known to live an average of 6 years.

Reproduction

Not much is known about their reproduction. Scientists believe their courtship rituals may be aggressive and involve biting because of scarring. Females will lay anywhere from 100-500 or more eggs in the soft mud or plant debris at the bottom of the body of water they inhabit. It is believed that the eggs then incubate for 1 ½ to 2 ½ months because of when larvae begin to appear.

Fun Facts

  • The lesser siren is smaller than the greater siren, which can reach lengths of over 3 feet. The best way to distinguish between them is by counting their costal grooves, which are grooves on their sides from the forelimbs to the vent. Greater sirens will have over 36 grooves, while the lesser will have under 35.
  • Because of their body shape and lack of hindlimbs, the lesser siren has often been mistaken for an eel!

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.

Lorikeet

Physical Description

Lorikeets are some of the most colorful members of the parrot family with most lorikeets being green with patches of red and yellow but some being other color combinations. Their size ranges from 6-15 inches depending on species, and they are known for their unique, brush-like tongue which helps them harvest pollen and nectar.

Predators

Predators they may encounter include birds of prey and snakes.

Lifespan

Their lifespan varies by species, with smaller species typically living 12-15 years and larger ones living 25-35 years.

Reproduction

Most lorikeets mate for life and can breed at any time during the year, though some species may vary by location. The female usually lays 2 eggs, and even though both parents will be in the roost, only the female will incubate the eggs for a period of about 25 days. The chicks will begin to fledge after about 7 to 8 weeks.

Fun Facts

  • Because of habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species and exotic diseases, and illegal trapping for the pet trade industry, at least 13 species are endangered or vulnerable, particularly those found only on small islands.
  • Lorikeets are very social and have sometimes been found in flocks of thousands of individuals.

Conservation Messaging

Lorikeets and Cockatoos are often viewed as these beautiful and intelligent birds. While many people will fall in love with exotic birds for that reason, most of these birds are considered vulnerable, threatened, or endangered out in the wild.

By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade. What we see is vibrant colors of a parrot or the incredible ability to mimic sound but what we don’t see is how these animals were first illegally poached from the wild. One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild which is resulting in species population numbers dropping drastically.

Mexican Gray Wolf

Physical Description

They are the smallest gray wolf subspecies in North America with adults averaging 5.5 feet nose to tail, weighing about 50-80 lbs, and standing 28-32 inches at the shoulder. Males are slightly larger than females. Their coats are a mix of gray, rust, brown, black, and off-white/ cream.

Hunting

Mexican wolves hunt cooperatively to bring down prey animals usually much larger than themselves. This is accomplished primarily by chasing their prey often over large distances; however, hunting behavior and strategies likely vary depending on terrain, prey size, and availability.

Lifespan

In the wild, they have an average lifespan of 5-10 years, but in human care, they can live up to 15 years.

Reproduction

Generally, they breed in February and give birth in April or early May to four to six pups after a 63-day gestation period. Pups are born blind and helpless, so adult subordinates in the pack will help raise offspring who will mature at 10 months of age.

Fun Facts

  • By the mid-1980s, hunting, trapping, and poisoning caused their extinction in the wild. The Mexican Wolf Recovery Team was founded by the US Fish & Wildlife Services in 1979 and created the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan.
  • As of 2021, current populations in the wild reached 186 wolves- a 14% increase from 2019!

Conservation Messaging

As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is proud to play a role in the conservation community through participation in Species Survival Plans, or SSPs. This means our Mexican Grey Wolves are part of a breeding program where we help to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

By visiting the Lehigh Valley Zoo and other AZA member institutions, you’re supporting the highest level of animal care and welfare, along with the promotion of conservation of animals such as the Mexican Grey Wolf.