Urban Wildlife

Zoo Atlanta euthanizes lion

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, May 6th, 2013, 1:49pm

ATLANTA -- Zoo Atlanta's oldest male African lion passed away Monday.

Farasi, 22, was euthanized after zoo officials determined his age was compromising his quality of life.

"Farasi was a very special member of the Zoo Atlanta family," Zoo Atlanta deputy director Dr. Dwight Lawson said in a statement. "We're all saddened by his loss, but we're fortunate to have shared just a portion of his long and colorful life."

The lion was born Sept. 9, 1990 in South Africa and was on display at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park before being transferred to Atlanta in June 2000.

Zoo patrons may best remember Farasi for his trademark roar, which could often be heard echoing through the park.

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Zoo Atlanta names baby orangutan, gorilla

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Thursday, March 21st, 2013, 10:17am

Zoo Atlanta names baby orangutan, gorilla

ATLANTA -- Two of the newest arrivals at Zoo Atlanta now have names.

The baby gorilla born Mar. 14 was named Andi in honor of Andy Pachman, the late husband of Zoo Atlanta primate research director Dr. Tara Stoinski. Pachman died Mar. 9 after a battle with cancer.

Sumatran orangutan Blaze gave birth on Jan. 10. Her baby was named Pongo by Catherine Carlos, whose father Chris is a longtime supporter of the zoo. Naming the baby orangutan was Catherine's 12th birthday gift. "Pongo" is the first word in the scientific names of both orangutan species.

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Zoo Atlanta offering free field trips

Submitted by Associated Press

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013, 1:59pm

ATLANTA -- Zoo Atlanta has partnered with the Georgia Department of Education to offer free field trips to students.

GDOE officials say the partnership is part of the zoo's mission to make educational resources available to a larger number of students in the state. Officials say the zoo regularly uses part of its education funding to supplement science, biology and ecology studies with field trips to the zoo.

School in the GDOE priority, alert or focus categories may apply for free, self-guided field trips through the zoo's sponsored admissions program through Mar. 15. After that date, free field trips will be offered to schools in low-income areas.

Officials say self-guided trips include admission for students, one teacher and a chaperone for every 10 students.

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Weaning begins for Po the panda

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Wednesday, January 9th, 2013, 1:23pm

ATLANTA -- Zoo Atlanta's giant panda cub has begun the weaning process.

Po, who was born in November 2010, began weaning on Jan. 3. Zoo Atlanta spokeswoman Keisha Hines said Po is eating more bamboo, fruit and leafeater biscuits to decrease his dependence on his mother Lun Lun's milk. He and Lun Lun are also spending more time apart.

PHOTOS | Po the panda grows up

Po is the third of Lun Lun's cubs to be weaned, according to Zoo Atlanta Curator of Mammals Dr. Rebecca Snyder.

"Po's weaning process is moving along well, and we know from the behavior of his two brothers and Lun Lun that we have an effective plan," Snyder said in a statement.

Once Po's weaning is complete, he, Lun Lun and other giant pandas Yang Yang and Xi Lan will moved to separate giant panda exhibits at the zoo.

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Another bongo born at Zoo Atlanta

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012, 2:37pm

ATLANTA -- Matilda, a rare eastern bongo at Zoo Atlanta, has given birth to her second calf in as many years.

The baby was born Dec. 2 and is the second calf for Matilda and her 5-year-old mate Tambo.

RELATED | Eastern bongo expecting baby

Matilda, 5, gave birth to her first calf exactly one year earlier -- on Dec. 2, 2011. That baby, Beauregard, is the first bongo born at the Grant Park zoo.

Zoo Atlanta spokeswoman Keisha Hines said eastern bongos are critically endangered. Experts believe fewer than 500 remain in the wild.

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Learn about orangutans at Zoo Atlanta

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, November 12th, 2012, 10:52am

ATLANTA -- Zoo Atlanta is one of many zoos worldwide participating in Orangutan Caring Week, which began Nov. 11.

The Grant Park zoo held a special demonstration at its orangutan habitat on Sunday and will host another one on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Activities include a zookeeper Q&A session at 11 a.m. and a feeding at 2:15 p.m. Special feedings will also be held throughout Orangutan Caring Week.

According to Zoo Atlanta spokeswoman Keisha Hines, Atlanta's zoo has the largest zoological collection of orangutans in the U.S. The zoo's 13 orangutans range in age from 2 to 42; one of them, 16-year-old Blaze, is due to give birth in January.

Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE. Learn more at zooatlanta.org.

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Cobwebs and Cocktails at Zoo Atlanta

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012, 8:06am

ATLANTA -- Zoo Atlanta announced on Monday its first adults-only Halloween celebration in more than 10 years.

Cobwebs and Cocktails will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

During the event, which is sponsored by Groupon, guests will have to navigate a path haunted by an ancient darkness as they hunt for a giant venomous spider transformed by a powerful curse. Afterward, they are invited to party in the Spider's Lair, where there will be live entertainment, encounters with nocturnal animals and other fun.

Tickets to Cobwebs and Cocktails will go on sale on Groupon on Saturday, Oct. 21. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 for couples, and include admission and two complimentary drinks each.

For more information, visit zooatlanta.org or groupon.com.

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