Researchers have developed a promising new vaccine against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly disease causing high mortality in young elephants, with initial trials showing it safely stimulates immune response in adult elephants. The next step is testing in younger, more vulnerable elephants, aiming to prevent future deaths and aid conservation efforts.
The Houston Zoo has welcomed Akobi, a 477-pound male pygmy hippopotamus, as part of the AZA Species Survival Plan. Akobi, whose name means "first born" in Yoruba, is the first pygmy hippo at the zoo since the death of Silas in 2022. Pygmy hippos, smaller and more docile than common hippos, are gaining popularity, partly due to viral sensations like Moo Deng from Thailand. The zoo is also celebrating its centennial with new exhibits and awards.
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.
During the total solar eclipse, staff at the Dallas zoo and pet owners observed changes in animals' behavior, noting moments of change as the eclipse reached full totality.
During the total solar eclipse, zoo animals such as giraffes, gorillas, lions, macaws, and flamingos exhibited unusual behavior, with some animals showing signs of increased vigilance and curiosity. At the Fort Worth Zoo, several animals made their way toward their barn doors as the skies darkened, while at the Dallas Zoo, giraffes and zebras ran around and chimpanzees patrolled the outer edge of their habitat. No signs of increased anxiety or nervous behaviors were observed, and researchers noted that most animals returned to normal behavior almost immediately after totality.
Animals across the U.S., including Fiona the hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo and Fritz, have been making their picks for the Super Bowl winner between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Predictions from various animals, such as puppies at the Connecticut Humane Society and otters at the Texas State Aquarium, have been divided, with some favoring the Chiefs and others the 49ers. Ultimately, the only way to know for sure who will win is to wait for the game.
The Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York, has welcomed a new addition to its family with the arrival of a two-year-old male Masai giraffe named J.D. from the Wild Safari Park in Ohio. The zoo's County Executive, Adam Bello, expressed excitement about J.D.'s arrival and highlighted the zoo's commitment to conservation and education. This comes after the recent news of a baby giraffe expected to join the zoo soon. Guests will have the opportunity to meet J.D. starting this Saturday.
Dozens of zoo animals, including rare and endangered species, are feared dead or missing in Khartoum's zoo after intense fighting between Sudan's rival forces made the location unreachable. The animals have gone more than three weeks without food or water, and appeals to allow access to the zoo have been ignored. The conflict has turned much of Khartoum and the adjacent city of Omdurman into a battlefield, with both sides using heavy weapons, including artillery and airstrikes, inside urban areas. The zoo, which is housed inside the University of Khartoum, is one of the oldest in Sudan and is home to hundreds of valuable preserved animal specimens, some of which are now extinct.
