Latest news with #PhoenixZoo
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Should You Sunscreen Your Cat?
The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. For all of the eons that animal life has existed on Earth, the sun has been there too. And for all of those eons, animal life has had only one solution for intense exposure to the sun: evolution. Some creatures have thick, dark skin that's resistant to UV harm; others sprout fur, scales, or feathers that block the sun's rays. Many fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds may produce a compound that protects their cells against the sun's damaging effects. Hippos, weirdly, ooze a reddish, mucus-y liquid from their pores that absorbs light before it can destroy their skin. And plenty of creatures have evolved behaviors that take advantage of their environment—rolling around in dirt or mud, simply retreating into the shade. But certain modern animals have sun problems that natural selection can't easily solve. Some reside at zoos that can't perfectly replicate their habitat; others live at latitudes that their ancestors didn't experience. Others spend too much time sunbathing in a living-room window, or sport sparse or light-colored fur or hair because their domesticators liked the way it looked. For these animals, people have come up with a shorter-term solution: sunscreen. If, that is, a creature is willing to accept the treatment. Indu, an Asian elephant who lived at the Phoenix Zoo, was game. A few years ago, Heather Wright, one of the zookeepers, noticed the tops of Indu's ears pinking, peeling, and flaking in the summer heat, much like her human keepers' did. So her caretakers picked up some zinc-oxide-based sunblock—specially formulated for sensitive (human) skin—and dabbed it on the elephant. Indu, to be fair, was used to a level of care most wild animals don't enjoy. 'We had already been applying lotion,' to manage dryness, Wright told me. The elephant knew the drill: Once in the barn, she'd lumber up to a window with an opening for her ear and stick the appendage through. As far as zoo staff members could tell, the treatment helped. 'There's nothing magical' about other animals' skin, Leslie Easterwood, a large-animal veterinarian at Texas A&M University, told me: Bake it in the sun, and it will burn. Scientists have spotted whales suffering from sunburns; cats, dogs, horses—even alpacas, turtles, and penguins—can develop all kinds of skin cancers. Pigs, in particular, 'have skin most similar to humans,' Mitchell Song, a veterinary dermatologist based in Arizona told me. At Zoo Miami, keepers have spread mud on older, arthritic wild pigs who can't wallow as well as they did in their youth; they've also applied sunscreen to a babirusa, a species of swine native to Indonesia's forests, and to a Kunekune pig, Gwen Myers, the zoo's chief of animal health, told me. In some sunny places, vets commonly recommend sunscreen for pets and other domesticated creatures, especially light-colored dogs and horses. Steve Valeika, a veterinarian in North Carolina, advises the same for 'white cats that go outside.' This particular conundrum is one of our own making. 'You don't see a lot of white-skinned animals in the wild,' Anthea Schick, a veterinary dermatologist in Arizona, told me. Only thanks to generations of selective breeding have they become a frequent presence in and around people's homes. Of course, to sunscreen your pet, you have to … sunscreen your pet. Some pet owners, vets told me, are definitely flummoxed by the suggestion: 'It's not widely discussed,' Schick told me. Vets are more unified in recommending teeth brushing for cats—and most cat owners still just decide they'd rather not. But some animals would certainly benefit from block: Schick told me she's seen her fair share of badly burned dogs, especially after long bouts of sunbathing that scorch their bellies. 'We see a lot of sun-induced skin cancers that could be avoided,' she said. Pit bulls, Dalmatians, and other short-haired breeds are especially vulnerable; even long-haired white cats are sensitive around their eyes, their nose, and the tips of their ears. And Easterwood estimates that the majority of paint horses, left unprotected, will eventually develop skin issues. Squamous-cell-carcinoma cases make up the majority of her workload: 'I see it every single day,' she said. The vets I spoke with generally agreed: Don't bother with sprays, which a lot of animals find annoying or downright terrifying; reapply often, and well; it is way, way, way harder to sunscreen a cat than a dog, though some brave souls manage it. But although some vets recommended human sunscreens, formulated for kids or sensitive skin, others told me they preferred blends marketed for animals. (The FDA has dubbed just one pet sunscreen, made by a company