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Category: Zoo News

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Tiger Exhibit Updates

This month, our tigers will be moved off exhibit so we can complete our planned exhibit renovation. Once complete, the exhibit will highlight a new species featuring three young female Sumatran tigers from Topeka Zoo. “Sumatran tigers are critically endangered with less than 400 left in the world,” said Zoo Mammal Curator Lanny Brown. “Our commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) to care for this incredible species include... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, November 2, 2015
Grow Wild Zoo News

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Meet Nasha, our newest Masai giraffe!

Nashville Zoo has a new giraffe named Nasha. She came to us in September from the Cincinnati Zoo and can be seen on exhibit along with our male Congo, adult female Margarita and 4-month old Enzi. Nasha was born at the Cincinnati Zoo on April 28, 2014 and gained immediate popularity due to a social media campaign that documented her birth. Nasha was chosen by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to join Nashville’s herd, providing valuable genetic diversi... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Animal News Exhibit Highlight Zoo News

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Giraffe Born at Nashville Zoo

Update - Meet Enzi! Thanks to your overwhelming response to our giraffe naming contest, we are sending over 700 pairs of used jeans to the Jeans for Giraffes conservation program. The winning name, Enzi, was the far and away winner with 407 Pairs (Mahali placed second with 188 pairs and Mkali came in last with 131). In other giraffe news, our reticulated giraffe Layla is leaving this month for her new home, and we are expecting the arrival of an adult female Masai giraffe around the same t... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Animal News Zoo News

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Bird Updates

Bird Changes at Critter Encounters  If you’ve stopped by the bird area of Critter Encounters recently, you may have noticed some changes to our collection. The Zoo recently added a blue-billed curassow named Albert to the area. Blue-billed curassow’s are the rarest of their family and are one of the most endangered species of bird in the world. It is estimated that only around 250 individuals are left in small sections of forest in northern Columbia.   Albert hatc... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, August 20, 2015
Animal News Zoo News

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Komodo Dragon Update

Our Komodo Dragons are now on exhibit at Unseen New World. “Agnes and Tula are the same age and close in size, currently around seven lbs. each,” said Jon Rold, area supervisor of herpetology. “At their previous exhibit in Unseen New World, they were able to see and smell each other through the mesh barrier, so they had time to get used to the other’s presence. They are doing great at Critter Encounter and are learning new training to aid in feeding and management in ... Read More
Posted by Mary Brenna Corr at Thursday, July 30, 2015
Animal News Exhibit Highlight Zoo News

Monday, July 27, 2015

Zoo Receives Investment from the City

We are proud to announce that Mayor Karl Dean and Metro Council have allocated $10M this year to support major new developments at Nashville Zoo. The city’s investment is contingent upon the Zoo’s ability to match these funds dollar for dollar with private philanthropic support. “Mayor Karl Dean has been a strong advocate of the Zoo, and our growth would not have been possible without his support,” said Zoo president Rick Schwartz. “The city’s contribution... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Monday, July 27, 2015
Grow Wild Zoo News

Friday, July 3, 2015

Introducing Our New Interactive Tortoise Exhibit

The Shell Station, our newest interactive exhibit featuring Sulcata tortoises, opens to the public this Saturday, July 4. “Nashville Zoo is thrilled to add another immersive experience that engages our visitors and connects them to the wild in a hands-on way,” said Rick Schwartz, Zoo president. “We thank Scott and Tracie Hamilton for funding this exhibit and adding another great educational opportunity for our guests.” The Shell Station features up to 24 Sulcata tor... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, July 3, 2015
Animal News Zoo News

Thursday, July 2, 2015

New Animal Updates – June 2015

New animals have arrived at several exhibits throughout the Zoo. Tapir Living up to his name, our Baird’s tapir Romeo has enjoyed getting to know a new female that has joined him on exhibit. Tapirs are broad, primitive creatures whose appearance has changed little in thousands of years. In recent years, zoos have focused on diversifying the captive population, so keepers are hopeful for a baby tapir in 2016. Springbok More springbok have been added to Africa field, bringing the... Read More
Posted by Mary Brenna Corr at Thursday, July 2, 2015
Animal News Zoo News

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Clouded Leopard Cubs Go On Exhibit

UPDATE: Sip Saam and Natida, the Zoo’s clouded leopard cubs born in March, are making public appearances every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. through the end of September 2015. “It’s been several years since we have exhibited clouded leopard cubs, so I know the public is anxious to see them,” said Karen Rice, carnivore supervisor at Nashville Zoo. “At nearly four months old, Sip Saam and Natida enjoy exploring the habitat, climbing trees and c... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Animal News Exhibit Highlight Zoo News

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Grow Wild Campaign Update – Cabinet Announced

