As scientists warn that some South American flamingos could be threatened with extinction, the Reid Park Zoo is taking steps to help the aquatic birds. Along with fostering 26 flamingos in its own lagoon, the zoo recently partnered with the Zoo Conservation Outreach Group and Association of Zoos & Aquariums to lead the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program for South American flamingos. SAFE flamingo efforts are focused on the three species living in the Andean highlands: the Andean flamingo, Chilean flamingo and James s flamingo. Reid Park Zoo submitted a three-year plan in 2020 involving steps for uniting research and education to ensure the bird s survival.
A Christmas miracle: Columbus Zoo s 3 giraffe calves a rare feat
After a devastating breeding season in 2018 in which two calves died, the giraffes at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have bounced back with three successful births this year, a rare feat.
The zoo welcomed its latest endangered Masai giraffe calf, a nearly two-week-old female named Sammie, on Dec. 9, it announced Tuesday. The calf s mother is Digi, a 9-year-old giraffe.
A 10-year-old giraffe named Enzi is the father of all three calves.
The trifecta is an uncommon accomplishment, according to Sheri Horiszny, who coordinates the giraffe Species Survival Plan for the nonprofit Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The group includes more than 230 accredited institutions in the U.S. and abroad, including the Columbus Zoo.