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Creature Features: Red Pandas

PetSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:00:11 -0800

This cutie pie was a fave creature of mine as a child . . . the subject of many an elementary school project and a must-stop at the zoo! Although I sometimes catch a glimpse of these creatures over on GiggleSugar, I figured it was about time I put my early knowledge to use and create a fun quiz about these furballs. You may have caught a glimpse of the Red Panda you see here – Mao Mi became a new resident of the Prospect Park Zoo last month. See just how much you know (and I remember) in this fun quiz!

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New Pouch Potato Alert!

PetSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:00:38 -0800

The birth of baby animals is super exciting and, when it's a kangaroo, it's a hopping good time! Brooklyn's Prospect Park Zoo announced the arrival of a new 'roo last Friday. The still-nameless marsupial is temporarily going by the classic moniker, Joey until zoo officials can get a closer look to determine a more gender-appropriate name. This Western Grey kangaroo is the child of Christy and Junior and has been hanging out in mom's pouch for several months and has just recently begun peeking out. Baby kangaroos are born at about two centimeters long (!), weigh less than a gram, and spend about 10 months getting a free ride until they're strong (and big) enough to come out on their own. Check out a couple more first peeks at this new pouch potato when you read more.

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Quick-Thinking Zookeepers Save Woman From Hungry Bears

PetSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:35:11 -0700

Last Friday, a 32-year-old woman leaped a fence and scaled a wall to jump into a Berlin Zoo enclosure holding four polar bears (including Knut). Six zookeepers attempted to distract the bears, but she was still bitten several times by one of the creatures. Even though it was their normal feeding time, she was able to be pulled out safely – minus those injuries – and was rushed to the hospital for surgery. Now after my initial shock, I flashbacked to a similar situation that so disturbed me as a child, that I instantly recalled that story when hearing this one. Learn what stuck in my head some 22 years later, when you read more.

In 1987, three kids broke into the Brooklyn's Prospect Park Zoo after dark, and attempted to swim in the polar bears' moat. One child was attacked by the bears, locals called police when hearing yells but, by the time the officials arrived, the animals had eaten both his legs . . . and the officers shot and killed both bears. As a child, I was unable to comprehend most of this situation, including why they still killed Teddy and Lucy. Now, I assume we'll hear more about this 32-year-old woman's motives in coming weeks, but I commend the Berlin Zoo's quick-thinking keepers to attempt to save this women without instantly harming the bears in the process.

Wenn.com