I was assigned to work with Amber today on the Uco String. It was cold and rainy which made for some rough golf cart rides around Zoo grounds, but the experience was well worth it. Preparing diets for Spectacled Bears, cleaning the Cheetah nighthouse -- I'm really getting a feel for all the aspects involved in being a keeper.
Cheetahs → Juma & Ratel
The Phoenix Zoo housees two Cheetas, Juma and Ratel. The two are brothers and have been raised from cubs by humans. Although fierce predators in the wild, these Cheetahs are very comfortable with people and will even allow us to go into their exhibit (territory) and to be within very close proximity to them. From what I understand, Cheetas are not considered to be a part of the "big cat" family since they don't roar.
Cheetahs → Juma & Ratel
The Phoenix Zoo housees two Cheetas, Juma and Ratel. The two are brothers and have been raised from cubs by humans. Although fierce predators in the wild, these Cheetahs are very comfortable with people and will even allow us to go into their exhibit (territory) and to be within very close proximity to them. From what I understand, Cheetas are not considered to be a part of the "big cat" family since they don't roar.
White Faced Saki Monkeys → Misto and Vashti
Below are Misto and Vashti, male and female (respectively) White Faced Saki Monkeys. We hand feed them today. We decided to let them dig through the pan themselves after a bit, to pick out what they liked best - turns out it was peanuts. Who knew?
Coatis → Jake and Lewis
The Coatimundi (most people shorten this to Coati) is a mammal related to the raccoon, in the family Procyonidae. The Coati is a widespread species, living in habitats ranging from hot and arid areas to humid rainforests.
Coati's have been scientifically described as 5 different species:
1. South American Coati (Nasua nasua)
2. Brown- or White-Nosed Coati (Nasua narica) - Jake & Lewis
3. Nelson's Coati (Nasua nelsoni)
2. Brown- or White-Nosed Coati (Nasua narica) - Jake & Lewis
3. Nelson's Coati (Nasua nelsoni)
4. Wedel's Coati (Nasua wedeli)
5. Mountain or Andean Coati (Nasuella olivacea)
Our little Coatis, Jake and Lewis, are complete sweethearts.
Below is Jake, being cute, and Lewis, peeking through the gate to watch me clean his bowl. We had just finished setting up thier exhibit, which today, included a bowl of water with antiseptic mouthwash in it for behavioral enrichment. Apparently they love this, because they rubbed it all over themselves.
Our little Coatis, Jake and Lewis, are complete sweethearts.
Below is Jake, being cute, and Lewis, peeking through the gate to watch me clean his bowl. We had just finished setting up thier exhibit, which today, included a bowl of water with antiseptic mouthwash in it for behavioral enrichment. Apparently they love this, because they rubbed it all over themselves.
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