Our Grow Wild capital campaign is pleased to announce the members of its fundraising cabinet. The 15-person committee, led by campaign chair Jennifer Frist, will be responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting top prospects for our $160M expansion. “We are thrilled to introduce this group of dedicated community leaders who are committed to building a world class zoo for our city,” said Suzanne Iler, chief development officer. “Their involvement and strong connect... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Grow Wild Zoo News

Friday, June 5, 2015

New Ticketing System

We have recently launched a new commerce system that will make for smoother purchases online and faster entry at the Zoo. Purchasing Online Tickets Advance tickets can now be purchased online! Skip waiting in line at the Zoo and purchase your tickets in advance of your visit. You can either print the tickets or pull them up on your smart phone for entry.  Memberships As always, we recommend joining or renewing your membership online. However, applying admission and upgrading your... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, June 5, 2015
Zoo News

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Joeys of Summer

The baby boom at Kangaroo Kickabout is in full swing! Six joeys can now be seen at the exhibit exploring their surroundings and greeting guests. GET TO KNOW OUR CREW Buckley Just turned one on May 17 and likes to stay close to his mom, the very popular Ima. Ube's 2nd Joey Kangaroo mama, Ube's 2nd joey is now peeking out of the pouch. Bendigo 11 months old who likes to stay close to his mom Ura most of the time. Comet 10 months and also stays close to mom Adelaide. Emerald ... Read More
Posted by Mary Brenna Corr at Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Animal News Zoo News

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Zoo Mourns Loss of Cougar

Due to declining health issues, Nashville Zoo has euthanized Jackson, an 18-year old cougar. Jackson passed away on May 7.“This is a very sad day for all of us at Nashville Zoo,” said Dr. Heather Robertson, director of veterinary services at Nashville Zoo. “Jackson had been battling renal (kidney) disease for the last few years. He had done well with medical support until recently when his condition began to rapidly decline. Due to this decline, the veterinary and keeper staff believed humane... Read More
at Thursday, May 7, 2015
Zoo News

Elephant Herd Updates

In April 2015, Nashville Zoo announced plans to eventually grow our African elephant herd. The following blog, written in November 2015, is an update of what has transpired since April and our plans moving forward. Juno, a 36-year old female African elephant was sent to The National Elephant Center in Fellsmere, Florida in April. This move marked the beginning of our plans to renovate our existing elephant barn to include state-of-the-art equipment and adhere to the latest standards of eleph... Read More
Zoo News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Two Clouded Leopards Born in March

We are proud to announce the births of two clouded leopards born March 13 and March 18. The cubs, both female, are doing well and are being hand-raised together. “Nashville Zoo is on the forefront of clouded leopard care and conservation,” said Karen Rice, carnivore supervisor. “The births of these two cubs aids in our conservation efforts and benefits the long-term plan to create a sustainable captive population.” Clouded leopards are considered vulnerable to extinction due to deforestation... Read More
Posted by Mary Brenna Corr at Thursday, April 2, 2015
Zoo News

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Zoo Discovers Ape’s Ability to Take Selfies

The definition that separates man from ape is being challenged again now that primate keepers at Nashville Zoo have discovered that a collection of Siamangs (a small ape species) at the Zoo are capable taking pictures of themselves and sharing those shots on social media. “We really thought it was a fluke at first,” says April Jester, Nashville Zoo’s lead Siamang keeper. “I accidently dropped my Samsung Galaxy S4 while I was cleaning and Bahari (our male Siamang) pi... Read More
Posted by Kelsey White at Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Zoo News

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Giraffe Herd Updates

Big changes are coming to our giraffe herd!   Bahati as a calf Giraffe Calf Coming Soon Our animal care team is closely monitoring the fourth pregnancy for our Masai giraffe Margarita and expect a birth in summer. “Margarita is doing well and all seems to be progressing normally,” said Lanny Brown, mammal curator. “We are planning on an early July birth.”   Goodbye Bahati & Layla To make room for the new addition, we will soon be saying goodb... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Animal News Zoo News

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Duikers' Zoo Debut

Nashville Zoo’s antelope collection continues to expand with the addition of yellow-backed duikers to an exhibit on Bamboo Trail. “Yellow-backed duikers are small antelopes native to the forests of central and west Africa,” said Lanny Brown, mammal curator. “There are around 60 yellow-backed duikers in North American zoos, so we are excited to give our visitors the chance to learn more about this rare and relatively unknown animal.” The two females, ages 3 yea... Read More
Posted by Ashley Harrison at Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Animal News Exhibit Highlight Zoo News

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

First Alpaca Born at the Zoo

We are pleased to announce the birth of an alpaca on Saturday, Dec. 13. The baby, a male named Bandit, is the first to be born at Nashville Zoo and can be seen at Critter Encounters. “Based on the mother’s weight gain, we had predicted the baby would be born in spring, so his arrival on a December Saturday morning was quite a surprise,” said Kacie Cummings, Contact Area Supervisor. “We are thrilled that baby Bandit is healthy and on exhibit with the rest of our alpaca... Read More
Posted by Kelsey White at Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Animal News Zoo News

