We hope someone around here has a couple elephant-sized candles on hand because today marks a very special day at Hogle Zoo - Zuri's 2nd birthday!
It's hard to believe that it was two years ago when a tiny elephant made her way into our world. But in two years, some truly incredible things have happened as we've watched Zuri progress from elephant baby to elephant two year old.
For starters, while Zuri started out much like any other baby - eating, sleeping, and staying close to mom - she's progressed in her two years. Yes, she still likes to eat, sleep and be close to her mom, but she's also having a lot of fun training with her keepers. Each day her keepers work with her to do things like showing her feet, spinning, stretching out, opening her mouth, and much more.
All of these movements enable her keepers to check her whole body every day to ensure she continues growing as a healthy young elephant.
One other thing you may notice now that wasn't exactly visible even half a year ago is Zuri's tusk! Yes, you can see it on the left side of her face and it is growing steadily. Pretty soon her other tusk will poke through and you'll be able to see them both before you know it.
Zuri has also grown to be very social with a special lady at Hogle Zoo - Dari! Zuri and Dari were finally introduced to each other, and it just so happens that they enjoy spending time together.
And, now that she's big enough, Zuri has been spending some of the hotter summer days in the pool yard, where she has been seen cautiously dipping into the shallow parts of the pool under the careful watch of mom.
A lot has happened in two years, and we're sure we will be saying the same thing another two years from now! But for today, a very happy 2nd birthday to our little girl Zuri!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Three's Company
It's a moment everyone has been waiting for, and finally happened this month.
It was a bright, sunny morning. Both the Kopi and Working yards at Elephant Encounter were open and full of food (a helpful distraction for a first interaction) when the doors were opened and Dari, Christie and Zuri all ran outside to be together for the first time.
The big step was something for which Hogle Zoo had been planning from the time of Zuri's birth.
The first hurdle for Utah's favorite baby elephant was size. Her animal care team put a lot of weight on, well, Zuri's weight. A healthy size and weight would mean Zuri could fend for herself should the resident matriarch, Dari, decide to try any roughhousing.
Once the tyke was the right size, the elephant keepers wanted to give Zuri a protected environment in which to interact with Dari. This involved introducing the two with protective barriers between them. It gave them a chance to interact with sight, sound and smell before moving on to the moment of touch. And, to everyone's delight, the interaction went well.
Next up was time for interaction between Christie and Dari. You might be wondering, if they spent time together before Zuri's birth, why would they need to be reintroduced. Well, it's similar to when two humans haven't seen each other for a year. There's an initial phase of readjustment. But, of course, the ladies did just fine and paved the way for the moment everyone was waiting for.
The trio made their way out into the yard on the morning of their first time together, and it couldn't have gone any better. Zuri spent time following Dari around, playing with her mom Christie, and eating all the food she could get her trunk around.
The three have continued to spend time together as a herd and Dari has resumed her matriarch role with Zuri now looking to her, as well as to her mom, for direction. And, if you were to ask one of the keepers at Elephant Encounter, they'd tell you that now Zuri spends a lot of time with Dari, and the two seem to truly enjoy each other's company.
With this big step accomplished, Zuri now has other achievements to reach in her future. Namely, pool play. Zuri has spent time with Christie in the pool yard, and has even dipped her toes into the shallow end pf the pool, with the water dropped to a baby elephant appropriate level. The hope is that soon, Zuri will venture all the way into the water and be able to enjoy a cool spot in the warm summer months.
And as for the three of them, chances are you'll be seeing them playing together more and more as summer stretches on at Hogle Zoo.
It was a bright, sunny morning. Both the Kopi and Working yards at Elephant Encounter were open and full of food (a helpful distraction for a first interaction) when the doors were opened and Dari, Christie and Zuri all ran outside to be together for the first time.
The big step was something for which Hogle Zoo had been planning from the time of Zuri's birth.
The first hurdle for Utah's favorite baby elephant was size. Her animal care team put a lot of weight on, well, Zuri's weight. A healthy size and weight would mean Zuri could fend for herself should the resident matriarch, Dari, decide to try any roughhousing.
