What's New?

Endangered Snow Leopard has hip replacement

The male snow leopard at the Tautphaus Park Zoo has a new piece of hardware.  He had his right hip replaced with a titanium implant.  The Zoo staff observed him limping slightly about 6 weeks ago. He was treated with anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drugs but did not improve.  When x-rays were taken it was discovered he had arthritis in both hips with the right hip being significantly worse. After consultation with a number of zoo veterinarians it was decided that hip replacement surgery was the best option to eliminate pain, increase mobility, and generally improve the quality of life for this animal.

On December 15 the snow leopard was transported to Sun Valley for surgery by an orthopedic veterinary specialist. The hip replacement surgery went well. However, during the course of the procedure a tumor was discovered near the hip joint. The veterinarians removed as much of the tumor as possible and sent samples out for further testing. The immediate plan is to provide all necessary supportive care for this snow leopard as he recovers from surgery. He will be monitored closely for any signs of developing disease and additional treatment options will be explored. Zoo staff remains committed to providing a high quality life for all animals at the zoo. (December 15, 2011)

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRITTERS AT THE TAUTPHAUS PARK ZOO

If you are looking for a place to take the kids for a few hours this week or a place to pick up a unique gift item, be sure to check out the Tautphaus Park Zoo’s Christmas with the Critters.

Dates: Tuesday through Friday, December 20th – 23rd
Time: Gates open at 10:00 a.m. with last admission at 2:00 p.m.  Zoo grounds close at 3:00 p.m.
Special Events: Meet Santa every day from 12:00 – 1:00.  See the animals receive special Christmas gifts.  Zoo Docents will be sharing information on Animal Enrichment.

The gift shop has some wonderful gift packages.  “I’m most excited with our Family Game Night Gift Set.” says Jana Meikle, Guest Services and Gift Shop Manager. “It has the Earthopoly board game, popcorn and either hot chocolate or hot cider – all for only $17.99.”  There is also a Snow Leopard gift set with a book and slippers that helps support snow leopard conservation in the wild.  T-shirts and hats are also discounted with buy one get one at 50% off.

The Tautphaus Park Zoological Society will also be selling hot chocolate and hot cider out of the Kookaburra Kafe.  Don’t forget, a membership to the Tautphaus Park Zoo also makes a great gift.

The Zoo does reserve the right to not open for the day if weather conditions are too dangerous.  Check the Zoo’s website (www.idahofallszoo.org) for the most up-to-date information. (December 15, 2011)

BABY BOOM AT TAUTPHAUS PARK ZOO

Add two more new babies to the list of offspring this year for the Tautphaus Park Zoo: a rock hyrax and a guanaco. The hyrax, which is on exhibit in the Mara Aviaries, was born last Wednesday, August 24th. An adult hyrax is about the size of a football, has very short legs, is covered in brown fur and is an excellent rock climber. The baby hyrax, which the Zoo suspects if female, is about one quarter the size of an adult and is already scampering around on the rocks. The guanaco was born on Saturday the 27th, and is on exhibit with his mother in the South American exhibits. Guanacos are the wild cousins of domesticated llamas.

“This has been an absolutely outstanding year for babies.” said Beth Rich, Zoo Superintendent. “So far, we’ve had 35 successful births or hatchings and we have several more birds sitting on eggs. We could be adding to that number before the end of the year.”

What’s the difference this year? “It’s hard to say,” says Rich. “The Zoo switched over to a new bird food which the birds really like; we have staff that is exceptionally dedicated to high quality care for the animals; and some years, you just have a lot of babies. We’re very proud of our accomplishments this year.” (August 29, 2011)