Friday, December 12, 2014

Ft. Campbell Veterinary Collaboration

For zoo animals caught in the crossfire of war, the stories are grim. Abandonment, starvation and looting become new threats in an uncertain future. But did you know that the United States military has a special corps of soldiers whose mission it is to provide veterinary expertise during times of conflict, war, and other emergencies? Nashville Zoo recently partnered with the Veterinary Services Division out of Fort Campbell Army Base in Kentucky to help these military veterinarians become fam... Read More
Posted by Mary Brenna Corr at Friday, December 12, 2014
Zoo News

Monday, November 24, 2014

Zoo Supporters Match $10M Gift from City of Nashville

Nashville Zoo is proud to announce that we have matched the City of Nashville’s $10M investment challenge. As a thank you to the city, we will be offering a Buy-One-Get-One free admission promotion to all guests Sunday Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 12, as well as complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate. Nashville’s $10 million investment in the Zoo was approved earlier this year as part of the city’s capital funding budget and was contingent upon the Zoo’s ability to ma... Read More
Posted by Kelsey White at Monday, November 24, 2014
Grow Wild Zoo News

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

More Roo to Love

There are now even more roo’s to encounter at Nashville Zoo’s Kangaroo Kickabout exhibit. Up to six of the Zoo’s nine female kangaroos are carrying joeys, and several have reached the stage in development where they are poking out of their mothers’ pouches and can be seen by guests. “We have been waiting with anticipation for a joey sighting since confirming the first pregnancy in April,” said Kacie Cummings, Contact Areas Supervisor. “Our joeys range in age from one month to six months, so g... Read More
Posted by Kelsey White at Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Zoo News

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Cemetery Dedication Set for November 22

Nashville Zoo sits on land that has a rich and intriguing history. From an original land grant in 1786 to today, many people have inhabited this site. Michael Dunn, his son-in-law Lee Shute and grandson William Dickson Shute, all owners of the land, were all slave owners. . From 1810 until the time of Emancipation, around 33 enslaved individuals lived, worked and died at Grassmere. Before Nashville Zoo began management of the property, it was owned by the Cumberland Science Museum (today kno... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Thursday, October 30, 2014
Zoo News

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Introducing Phayara, our red panda cub

Our new red panda cub has made her debut. Phayara, named by a public vote, can be seen on exhibit in the Zoo’s Bamboo Trail. “Since her birth on July 3, Phayara has been in her den growing into a healthy red panda cub and learning the skills needed to navigate her exhibit,” said Karen Rice, carnivore supervisor. “Once she started regularly coming out of her nest box around mid-September, we monitored her to make sure that she was able to negotiate her surroundings and ... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Animal News Exhibit Highlight Zoo News

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Great Blue Turaco Birth Announcement

We are pleased to report another successful hatching from our Great Blue Turacos (Corythaeola cristata). The female chick arrived on June 10 and marked the fourth baby turaco to be successfully raised at Nashville Zoo since we acquired the species in 2009. Only a handful of zoos breed turacos, so each hatching is certainly cause for celebration.  “Great blue turacos chicks have a low survivability rate, and while we have had previous breeding success, this time around we developed... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Conservation Zoo News

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Red Panda Cub Birth Announcement

We are thrilled to announce the birth of a red panda cub on July 3. The female cub is doing well and bonding with her mother in their off exhibit den. Known for their teddy bear-like appearance and red fur, the red panda is native to the mountains of Central China, Nepal and northern Myanmar (Burma). They are considered vulnerable to extinction due to habitat destruction. In addition, slow rates of reproduction and high infant mortality rates make it very hard for this species to rebound fro... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Zoo News

Friday, August 1, 2014

City Invests in Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is delighted to share that Mayor Karl Dean and Metro Council allocated $10M this year to support a major new development that will add more state-of-the-art animal exhibits and allow better access for the people of Nashville and Middle TN.  The City’s investment is proof of their confidence in the future direction of the Zoo and of the positive impact a nationally renowned zoo will have on Nashville.  This funding will be applied to infrastructure improvements an... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Friday, August 1, 2014
Zoo News

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Supporter Spotlight: Tracie Hamilton

Tracie and her husband Scott along with their sons Aidan and Maxx have enjoyed being members of the Zoo family for the past six years. They are very excited to share the experience with the newest members of their family, daughter Evelyne and son Jean Paul soon to arrive from Haiti. The Hamilton family was first introduced to Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo president, by a mutual friend and their first visit to the park was to celebrate Aidan’s birthday. They realized from that first encou... Read More
Posted by Nashville Zoo at Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Supporter Spotlight Zoo News

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