Once the tyke was the right size, the elephant keepers wanted to give Zuri a protected environment in which to interact with Dari. This involved introducing the two with protective barriers between them. It gave them a chance to interact with sight, sound and smell before moving on to the moment of touch. And, to everyone's delight, the interaction went well.
Next up was time for interaction between Christie and Dari. You might be wondering, if they spent time together before Zuri's birth, why would they need to be reintroduced. Well, it's similar to when two humans haven't seen each other for a year. There's an initial phase of readjustment. But, of course, the ladies did just fine and paved the way for the moment everyone was waiting for.
The trio made their way out into the yard on the morning of their first time together, and it couldn't have gone any better. Zuri spent time following Dari around, playing with her mom Christie, and eating all the food she could get her trunk around.
The three have continued to spend time together as a herd and Dari has resumed her matriarch role with Zuri now looking to her, as well as to her mom, for direction. And, if you were to ask one of the keepers at Elephant Encounter, they'd tell you that now Zuri spends a lot of time with Dari, and the two seem to truly enjoy each other's company.
With this big step accomplished, Zuri now has other achievements to reach in her future. Namely, pool play. Zuri has spent time with Christie in the pool yard, and has even dipped her toes into the shallow end pf the pool, with the water dropped to a baby elephant appropriate level. The hope is that soon, Zuri will venture all the way into the water and be able to enjoy a cool spot in the warm summer months.
And as for the three of them, chances are you'll be seeing them playing together more and more as summer stretches on at Hogle Zoo.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
It's Summer Fun For Zuri!!!
At a resounding 18 months old and weighing in at nearly 1,500 lbs, it's just plain fun to watch Zuri, who is growing further and further away from that 251-pound baby we all met in the fall of 2009.
And, now that things are finally heating up here in Utah, you can see Zuri on a daily basis at Elephant Encounter where she'll likely be busy playing with her big, red boomer ball. The cute little elephant isn't quite big enough to walk over the ball yet, much like her mother can, but she sure tries and quite often she can be seen getting high-centered atop the ball and clumsily rolling of and back on to her feet.
Working with her trainers daily, Zuri is learning new behaviors that help to keep her healthy. Since you saw Zuri last summer she has learned to show her caretakers the bottom of her feet so they can make sure nothing gets stuck in them. She also opens her mouth wide so they can peek inside and check on her dental health.
Two special times each day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. you watch Zuri do these and other behaviors during the Pachyderm Program. The Program is a great place for guests to learn what it takes to keep an elephant healthy and happy, as well as what the keepers do on a day-to-day basis.
But, if you aren't able to catch that, chances are you will get to see her in her yard doing something funny, and once she really tires herself out she'll lay right down at her mother's feet and nap.
And, now that things are finally heating up here in Utah, you can see Zuri on a daily basis at Elephant Encounter where she'll likely be busy playing with her big, red boomer ball. The cute little elephant isn't quite big enough to walk over the ball yet, much like her mother can, but she sure tries and quite often she can be seen getting high-centered atop the ball and clumsily rolling of and back on to her feet.
Working with her trainers daily, Zuri is learning new behaviors that help to keep her healthy. Since you saw Zuri last summer she has learned to show her caretakers the bottom of her feet so they can make sure nothing gets stuck in them. She also opens her mouth wide so they can peek inside and check on her dental health.
Two special times each day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. you watch Zuri do these and other behaviors during the Pachyderm Program. The Program is a great place for guests to learn what it takes to keep an elephant healthy and happy, as well as what the keepers do on a day-to-day basis.
But, if you aren't able to catch that, chances are you will get to see her in her yard doing something funny, and once she really tires herself out she'll lay right down at her mother's feet and nap.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tusk Time!
While most parents treasure the appearance of a child's first tooth, at Utah's Hogle Zoo we treasure a more rare moment above a molar breaking through the gum - the appearance of an elephant's first tusk. Just this week, Zuri's tusk on her left side appeared, marking yet another landmark in her growth."We're really happy to see her first tusk come through," Elephant Manager Doug Tomkinson said. "It's yet another step in her progress as a young, growing elephant. It will be really exciting when everyone is able to see it."
