Red Fox
Though it is called a red fox, this canine can be red, black and a number of shades in between. Both an opportunistic scavenger and a skilled hunter of small animals, the red fox has adapted the technique of sometimes catching its prey and burying it in snow or dirt for consumption at a later time.
Asian Elephants Return
The three elephants temporarily residing at Canada's African Lion Safari have returned to Syracuse.
"Targa, Mali and little Chuck have safely returned to their home here at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo," said Zoo Director Ted Fox. "We are so thankful to our Canadian colleagues for taking such good care of them over the past five years."
The herd was separated in 2006 when zoo officials relocated Targa and her daughter, Mali, to Canada's African Lion Safari due to space constraints. The pair returned earlier in the month, accompanied by Mali's three-year-old son, little Chuck, who was born in Canada.
"The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is internationally known for its elephant program," said County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney. "We've been waiting to share this moment with the community for a long time."
Targa, Mali and little Chuck spent a brief period of time in quarantine upon their return to the zoo. State and federal veterinary teams conducted several medical tests-all of which came back negative-shortly after they arrived in Syracuse.
"Once we were given the 'all clear' from the veterinary staff and because the returning elephants settled in so nicely, we were able to bring the herd together rather quickly," said Fox. "We're so happy to have them home."
A Second Patas Monkey
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a second patas monkey. Parents, Addie and M.J., welcomed the new baby at approximately 11:30 a.m. on August 23. A female offspring, D.J., was born on January 7.
"Births at the zoo are exciting for everyone," said Ted Fox, director of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. "This new baby is an excellent indication that the patas monkeys are comfortable in their new environment and thriving under the care of the staff here at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo."
The gender of the baby is unknown at this time; it will likely be several weeks before zoo staff know if the baby is a boy or a girl, as zoo protocol is to maintain a "hands-off" approach with primate babies. Once the gender is determined, the zoo will host a naming contest to allow members of the community to help choose the new baby's name.
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Tiger Triplets
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of three Amur tiger cubs. Parents, Tatiana and Toma, welcomed the trio - two boys and a girl, named Yuri, Kuza and Misha -- in the afternoon hours on May 7, the day before Mother's Day.
Mother Tatiana, 11, and father Toma, 10, were introduced to each other this past December. It is the second litter of cubs for Tatiana. Her first, consisting of Korol, Kunali and Naka, was born on June 7, 2004. Brothers, Korol and Kunali, now reside at The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, while Naka lives at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, where she has been recommended for breeding.
"Tatiana is an excellent mother," said Tom LaBarge, curator of animals at the zoo. "With the exception of occasional veterinary health checks, we'll allow her to take care of the cubs without interference. The cubs will be weaned and ready to go on exhibit in late August or early September."
There is a live video feed from the cubbing den at the tiger exhibit so zoo visitors may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the cubs.
About the Parents
Mom, Tatiana
Born March 13, 2000 at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
Arrived in Syracuse in early fall 2002
Weighs 350 lbs.
Mother to Korol, Kunali & Naka, born June 7, 2004
Identify her by the long vertical stripe at the base of her tail.
Of interest: Tatiana's paternal grandmother was killed by a poacher in Russia; her father was rescued as an orphaned cub.
Dad, Toma
Born May 21, 2001 at the Buffalo Zoo
Arrived in Syracuse late 2010
Weighs 470 lbs.
Sired one offspring at the Buffalo Zoo
Identify him by his light orange color and shoulders that are nearly void of stripes.
Of interest: Toma is a cancer survivor. Initially the SSP had recommended him for placement at a west coast zoo. Concerns about the impact of a cross-country trip resulted in considerations of a zoo in closer proximity, which is why the Rosamond Gifford Zoo was selected. Genetically, he is very valuable tiger, as his genes are not well-represented within the North American population.
Penguin Chicks
The 27th penguin chick, belonging to parents Poquita and Frederico, hatched on March 19, followed by its sibling on March 22. The gender of the chicks is unknown; a blood test is required to determine their sex.
A third chick hatched several days later, bringing the cumulative chick count at the zoo to 29. As in previous years, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be working with the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to send some of its chicks to other zoos in order maximize the genetic diversity of Humboldt penguins in zoos across the country and Canada.
"As more zoos open Humboldt penguin exhibits across the country, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo continues setting the standard for penguin husbandry and welfare in an effort to preserve this endangered species," said Ted Fox, curator at the zoo.
Baby Patas Monkey - It's a Girl!
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a baby patas monkey. Parents, Addie and M.J., welcomed the youngster in the early morning hours on January 7.
Because the zoo maintains a hands off approach with primates, it was several weeks before officials were able to determine the gender of the baby. The long-awaited answer? It’s a girl! She has been named DJ in memory of a long time zoo employee who recently passed away.
