The zoo will close early on Friday, August 9, 2024, to accommodate setup for Wild After Hours: Corks for Conservation (18+). The last entry into the grounds will be at 3:00 p.m. and the grounds will begin to be cleared at 4:00 p.m. Thank you for understanding.
Indoor Gorilla Habitat: From July 2 until approximately the end of the month, the western lowland gorilla troop will not be viewable in their indoor African Rainforest habitat while work is done on the viewing windows. The troop will be viewable in their outdoor habitat throughout the project (weather and animal participation permitting). The rest of the African Rainforest building will remain open and accessible throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
African Savannah Yard: Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until the end of the year while we complete exciting upgrades in the African Savannah Yard, including the construction of a new Savannah Barn for the animals. Our giraffe tower will continue to be viewable throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
Bite-Sized
There are two special birthdays in Gateway to Asia this month – our Komodo dragons are 10 years old!
‘Shruikan’ had his birthday on December 2nd, and ‘Thorn’ turns 10 today! It’s hard to believe that these two are only now reaching double digits, but that’s what happens when you’re the world’s largest lizard!
Being a large lizard comes with a long tongue. Komodo dragons use their long, forked tongues to taste the air. When their tongues touch the Jacobson’s organ in the top of their mouth, they analyze the chemical makeup of the airborne molecules to pinpoint where prey is.
Join us in wishing Shruikan and Thorn a happy birthday!