Much like our human teeth, tusks are more than a decoration, they are a functional tool. When her tusks are grown, Zuri will be able to dig, as well as better move and manipulate a variety of the objects in her yard.
As of now, the tusk is the size of a pencil, but this is just the start. The length, size and growth rate of Zuri's tusks are hereditary, but if Tomkinson had to make a guess, chances are you'll get to see them some time this summer.
But, for now, we're just watching it grow and waiting for the other one to appear as well. In the meantime, we're happy to report that Zuri surpassed the 1,300 pound mark and stands at 4 feet 8 inches tall.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Baby it's cold outside
Baby it's cold outside… really! But with the cold comes the holiday season and snow, which Zuri seems to love when she can get her trunk on it.
Something else Zuri likes to do in the winter - stay warm. She has radiant heaters, as well as a large heated concrete pad in her outdoor exhibit, which usually do the trick to keep her comfy. But, when the temperature drops too much, she hurries inside because her skin is still baby soft - for an elephant, at least - and she needs the extra help staying warm.
With each snowfall, Zuri gets to pop outside a couple times a day for fresh air and sunshine. She loves to plow through the snow. If you're lucky, you can catch her balling up piles of snow with her trunk and shoveling it into her mouth for a rather chilly winter treat.
Like most youngsters, Zuri loves the Christmas season. In addition to the ZooLights! that are all around, Zuri gets the occasional gift from her friends in Utah. If you're wondering what Zuri likes for Christmas, look no further than the Amazon wish list for her here. This page is filled with all sorts of toys with which Zuri likes to play - and eventually destroy thanks to her elephant strength!
Here's hoping you can catch her out and about on those sunny winter days this holiday season, because we know Zuri would love to wish you a Happy New Year in person!
Something else Zuri likes to do in the winter - stay warm. She has radiant heaters, as well as a large heated concrete pad in her outdoor exhibit, which usually do the trick to keep her comfy. But, when the temperature drops too much, she hurries inside because her skin is still baby soft - for an elephant, at least - and she needs the extra help staying warm.
With each snowfall, Zuri gets to pop outside a couple times a day for fresh air and sunshine. She loves to plow through the snow. If you're lucky, you can catch her balling up piles of snow with her trunk and shoveling it into her mouth for a rather chilly winter treat.
Like most youngsters, Zuri loves the Christmas season. In addition to the ZooLights! that are all around, Zuri gets the occasional gift from her friends in Utah. If you're wondering what Zuri likes for Christmas, look no further than the Amazon wish list for her here. This page is filled with all sorts of toys with which Zuri likes to play - and eventually destroy thanks to her elephant strength!
Here's hoping you can catch her out and about on those sunny winter days this holiday season, because we know Zuri would love to wish you a Happy New Year in person!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
It's almost pumpkin time!
If you were here for last year's Boo at the Zoo, you may have seen Zuri smash a few pumpkins as she got into the Halloween spirit. But, you may also have noticed that Zuri was much more fond of squashing the seasonal gourds than she was of eating them.
This year, Head Elephant Keeper Doug Tomkinson thinks all of that will change, thanks in large part to Zuri's new propensity for eating, as opposed to nursing. That's right, Zuri has ramped up her eating habits to involve many more solid foods, and less nursing.
Furthering the likelihood that our little girl will smash, and then eat her pumpkin treat is the fact that Zuri has been busy enjoying squash in her diet lately.
"She had pumpkins last year, and all she knew was to smash them," Tomkinson said. "But now she's eaten large squash and she'll likely have a better time eating the pumpkins."
So, for those of you out there who want to see Baby Zuri and her mommy smashing pumpkins and enjoying treats for Halloween, look no further than Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be candy for kids 12 and under, and a lot of fun going on in Zuri's neck of the woods. Remember, Boo at the Zoo happens rain or shine!
And, sorry folks, she won't be wearing a costume. They don't make a ballet tutu in her size!
This year, Head Elephant Keeper Doug Tomkinson thinks all of that will change, thanks in large part to Zuri's new propensity for eating, as opposed to nursing. That's right, Zuri has ramped up her eating habits to involve many more solid foods, and less nursing.
Furthering the likelihood that our little girl will smash, and then eat her pumpkin treat is the fact that Zuri has been busy enjoying squash in her diet lately.
