Fozblog

Tuesday Trivia Answer - Hungry Hippos

If you answered “E. A and C only” to this week’s Tuesday trivia question, you are correct! Hippopotamuses like Henry are herbivores and naturally feed on aquatic plants, grass and foliage. However, if you stop by Dickerson Park Zoo on Saturday Aug. 27, you may catch a glimpse of our lovable hippo enjoying a special treat.

This Saturday, Dickerson Park Zoo is celebrating Henry's 30th birthday during the annual Pancakes in the Park event. If you stop by Henry's exhibit at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or noon you'll get to see him munching on his special birthday treat -- a whole watermelon. Large fruits, like watermelon, are sometimes given to hippopotamuses on special occassions as a nice addition to their plant-based diet.

Of course, birthdays are more fun if you get to share the celebration with others. So, the zoo is offering free slices of chilled watermelon to the public as well. Be sure to stop by the zoo this Saturday and join in the fun.

Congratulations to Shawn Scott from Lenox, Mo., whose name was drawn from those submitting the correct answer this week!

Play along again next week for your chance to win a pair of one-day admission passes!

Tuesday Trivia Answer - Feathery Father Figures

If you answered "E" to this week's Tuesday Trivia you were correct. Within the animal kingdom, male rheas stand out as exceptional fathers because after mating with up to 12 females they scrape out a nest in which all the females lay eggs (up to 60 total!). Then, the males take responsibility for incubating the eggs and protecting the chicks once they hatch. Rheas are undeniably quite dedicated fathers.

While Rheas are native to the grassy plains of South America, you don't have to fly south of the equator to get a glipse of these praise-worthy birds. On your next trip to Dickerson Park Zoo, simply stop by the rhea exhibit in the South American region to see one of these fathers face-to-face.

In the picture, our male stands behind the female. His feathers are a little fluffier, his colors are a little bolder, and he's bigger.

Congratulations to Crystal Trahan from Buffalo whose name was drawn from those submitting the correct answer this week!

Play along again next week for your chance to win a pair of one-day admission passes! The Tuesday Trivia results were delayed this week because of all the excitement of the giraffe calf that was born here Tuesday afternoon. We were busy taking pictures! Hope you understand!

Crystal Trahan

Tuesday Trivia - The Ambler Diversity of Life Building

The Hearld & Marge Ambler Diversity of Life exhibit building is celebrating an anniversary this month. This popular exhibit building, home to Dickerson Park Zoo's reptiles and amphibians, opened in April of what year?
A. 1991
B. 1996
C. 2001
D. 2006

E-mail your answer by tomorrow, Wednesday, at noon to trivia@dickersonparkzoo.org for a chance to win two admission passes to Dickerson Park Zoo. Remember to include your mailing address for your chance to win.

Check out FOZblog on Wednesday for the correct answer and for more information about black and white ruffed lemurs.

Where is it in the zoo?

This week's "Where is it in the zoo?" is slightly more difficult than previous weeks because our readers are so good at recognizing items in the zoo.

Where is this frog?

Christmas at the Zoo

Now that we are all in the holiday spirit and preparing to treat loved ones to gifts of all kinds, consider adding a zoo animal or two to your shopping list. The zoo has more than 675 animals, and each one receives something different for enrichment. For that reason, zookeepers have compiled a list of enrichment items that stimulate and encourage the animals' natural behaviors and instincts.

The suggested enrichment items are located on the “Tree of Giving” in the education building and Safari Trading Company gift shop. Each tree has ornaments identifying an enrichment item for one of the animals. The ornaments will be available through the end of January. Enrichment items should be returned (new and unwrapped) by Jan. 30. For the complete “wish list,” visit the zoo’s enrichment Web page.

Looking for gifts for those humans on your list? The Safari Trading Company gift shop is having its annual sale through Dec. 24. Merchandise is 10 percent off to the general public and current Friends of the Zoo members receive a 20 percent discount. You can visit the gift shop during normal admission gates hours, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Operations are weather permitting; the zoo is closed when the walks have ice or snow.)

And, remember, a Friends of Zoo membership or ADOPT An Animal package brings year-round enjoyment for a recipient who receives 12 months of joy.

Look Who's Hanging Around the Zoo

Take a look at the cute new additions hanging around the zoo. Two joeys enjoy the comfort of their mothers' pouches, where they will stay for four to six months.

As you can see, fur colors of kangroos are not the same though they are both female; this is due to genetics and the fur color both of their parents. Although the name of the species is red kangaroo, generally females are more of a bluish gray and males are redder.

During the winter months at Dickerson Park Zoo, the kangaroo mob comes and goes from its heated housing area rather than being rounded up by the zookeepers and confined to their barn. This allows for less panic and stress on the animals amid the extreme temperatures.

Where is it in the zoo? Part 2

The castle is located in the northwest portion of Dickerson Park Zoo. Set into the tree line, the castle borders Pea Ridge Creek, a tributary of Dickerson Lake. A ride on the Titus Express miniature train allows for a glimpse of the castle near a small cave and spring that feeds into Dickerson Lake, which is one of the few remaining structures from DIckerson Park Zoo's history.

Where is it in the zoo?

This concrete castle was a landscaping feature in front of Swinea Hall, which was a landmark at Dickerson Park Zoo from the late 1880s until it was condemned and demolished in 1998.

Swinea Hall functioned in several different capacities during its existent. Originally a summer resort hotel, Swinea Hall transitioned into the "Old Snake House," housing for the zoo's superintendent and office space for the administration staff. During which time, the castle was known and admired by Dickerson Park Zoo's staff and guests.

Now that Swinea Hall is gone and the Titus Express Train Depot is in its location, the castle has been relocated.

Where is it in the zoo?

Mute Swan Cygnets Update

Four mute swans hatched May 25 with three surviving. The cygnets live with their parents on Hamlin Lake in the South American region of Dickerson Park Zoo.

The cygnets will be fully mature by the end of October.

Come out to Dickerson Park Zoo soon to see these magnificent birds along with the rest of the animals.

Tuesday Trivia Answer - False

Damara Zebra

Scientific Name: Equus burchelli antiquorum

Range & Habitat: Savannahs and grasslands of southern Africa

Size: 4 to 4 1/2 feet at the shoulder

Life Span: Approximately 15 years in captivity, up to 20 years in the wild

Gestation: 11-13 months

Wild Diet: Grass

Zoo Diet: Zebra grain and grass hay

Habits: Zebra travel in family units of 5 - 20 members, joining other family units to form herds. Herds may number in the thousands and often associate with wildebeest, antelope and ostriches. They usually stay within five miles of a waterhole, as they must drink regularly. Because of lions, they are always cautious at waterholes. Zebra can travel faster than 40 mph for short bursts.

Zebra have a good sense of smell and excellent eyesight. Damara zebra are white with dark stripes alternating with shadow stripes. When gathered in large groups, stripes may confuse predators by making the zebras indistinct and by distorting true distance.

Stripe patterns are individual – a zebra can recognize a family member by the stripe pattern and voice.  Family members show affection and concern for each other and pay attention to foals and old or sick members. Zebras have a rude disposition and are not generally domesticated.