Buffalo Zoo Euthanizes Giraffe

Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Zoo officials announce that Jennie, an 18-year-old female reticulated giraffe, was euthanized on Thursday after she failed to recover from anesthesia during a scheduled hoof trimming procedure.

For the past several years, it has become necessary for the Zoo’s veterinary staff, with assistance from experienced anesthesiologists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, to treat Jennie for the overgrowth of hoof material. Giraffes in the wild and captivity face this health problem as they age. At nearly 19 years old, Jennie was considered to be an older animal since the average lifespan for giraffes is 20-25 years.

During the hoof trimming procedure, giraffes are anesthetized to prevent injury to themselves as well as staff. While putting a large and older animal under anesthesia can be a risk, the procedure was necessary in order for the veterinary staff to remain proactive in treating Jennie’s hooves. Overgrowth or curling of hooves can lead to bone and joint changes that would compromise her ability to walk and diminish her quality of life.

The initial necropsy findings were inconclusive regarding any specific factors that contributed to her inability to recover from anesthesia. Changes in her kidney and liver associated with aging were evident. Samples are being sent to several diagnostic laboratories for further testing. Final necropsy results will not be available for several weeks.

Jennie was born at the Buffalo Zoo on July 21, 1992. She was popular with Zoo personnel and will be greatly missed.

***Please note that the Buffalo Zoo’s Giraffe House is OPEN to the public. Weather permitting, visitors can also view the other members of the giraffe herd in their exhibit yard. The herd consists of females Agnes and A.J., and male, Kasamba

High Five For the Military! and Bear Awareness Day at the Buffalo Zoo Saturday, May 21, 2011

BUFFALO, NY— In honor of Armed Forces Day (Saturday, May 21), the Buffalo Zoo is offering a “High Five For the Military!” discount.

Members of the United States military and their group of up to six people will be admitted to the Zoo for $5.00 total. A valid military ID must be presented at the admission gates to receive the discount. The Buffalo Zoo thanks you for your service!

That day, visitors can also take part in the Zoo’s Bear Awareness Day celebration from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.!

This national event honors the bear populations of the world! Sponsored by Goya Foods, WGRZ-TV, 97 Rock and Classic Hits 104.1, the Buffalo Zoo’s Bear Awareness event will focus on the dangers that polar bears face and what we can all do each day to help preserve their natural habitat.

Other highlights include informational tables, crafts, keeper talks and enrichment for the Zoo’s polar and Andean (spectacled) bears. The event is FREE with Zoo admission.

The schedule of events is as follows:

11:00 a.m. –

3:00 p.m. Make enrichment for the Andean (spectacled bears), pick up conservation handouts and enjoy coloring and crafts. Be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win a bear-themed prize! (Tickets are $1 each or three for $2.)

All raffle proceeds benefit Polar Bears International, an organization dedicated to the conservation of polar bears.

Feedings and enrichment will take place for all of the bears unless otherwise noted.

11:00 a.m. Ice treats

11:30 a.m. Barrel toss (polar bears)

12:00 p.m. PVC enrichment feeders

12:15 p.m. Polar bear keeper talk

1:30 p.m. Watermelon toss

2:00 p.m. Enrichment

Bones (polar bears)

Burlap bags—Andean (spectacled) bears

3:00 p.m. Kids’ enrichment given to Andean (spectacled) bears

Bear feeding

Raffle winners announced. (You do not have to be present to win.)

Please note: Informational tables, crafts and raffle will be moved inside the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls Visitors Center if inclement weather occurs.

For more information about this event, please call (716) 995-6133 or visit www.buffalozoo.org.

Get Your Tail to the Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo Presents Summer Nature Camp 2011

Join In The Fun July 5 – August 19

Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Zoo announces registration for its Summer Nature Camp 2011, presented by Bimbo Bakery, is still open!

Our nature camp is designed to enable children, ages 5 through 12 years old, to experience the wonders of summer by attending workshops featuring a wide variety of animal-related topics, including animal communication, predatory instincts, animal defense strategies and animal social networking! Workshops run July 5 through August 19 (Monday - Friday) from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Camp themes repeat so you can plan around your summer vacation and not miss a thing!

The registration fee is $150 for Buffalo Zoo members and $165 for non-members. Multiple child and week discounts are offered. A limited number of scholarships, as well as before care and after care, are also available.

Camp activities include exhibit visits, animal information sessions, games, songs, stories and live animal contact. Participants, under the supervision of Zoo staff, will have the opportunity to interact with various mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods from the Education Department’s animal collection. Summer Nature Camp also includes some outdoor activities, so campers are advised to wear appropriate clothing.

For more information regarding Summer Nature Camp, please contact the Buffalo Zoo’s Education Department, at (716) 915-6128 or visit the Zoo’s website at: www.buffalozoo.org.

High Five for the Military

May 30
High Five for the Military
Members of the United States military and their group of up to six people will be admitted to the Zoo for $5.00 total. A valid military ID must be presented at the admission gates to receive the discount. The Buffalo Zoo thanks you for your service.