The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Smithsonian’s National Zoo The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Showing posts with label Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Show all posts

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Farewell Celebration for Giant Panda Bei Bei


Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute “Bye Bye, Bei Bei” (BAY-BAY,) a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bei Bei before he departs for China from November 11 to November 18, 2019.

Fans can pick up a postcard memento at the Zoo and write their own notes to Bei Bei that will travel with him to China. For fans joining the festivities remotely, Panda Cam 1 will show Bei Bei 24/7. Bei Bei will receive special treats and toys twice each day. All three of the Zoo’s giant pandas will receive ice cakes at 9am on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 in honor of Bei Bei’s farewell. In addition, free hot chocolate will be served on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. Click here for a detailed schedule of events.

To learn more about this event, click here: Farewell Celebration for Giant Panda Bei Bei


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Friday, April 14, 2017

Video Captured a Massive King Cobra Appearing to Drink Out of a Man’s Water Bottle


Video captured a massive king cobra appearing to drink out of a man’s water bottle amid extreme droughts across southern India.

The extremely venomous reptile ― described by Caters News as 12-feet long ― is seen turning to the higher ups, who cautiously pour the water while holding its tail and a hook near its head, presumably in case it turns on them. The people in the video are wildlife rescue workers, according to Caters.

The video was reportedly shot from a village in Kaiga township. A similar video uploaded to YouTube in 2014 shows a man sharing a drink with another cobra but in an unknown location. (Talk about friends in low places.)

According to Smithsonian’s National Zoo, king cobras can grow up to 18 feet in length. Though they’re considered to be aggressive snakes, they’re said to attack people only when cornered or trying to protect their eggs.

“Throughout its entire range from India to Indonesia, the king cobra causes fewer than five human deaths a year, about one-fifth as many as caused by rattlers in North America,” the zoo’s website states.



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Friday, December 2, 2011

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, DC - Animals Paint Adorable Pictures


Sans berets, smocks or palettes, the animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are getting their paws dirty with non-toxic, water-based paint and creating one-of-a-kind works of art. Painting is one among many activities that fall under Animal Enrichment—a program that provides physically and mentally stimulating activities and environments for the Zoo’s residents. The animals have the opportunity not only to choose how to behave, but also to use their natural abilities and behaviors in new and exciting ways.

Enrichment is an integral part of the daily care of the species in the Zoo’s collection. Keepers and curators carefully study animal behavior and determine what kinds of enrichment are appropriate for each species and, occasionally, individual animals. Keepers have a number of novel options for enrichment. They may alter an exhibit; train an animal; introduce new smells, sounds, foods, and objects; or enlist an animal in a research project, such as a study about foraging skills or cognitive research. Adding a variety of engaging activities helps keepers ensure the Zoo’s animals have a high quality of life.
              
Though the subjects of the animals’ paintings remain mysterious, the ways visitors can support the Zoo’s enrichment program are as clear as a starry, starry night. Drop off any size canvas, art paper, paint brush or non-toxic, water-based paint at the Visitor Center for the animal care staff to distribute. Animal keepers are collecting gifts for the animals this holiday season. Browse the list of needed items on the Enrichment Giving Tree section of the Zoo’s website or the Enrichment page of the Zoo’s online store.

Art produced by many of the Zoo’s mammal and bird residents will be available for purchase at the National Capital chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) Art Show, which will take place spring 2012.
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