"She had pumpkins last year, and all she knew was to smash them," Tomkinson said. "But now she's eaten large squash and she'll likely have a better time eating the pumpkins."
So, for those of you out there who want to see Baby Zuri and her mommy smashing pumpkins and enjoying treats for Halloween, look no further than Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be candy for kids 12 and under, and a lot of fun going on in Zuri's neck of the woods. Remember, Boo at the Zoo happens rain or shine!
And, sorry folks, she won't be wearing a costume. They don't make a ballet tutu in her size!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
It's Official!
Zuri hit the 1,000 lb mark today. Of course, that's a mere fraction of what she will be some day, but it's exciting none the less!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
1,000 Pounds and Still So Small!
While most people aren't too fond of tracking an expanding waistline, our little Zuri is nearing a milestone weight that it is nearly impossible for a human to even think about… 1,000 pounds.
But considering that adult African elephants can weigh up to 12,000 pounds, at only one twelfth of what will one day be her weight, Zuri has quite a way to go before hitting full-grown status.
But still, Zuri nearing the 1,000 pound marker is a very fun time for us and, to give her fans some perspective on what the weight really means, below you will find some other things that also weigh 1,000 pounds:
10 hellfire missiles
119.8 Gallons of water
Just under 1/2 of a classic VW Beetle (hard top)
Just over 3 Shaquille O'Neals
222 bricks
181,436.948 pennies
1,000 16 ounce cups of coffee
Of course, even at 1,000 pounds, Zuri is still a lot cuter than all of the items listed above. So, if you have the chance, come see her while she is still small - and she's still very small and cute. In fact, many of our guests she still looks the same size she was when she was born!
And, don't worry, we will be sure and let you know the day she hits the exact number.
But considering that adult African elephants can weigh up to 12,000 pounds, at only one twelfth of what will one day be her weight, Zuri has quite a way to go before hitting full-grown status.
But still, Zuri nearing the 1,000 pound marker is a very fun time for us and, to give her fans some perspective on what the weight really means, below you will find some other things that also weigh 1,000 pounds:
10 hellfire missiles
119.8 Gallons of water
Just under 1/2 of a classic VW Beetle (hard top)
Just over 3 Shaquille O'Neals
222 bricks
181,436.948 pennies
1,000 16 ounce cups of coffee
Of course, even at 1,000 pounds, Zuri is still a lot cuter than all of the items listed above. So, if you have the chance, come see her while she is still small - and she's still very small and cute. In fact, many of our guests she still looks the same size she was when she was born!
And, don't worry, we will be sure and let you know the day she hits the exact number.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Plan ahead-- Gifts for Zuri's birthday!
Can you believe that Zuri the elephant is nearly one-year-old? It seems like only yesterday that keepers at Elephant Encounter were gearing up for a really big birth. Already Zuri has brought so much joy to Hogle Zoo staff and guests and next month we're going to celebrate her day.
If you're looking to help out Zuri, as well as Utah's Hogle Zoo, be sure to check out our Enrichment wish list now available on Amazon.com There are items you can purchase for Zuri's upcoming birthday party, as well as needs for other animals at Hogle Zoo.
This is an easy way for you to help our animals get more enrichment items into their exhibits. Through enrichment, zookeepers provide opportunities to learn, interact and exhibit natural behaviors- resulting in healthier, happier animals. The donations to the animal enrichment program at Utah's Hogle Zoo are tax deductible. Please include contact information so that we can acknowledge your generous gift.
Who can resist such a face?
Also plan on joining us for Zuri's first birthday party coming up Saturday August 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. Take a look at Zuri's first year scrapbook created by Stampin' Up! and sign a birthday message to her. Watch her open her presents and cake during a special birthday program at 10:30 am, and after that there will be free cupcakes for the first 500 guests in the Oasis Plaza. There will also be make-and-take crafts from Robert's Art and Craft and Stampin Up! for the kids.
It's going to be quite a wild party!
If you're looking to help out Zuri, as well as Utah's Hogle Zoo, be sure to check out our Enrichment wish list now available on Amazon.com There are items you can purchase for Zuri's upcoming birthday party, as well as needs for other animals at Hogle Zoo.
