Zoo Animal Misconception: Snakes in a School

BUFFALO ZOO’S STATEMENT ON SILVERBACK GORILLA

Just before 11:00 a.m., Koga, the Buffalo Zoo’s 24-year-old silverback gorilla, accessed the animal keeper aisle, located in a secure non-public area behind the gorilla exhibit. The keeper, who was servicing the area, sustained superficial bite wounds on her right hand and left calf. For safety, the keeper locked herself in one of the holding cages with Sidney, a 14-year-old gorilla, and her one-and-a-half-year-old baby, Amari, who both know the keeper well.

The keeper alerted the animal escape team. Protocols were in place and meticulously followed.

Visitors were escorted into safe areas. The Buffalo Zoo’s veterinary team immobilized Koga and placed him back into his holding area.

The keeper was treated onsite for her injuries and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

“In this emergency situation, we experienced the best possible outcome thanks to the training and professionalism of the Buffalo Zoo staff, as well as members of the Buffalo Police Department, especially the SWAT team,” said Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, Buffalo Zoo President/CEO.

The Buffalo Zoo reopened to the public at 1:00 p.m. Koga will be off exhibit for the remainder of the day.

About the Buffalo Zoo’s Four Western Lowland Gorillas:

Koga was born at the Bronx Zoo. He was transferred to the Memphis Zoo in 1994, where he was exhibited with a group of four bachelors. He arrived at the Buffalo Zoo on April 25, 2007 to join the Zoo’s four female gorillas, Kwizera, Becky, Lily and Sidney, who had been without a silverback since the Zoo’s silverback, Omega, passed away in 2005.  Koga’s transfer from Memphis to Buffalo was recommended as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to help a species maintain a stable, healthy and genetically diverse population in zoos.

On October 8, 2010, Buffalo Zoo staff welcomed baby, Amari, into their family. Amari was born to first-time parents, mother, Sidney, who was born at the Buffalo Zoo in 1997, and Koga.

Sidney, Amari and Koga now reside with Lily, who was born at the Buffalo Zoo in 2000

Online AVON Program to Benefit the Buffalo Zoo

Buffalo, NY– Purchase your favorite AVON products and support the wildlife at the Buffalo Zoo at the same time! From now until June 16, 2012, AVON Representative, Patty Riley, will donate 30% of your online purchase to the Buffalo Zoo.

In order to participate, simply visit www.youravon.com/priley. Click on “Online Events,” where you can shop for fabulous beauty products, fragrances, apparel, jewelry, home items and more! In addition to supporting the Buffalo Zoo by making a purchase, you will also receive FREE shipping on all orders of $30 or more. When checking out, please be sure to use the special code BUFZOO101.

This online event is open to all, so please feel free to share this offer with your family and friends!

The Buffalo Zoo extends a special thank you to AVON representative, Patty Riley, for her generosity…and all of you for taking advantage of this great offer!

Spring Nature Camp at the Buffalo Zoo

It’s time for Spring Nature Camp at the Buffalo Zoo! Join us as we celebrate the season along with our animal friends. Each day of Spring Nature Camp is filled with adventures, including crafts, live animal demonstrations, exhibit visits and much more! Spend just one day with us at the Zoo or all five—either way, you’ll have a ROARing good time!

Workshops run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Prices are $37 per day or $163 for the week for non-Zoo members. Prices for members start at $34 per day with an increase in savings with each additional day. The Zoo also offers a fee-based before and after care program.

The workshop schedule is as follows:

Monday, April 9: Vanishing Animals

Tuesday, April 10: Life in the Trees

Wednesday, April 11: Creatures of the Night

Thursday, April 12: Animal Architects

Friday, April 13: Cool Cats

For more information, please call (716) 995-6128 or visit www.buffalozoo.org.  

AVON and YOU help the Zoo!

We invite you to participate in the Buffalo Zoo Women’s Board AVON on-line fund raising event. From now until June 16, 2012, your online AVON purchases will benefit you and the Zoo too! It’s easy, go to www.youravon.com/priley where you can shop for fabulous beauty products, fragrances, fashion, jewelry and more.  In addition to helping the Zoo, you will receive FREE shipping on all orders of $30 or more. When checking out, please be sure to use the special code the BUFZOO101.   A generous 30% of all sales will be donated to the Buffalo Zoo!  This on line event is open to all so feel free to pass this fantastic offer on to your friends and family. We extend a special thank you to AVON representative, Patty Riley for her generosity.  Start shopping today!

Polar Bears International President & CEO to Discuss Polar Bears in a Changing Arctic Thursday, March 8, 2012

The Canisius College Institute For the Study of Human-Animal Relations (ISHAR) and the Buffalo Zoo are proud to co-host a special presentation to be given by Polar Bears International (PBI) President & CEO, Robert W. Buchanan at Canisius College on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

The presentation, “Ambassadors for Change: Saving the Polar Bear,” will focus on the changes taking place in the Arctic, the impact these changes are having on polar bears and how small actions by individuals can have big results in helping to secure the species’ future.

The presentation is FREE and open to the public. It will take place in the College’s Regis Room North (the second floor of the Student Center).

For more information, please call (716) 888-2770.

About Robert Buchanan, President & CEO, Polar Bears International (PBI) USA & Canada

In the mid-1980s, Robert made his first trip to the Far North and saw his first polar bear in the

wild. He has returned every year since. Retired from a marketing role with a leading global beverage company, Robert joined PBI's board of directors in 2000 and became president and CEO of both PBI USA and Canada. Robert's vision is to help the world understand the importance of the Arctic ecosystems and to inspire individuals to take urgent action toward conserving the planet. He lives in Alaska with his wife, Carolyn Buchanan (Secretary, PBI USA & Canada).

About Polar Bears International (PBI)

Polar Bears International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear and its habitat through research, stewardship, and education. Visit their website to learn more about their programs at www.polarbearsinternational.org.

About the Canisius College Institute For the Study of Human-Animal Relationships (ISHAR)

Canisius College affirms its strong commitment to the advancement of ethical thought as it pertains to mankind’s relationship with nature and the other species with which we share the planet. The Canisius College Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relationships (ISHAR) is at the forefront of Human-Animal Studies, engaging Canisius students and members of our community in dialogs on pressing issues. Functions include: coordinating synergy among the graduate level Master’s Program in Anthrozoology, the undergraduate Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation major, and for three undergraduate minors (Anthrozoology, Animal Behavior, and Zoo Biology); interdisciplinary coordination among the college’s animal-related programs and our Philosophy and Religious Studies programs; an Anthrozoology Speaker Series; biannual Anthrozoology symposia; and advocacy of animal welfare and conservation. For more information, please visit http://www.canisius.edu/ishar.

About the Buffalo Zoo

Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the United States. Each year, the Buffalo Zoo welcomes more than 400,000 visitors and is the most visited cultural attraction in Western New York.  Located on 23.5 acres of Olmsted's beautiful Delaware Park, the Buffalo Zoo houses approximately 1,200 endangered and domestic animals and offers visitors a variety of events and educational programs year-round. The Buffalo Zoo’s philosophy is to exhibit animals and plants in naturalistic settings that represent their native habitats. The Zoo is dedicated to providing visitors with a better understanding of nature, including how animals relate to each other, their environment and to humankind. For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, including the Zoo’s “Bundle Up For Polar Bears” initiative, which is taking place through March 16, visit www.buffalozoo.org.