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Polar bears and climate change - Dr. Steven Amstrup
Wildlife biologist Dr. Steven Amstrup talks about the effect climate change is having on the polar bear, and what we can do to save these magnificent animals.
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Welcome to the Columbus Zoo's podcast page
Jack Hanna introduces the Columbus Zoo's new podcasting program as well as a few tips on subscribing.
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Rhinos on the brink (video)
There are 5 species of Rhinos – and all are endangered. Learn more about these remarkable animals and what is being done to save them from extinction. Narrated by Assistant Curator Harry Peachey.
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Colo's Life
In 1956 history occurred when Colo, the world’s first captive born gorilla was born at the Columbus Zoo. A half century later Colo continues to delight zoo visitors. Learn about her historic birth and the legacy she has created. Narrated by Michael Pogany. Sponsored by the JP Morgan Chase Foundation.
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Frogs matter, Jump in!
The song of the frog has echoed for millions of years. But today amphibians – the first vertebrates to inhabit land – are facing the largest mass extinction since the dinosaurs. Learn the causes and what is being done to save these amazing creatures. Narrated by Jack Hanna.
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Meet the Keeper: Alicia Shelley
Want to know what color a polar bears skin is? Or what they eat?
In this edition of Zoo Podcasting we speak to zookeeper Alicia Shelley about her recent trip to Churchill Canada studying polar bears. Alicia shares what she’s learned about wild bears, the challenges they face and what they can tell us about their zoo cousins. She also gives us a few ideas about what we can do to help insure the survival of these impressive creatures.
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Columbus Zoo Trumpets News of Elephant Birth
The much anticipated birth of an Asian elephant calf at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium occurred on March 27 at approximately 2:35 p.m. after a 655 day gestation period. The male calf stood within 15 minutes.
Phoebe's health was monitored throughout her pregnancy including an exercise regimen and regular ultrasounds and blood draws. On Wednesday her progesterone levels dropped significantly indicating the onset of the birthing process. Phoebe and her calf will continue to be observed around the clock for the next few weeks.
To allow Phoebe and her new baby time to form a strong bond, Zoo visitors are currently unable to see them. The Zoo will announce viewing information when it becomes available.
This is 21-year-old Phoebe's third offspring and her second with sire Coco, 38 years of age. Phoebe and Coco made Columbus Zoo history on April 16, 2004 with the arrival of Bodhi (BO-dee), the Zoo's first successful elephant birth. Thirty-five-year-old Connie completes the Columbus Zoo elephant herd.
"I commend the dedicated staff and volunteers who love and care for these animals every day, and who have devoted their time and expertise to make this joyful event possible" said Jeff Swanagan, the Columbus Zoo's Executive Director. "We look forward to watching him grow and since baby elephants develop fast - Bodhi gained 2 1/2 pounds a day - people will want to visit him often."
An endangered species, Asian elephants are represented by an estimated 38,000 to 51,000 individuals living in fragmented populations in the wild. Agriculture, deforestation and conflict with humans pose a constant threat to wild Asian Elephants.
"We have the opportunity every day to inspire people to care about wildlife and take an active role in conservation. An encounter with a living being, especially one as a magnificent as an elephant, offers a vital link to conservation," stated Swanagan.
Updates on Phoebe and her Calf can be found at www.columbuszoo.org, Facebook and you can follow us on Twitter.
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Open up and say “ahhhhh”.
Just like humans, zoo animals require daily preventative care. Eyes get checked, toenails get clipped and occasionally, teeth get brushed. This short video shows the process zookeepers have taken to get a rhino to open up and say “ahhhh”.
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Piñatas and Weebles and Boomer balls! Oh, my!
In the wild, animals must constantly think and problem-solve in order to survive. Since zoo animals do not face the same difficult challenges, keepers are always looking for ways to increase animal activity, encourage natural behaviors and improve the overall well being of our animals. This is called enrichment, and it's an important part of all our animals' lives. In this short video Columbus zookeeper Alicia Shelley talks about this fun and sometimes challenging aspect of a keepers job.
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