This is an easy way for you to help our animals get more enrichment items into their exhibits. Through enrichment, zookeepers provide opportunities to learn, interact and exhibit natural behaviors- resulting in healthier, happier animals. The donations to the animal enrichment program at Utah's Hogle Zoo are tax deductible. Please include contact information so that we can acknowledge your generous gift.
Who can resist such a face?
Also plan on joining us for Zuri's first birthday party coming up Saturday August 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. Take a look at Zuri's first year scrapbook created by Stampin' Up! and sign a birthday message to her. Watch her open her presents and cake during a special birthday program at 10:30 am, and after that there will be free cupcakes for the first 500 guests in the Oasis Plaza. There will also be make-and-take crafts from Robert's Art and Craft and Stampin Up! for the kids.
It's going to be quite a wild party!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
You could visit Zuri's African ancestors!
How would you like to win a trip to Kenya and visit the land of Zuri's ancestors? Now here's your chance! You can with the Zuri African Safari Giveaway! FOX 13 has teamed up with Utah’s Hogle Zoo for an amazing contest.
First, search for Zuri, Hogle Zoo’s baby African Elephant, located somewhere new each weekday on Fox13now.com. Remember what page you found her on that day and what she was doing. Then, tune in to Fox 13 News at Nine that same night for your chance to call in to the FOX 13 Contest Line.
The first caller who can tell the folks at Fox the correct location Zuri the baby elephant was found that day and what she was doing on Fox 13’s website, wins a fabulous Park City getaway. Plus, daily winners will be invited to Zuri’s Birthday Party on August 14th at Utah’s Hogle Zoo.
All daily winners present at Zuri’s Birthday Party will be entered into a random drawing for the Grand Prize, a trip for two to go on an African Safari in May 2011!
Here's a hint: Follow us on Twitter at @Hogle_Zoo and "Like" us on Facebook because we'll post a little clue each day so it's that much easier to find Zuri on Fox's website!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Zuri's in grocery stores!
Spotted this poster of Baby Zuri at the grocery store the other day and it seems like she's everywhere this summer! On billboards. On posters. And why shouldn't she be? Zuri's amazing!
Pick up a 12 or 24 pack of Dr. Pepper or Diet Dr. Pepper cans that feature the exclusive “Baby Zuri” can panel offer – bring the can to the Zoo – and if you Buy One Regularly Priced Adult Ticket, you’ll Receive a Child’s Ticket FREE.
And don't forget to visit Zuri while you're at Hogle Zoo, she's even better in person!
Pick up a 12 or 24 pack of Dr. Pepper or Diet Dr. Pepper cans that feature the exclusive “Baby Zuri” can panel offer – bring the can to the Zoo – and if you Buy One Regularly Priced Adult Ticket, you’ll Receive a Child’s Ticket FREE.
And don't forget to visit Zuri while you're at Hogle Zoo, she's even better in person!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Zuri's Mud Puddle
What's better than cooling off on a hot summer day than in a nice mud puddle? Zuri's got that one down!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Target Training
We've told you a little about Zuri's training... now we'll show you! That yellow stick in the keeper's hand is called a target. It's got a soft foam tip that is brightly colored so that Zuri knows where the keepers want her to move. And when she touches the target with her trunk, she gets a treat!
You can also see that you're never too old for training, as momma Christie does some work herself!
You can also see that you're never too old for training, as momma Christie does some work herself!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
We're gonna' need a bigger boat...
...or wading pool.
The keepers say they go through "quite a few" wading pools for little Zuri, but try to reuse them as often as possible! "We just bang out the dents and let her go for it again and again," they added for some guests who were watching Zuri "swim." Too cute, and Zuri is such a good baby.
You can see more videos of Zuri and more on Hogle Zoo's Official YouTube Channel!
The keepers say they go through "quite a few" wading pools for little Zuri, but try to reuse them as often as possible! "We just bang out the dents and let her go for it again and again," they added for some guests who were watching Zuri "swim." Too cute, and Zuri is such a good baby.
You can see more videos of Zuri and more on Hogle Zoo's Official YouTube Channel!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Running Through the Sprinklers
The young 'uns always love running through the sprinklers!
