All articles tagged with #animal care
The Smithsonian museums and National Zoo in Washington, D.C., are closing due to the ongoing government shutdown, affecting all 21 museums and research centers, though animal care will continue. The shutdown has also led to closures of some national parks and layoffs of federal employees, highlighting the broader impact of the funding dispute.
Rome's Fiumicino Airport has opened a dog hotel offering luxurious and convenient services for travelers' pets, including rooms, grooming, and daycare, with high occupancy rates and new regulations allowing large dogs to fly in cabins domestically.
Raisin, a Jamaican fruit bat who was once in a lab, now enjoys a happy retirement at Bat World Sanctuary, living longer than typical wild lifespan thanks to quality care, regular massages, and a nurturing environment, showcasing the positive impact of compassionate animal treatment.
Zoos across the U.S. are implementing various cooling techniques, such as ice treats, misters, and pools, to help animals cope with record heat. These measures not only keep animals comfortable but also mimic their natural behaviors and habitats, ensuring their well-being during extreme temperatures.
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha performed surgery on a 36-year-old leucistic American alligator, Thibodaux, and removed 70 U.S. coins from its stomach after routine exams revealed "metal foreign objects." The zoo urged visitors not to throw coins into animal exhibits, emphasizing the potential harm to the animals from ingesting coins and the chemicals they may contain. The alligator has recovered well from the procedure and is back in its habitat, and the zoo emphasized the importance of providing excellent care to its animals.
The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas is facing a critical space crisis after taking in 917 animals over the last two weeks, leaving them with over 744 animals in their care and no space for more dogs on their campus. They urgently need 50 dogs over 6 months old to go to temporary foster homes to alleviate the situation, and are making it easier for people to foster by allowing direct pick-up from the shelter's adoption building with no appointment needed. The shelter provides all necessary supplies and will waive adoption fees if fosters decide to make the arrangement permanent.
Tikiti Maji, a baby Grevy's zebra born on Christmas at Reid Park Zoo in Arizona, died after suffering a neck injury when her mother, Anna, was startled by a gust of wind, causing the foal to hit a fence. The zoo staff, who had modified the zebra habitat to make barriers more visible before Tikiti's birth, are devastated by the loss. Grevy's zebras are an endangered species, with fewer than 2,500 remaining in the wild, and the zoo will provide extra care to Anna as she grieves the loss of her foal.
Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona, is mourning the loss of its zebra foal, Tikiti Maji, who died after being injured in a startling incident involving her mother, Anna. The zoo's animal care team is providing extra support to Anna as she grieves, and the loss has deeply affected the staff. This is the second time the zoo has lost a zebra foal in a similar event, highlighting the high mortality rate among young zebras.
Rani, a 27-year-old Asian elephant at the Saint Louis Zoo, died unexpectedly. Initial results from the necropsy showed pre-existing changes in her heart. The agitation caused by a loose dog outside the enclosure led to Rani's collapse, despite emergency care efforts. Rani was a beloved member of the elephant family and will be greatly missed.
The Wake County Animal Center in North Carolina has closed its shelter to the public for at least 35 days due to a dog flu outbreak that has resulted in three deaths. The closure aims to prevent the spread of the illness, which has affected 57 dogs since September 15. The center will stop accepting animals and pause other services during this time. The outbreak is believed to be a result of overcrowding in the shelter. The closure will impact adoptions, community pet days, surrenders, and animal control services.
Petco's strategy of focusing on in-person services and drawing customers to its brick-and-mortar stores is being undermined by staff cuts, leading to reduced staffing levels, longer lines, dirtier facilities, and improper animal care. The retailer, which has been competing against online rivals Chewy and Amazon, has seen some success with its store-first approach, but cost-cutting measures have resulted in staffing levels as low as two people per store, making it difficult to maintain proper animal care and customer service. Petco's stock price has plummeted since its IPO in January 2021, and the company may need to make further cost cuts to appease investors.
Peanut, a 21-year-old bantam hen from Michigan, has been crowned the world's oldest living chicken by Guinness World Records. Peanut had a rough start in life after being abandoned by her mother, but was nursed back to health by her guardian, Marsi Parker Darwin. Peanut's secret to a long life remains a mystery, but she received plenty of attention and care, along with a nutritious diet. Peanut's age was proven through photographs documenting her growth and interactions with people. While the current record for the oldest chicken is held by Muffy, who lived to be 23, Parker Darwin hopes Peanut will surpass that milestone.
Zookeepers at London Zoo have begun their annual weigh-in, recording the heights and weights of over 14,000 animals. The data is then shared with zoos worldwide to compare statistics on endangered species. Each animal, from penguins to meerkats, is coaxed onto the scales using various tricks. The information collected helps monitor the animals' health and well-being, identify pregnancies, and contribute to conservation breeding programs.
Despite receiving round-the-clock care and cuddles from wildlife rescue workers, a 150-pound walrus pup rescued from a frozen Alaskan oil field died due to complications of malnutrition. The orphaned calf, found alone and suffering from malnutrition and dehydration, was admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center's Wildlife Response Program. Despite the center's best efforts, the young mammal suffered nutrient malabsorption and other complications, ultimately succumbing to his condition. A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
Catia Lattouf, a 73-year-old woman in Mexico City, has transformed her apartment into a makeshift clinic for sick, injured, and infant hummingbirds. Over the past decade, she has nursed hundreds of these tiny birds back to health, becoming a reference source for bird lovers across Mexico and Latin America. Lattouf's clinic supports formal institutions like Mexico's National Autonomous University, and she never turns away a bird in need. Her work has gained attention on social media, leading to an increase in demand for her services.