It’s that time of year again…when the temperatures are starting to warm up and the kids are raring to get out and go even when it’s still not quite warm enough and perhaps a little wet to play in the yard. But there are still places to go to expose them to fresh air and fun. Miller Park Zoo is one of those places.
There are a number of new residents at the zoo. Last year’s new arrivals included San Clemente goats, Swan Geese, Tammar Wallabies and Red Wolves. Snow Leopards, North American River Otters, and Red Ruffed Lemurs were also favorites in recent years.
More New Arrivals Expected in 2018
According to Miller Park Zoo Director Jay Tetzloff, the zoo is hoping for more new arrivals from the Pallas’ Cat, Red Ruffed Lemur, Snow Leopard, Swan Goose, Common Wallaroo and Red Wolf this year.
These babies delight zoo goers both young and older. So what happens when the zoo can no longer keep all the young ones? “When young animals meet the age when they would naturally leave their family group, we work with the national AZA association to find them a new home,” said Tetzloff. As examples, North American River Otters typically leave about one year of age and Snow Leopards at two years.
“We have attempted to breed a number of endangered species the past few years and have been fortunate to share new babies with our Miller Park zoo visitors and other zoos,” added Tetzloff.
So get out of the house and take your young ones to visit Miller Park Zoo soon.
Deanna Frautschi is a local Naturalist who is passionate about connecting families with nature. Using her knowledge of wildlife and her photography skills, she helps others enjoy the nature around them. If you have any questions about exploring nature with your children and grandchildren, you may contact Deanna at Decardinal@aol.com. Join the hundreds who follow her on Facebook where she posts photographs of birds and other wildlife taken on her travels as well as in her yard. You can also join her "Nature Lady Lessons" and "Hummingbirds Anonymous" FB group pages.
Photos provided by Deanna Frautschi.