Just another summery Saturday with a cool water hose and Zuri at Hogle Zoo...
Just another summery Saturday with a cool water hose and Zuri at Hogle Zoo...
Thursday, June 17, 2010
They grow up so fast!!
Right now little Zuri is 756 pounds. Little? Well, compared to Christie who weighs in at about seven thousand pounds! Not only do the little ones grow up so quickly in weight, but Zuri is also growing through her training.
One thing the Elephant Encounter keepers are working on is separating Zuri and Christie for a short amount of time to work on training separately. For a few minutes a day, Zuri goes out into the yard by herself and there were even a couple of times where Zuri did an Elephant Encounter program all by herself! The crowd was thrilled and Zuri got some grapes-- her new favorite training treat. It doesn't happen for very long, Zuri still wants to be with her momma, and the two are always happy to see each other.
We'll have some great Zuri pictures posted this weekend now that the weather is cooperating, but in the meantime why don't you check out Zuri and Christie during one of our two daily programs at Elephant Encounter? The training programs are at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Also, if you need a little Zuri fix while you're sitting at your computer right now, be sure to check out our Facebook page photos submitted by staff and followers and "like" us if you don't already!
One thing the Elephant Encounter keepers are working on is separating Zuri and Christie for a short amount of time to work on training separately. For a few minutes a day, Zuri goes out into the yard by herself and there were even a couple of times where Zuri did an Elephant Encounter program all by herself! The crowd was thrilled and Zuri got some grapes-- her new favorite training treat. It doesn't happen for very long, Zuri still wants to be with her momma, and the two are always happy to see each other.
We'll have some great Zuri pictures posted this weekend now that the weather is cooperating, but in the meantime why don't you check out Zuri and Christie during one of our two daily programs at Elephant Encounter? The training programs are at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Also, if you need a little Zuri fix while you're sitting at your computer right now, be sure to check out our Facebook page photos submitted by staff and followers and "like" us if you don't already!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Summer of Magpies
You know summer has arrived when you can find those twice-daily programs at Elephant Encounter. Visitors are thrilled to see Baby Zuri working alongside with her mom Christie each day, while learning more about how our keepers make sure the elephants are healthy.
Outside of the programs, however, Zuri has quite a bit of fun chasing magpies around her yard. Keepers talk about how Zuri really makes sure her yard is "secure!" They say, "Zuri sees the birds land and then readies for a charge by putting her ears up and back and running straight for them." Of course, nobody gets hurt, but like a baby, Zuri is curious about everything she encounters.
Elephant programs at Elephant Encounter are every day at 10:30 and 1:30. Be sure to get there early for a good spot and be sure to ask questions!
Outside of the programs, however, Zuri has quite a bit of fun chasing magpies around her yard. Keepers talk about how Zuri really makes sure her yard is "secure!" They say, "Zuri sees the birds land and then readies for a charge by putting her ears up and back and running straight for them." Of course, nobody gets hurt, but like a baby, Zuri is curious about everything she encounters.
Elephant programs at Elephant Encounter are every day at 10:30 and 1:30. Be sure to get there early for a good spot and be sure to ask questions!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Summer School
Though many of your kids might be out of school for the summer, this is the time that Baby Zuri is in school learning and training with her keepers. One of the keepers at Elephant Encounter recently said that they work on Zuri's training four to six times a day now that the weather is nice outside.
Right now Zuri is working on body positioning training to help the keepers take better care of her. If Zuri learns to back up, or present her side now, it will greatly ease the care in which she receives. Body positioning helps make it easier to bathe Zuri, as well as give inspections to make sure she's healthy and happy.
We always practice positive reinforcement with our Hogle Zoo animals, and Baby Zuri is no exception. If she doesn't feel like working during her training sessions, she doesn't have to, but it's hard for her to resist when she's got some of her favorite treats for rewards! Just like a little baby, Zuri's tastes for reward treats are changing. For a few months, she really loved pomegranate juice for rewards; now she's off the juice and looks forward to bananas and bread for a training job well done.
Remember when you come to Hogle Zoo this summer, Zuri's still a baby! Though she weighs in at just a little bit under 750 pounds, she's still growing quickly and will celebrate her first birthday later on this summer! It's also Dari's 50th birthday (she's the oldest African elephant in accredited North American zoos!) this summer, so keep an eye on our events calendar here to make sure you're part of the festivities.
Right now Zuri is working on body positioning training to help the keepers take better care of her. If Zuri learns to back up, or present her side now, it will greatly ease the care in which she receives. Body positioning helps make it easier to bathe Zuri, as well as give inspections to make sure she's healthy and happy.
We always practice positive reinforcement with our Hogle Zoo animals, and Baby Zuri is no exception. If she doesn't feel like working during her training sessions, she doesn't have to, but it's hard for her to resist when she's got some of her favorite treats for rewards! Just like a little baby, Zuri's tastes for reward treats are changing. For a few months, she really loved pomegranate juice for rewards; now she's off the juice and looks forward to bananas and bread for a training job well done.
Remember when you come to Hogle Zoo this summer, Zuri's still a baby! Though she weighs in at just a little bit under 750 pounds, she's still growing quickly and will celebrate her first birthday later on this summer! It's also Dari's 50th birthday (she's the oldest African elephant in accredited North American zoos!) this summer, so keep an eye on our events calendar here to make sure you're part of the festivities.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Training and the meaning of "Foot"
Zuri loves today’s springtime weather! In fact, we’ve hit a major milestone for this time of year—Zuri and Christie have access to their outside yard where they can choose to be in or out at night because the temperatures are so mild.
Just the other morning when our keepers came in to start their day, they had a little laugh when they saw sleeping Zuri; They found her outside in the working yard at Elephant Encounter, sound asleep in her kiddie pool! She’s such a funny baby playing in her hay-filled pool and then getting all tuckered out.
Zuri’s training is coming along nicely too, right now she’s learning “foot” which is a very important behavior for elephants. “Foot” is essential to help the keepers take great care of the elephant’s foot pads. When Zuri learns “foot,” she’ll know to present to the keeper the underside of her foot so they can make sure that there is nothing stuck in her foot to cause any problems, and this will also help with care of her toenails.
Just the other morning when our keepers came in to start their day, they had a little laugh when they saw sleeping Zuri; They found her outside in the working yard at Elephant Encounter, sound asleep in her kiddie pool! She’s such a funny baby playing in her hay-filled pool and then getting all tuckered out.
Zuri’s training is coming along nicely too, right now she’s learning “foot” which is a very important behavior for elephants. “Foot” is essential to help the keepers take great care of the elephant’s foot pads. When Zuri learns “foot,” she’ll know to present to the keeper the underside of her foot so they can make sure that there is nothing stuck in her foot to cause any problems, and this will also help with care of her toenails.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Pomegranate Juice Treats
With the snow from this week's storm melting, Zuri will be on exhibit more often toward the end of this week. Still, she is benefiting from the training she is getting from her keepers as she and Christie gear up for this summer's training programs.
Zuri's current favorite method of positive reinforcement? The pomegranate juice treat!! Just the other day, Zuri was getting a pomegranate juice reward for a training session well-done and was so excited she did a headstand! We don't know whose reinforcement was more positive; Zuri's treat or the keepers getting the treat of seeing Zuri's enjoyment.
Hogle Zoo will continue seasonal Pachyderm Programs at Elephant Encounter beginning May 1. These programs showcase the training and behavioral enrichment provided to the elephants, and Zuri will be there right alongside her mom. There are two Pachyderm Programs every day: one at 10:30 am and one at 1:30 pm.
Zuri's current favorite method of positive reinforcement? The pomegranate juice treat!! Just the other day, Zuri was getting a pomegranate juice reward for a training session well-done and was so excited she did a headstand! We don't know whose reinforcement was more positive; Zuri's treat or the keepers getting the treat of seeing Zuri's enjoyment.
Hogle Zoo will continue seasonal Pachyderm Programs at Elephant Encounter beginning May 1. These programs showcase the training and behavioral enrichment provided to the elephants, and Zuri will be there right alongside her mom. There are two Pachyderm Programs every day: one at 10:30 am and one at 1:30 pm.
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