called Epi-Pet and marketed to dogs and horses, 'FDA compliant'—not the same as FDA approval, which requires rigorous safety testing.) Several warned against zinc oxide, which can be toxic to animals if ingested in large quantities; others felt that zinc oxide was worth the risk, unless administered to a tongue-bathing cat. Regardless of the product they're offered, most animals generally aren't as eager as Indu to subject themselves to a human-led sun-protection ritual. And even she was usually plied with a five-gallon bucket of fruits and vegetables while her keepers tended her ears. At Zoo Miami, keeper Madison Chamizo told me she and her colleagues had to spend months training an okapi—an African mammal closely related to a giraffe—to accept caretakers gently scrubbing sunscreen onto her back with a modified Scotch-Brite dishwand, after she lost some patches of hair on her back to a fungal infection. But for creatures in very sunny parts of the world, the alternatives are, essentially, being cooped up indoors, kept away from windows, or wrestled into full-body sunsuits. (Some dogs don't mind; cats, once again, are unlikely to comply.) And some sun-related problems, sunscreen can't fix. Gary West, the Phoenix Zoo's vet, told me he suspects that UV glare has caused eye inflammation in some of his animals; Myers, in Miami, worries about the sensitive skin around some species' eyes. 'They're not really going to wear sunglasses for us,' Myers told me. So she and her colleagues have started to wonder: 'Gosh, is this an animal that we could put a sun visor on?' Article originally published at The Atlantic Solve the daily Crossword
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Are zoos necessary?
Merriam Webster defines zoo as 'a facility with usually indoor and outdoor settings where living, typically wild animals are kept especially for public exhibition'. Cambridge dictionary defines it as 'an area in which animals, especially wild animals, are kept so that people can go and look at them or study them'. Oxford Learner's Dictionaries define it as 'a place where many kinds of wild animals are kept for the public to see and where they are studied, bred (kept in order to produce young) and protected'. All the modern day definitions about zoos centre around them being used as facilities for studying animals and their public exhibition. Proponents of zoos often cite the crucial role zoos play in conservation. While this may be true, it is hardly unlikely that the countless zoos around the world are involved in the conservation efforts of an endangered species. Most exist as centres of amusement and fascination, a recreational facility you walk in and leave. So what exactly are zoos? In the modern day world, as human consciousness and empathy evolve, how should we approach zoos? Are they ethical? We dive into the big debate—do zoos do more harm than good? A brief history Also called zoological garden or zoological park, a zoo, in modern day definition, has been used to house captive animals for study, research, recreation and conservation purposes. But how did it all start? Humans have always been fascinated by animals and their charisma. Long ago, we are talking about centuries here, zoos were created as private collections by the wealthy. These were called menageries, representations of which can be seen in the wall carvings in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Other civilisations such as China, Greece, and Rome also had zoos. Then during the 18th Century, during the Age of Enlightenment, modern zoos became centres of interest for the scientific community, where people could research and study animal behaviour. The first modern zoo thus opened in France, in 1793. Earlier, animals were kept in cramped cages. Over time, with people advocating for the rights of animals, zoos started incorporating wild-like environments, natural habitats and allocating more space for the animals that are in captivity. But are these measures enough? In defence of the zoo According to the advocates of zoos and some conservationists, zoos play a huge role in saving endangered species, educating the public and helping them develop an appreciation of other species. Let's look at the animals that could be saved by zoos after they became extinct in the wild. For instance, take the case of the Arabian Oryx which was hunted to extinction in the wild. It was following the conservation efforts by the Phoenix Zoo and other organisations that this animal could be reintroduced back into the wild. The Przewalski's Horse is another, which could be saved after it went completely extinct in the wild. The same applies in the case of the majestic bird California Condor, or the antelope Bongo or the golden Lion Tamarin. It is the captive breeding programmes in zoos and other organisations that helped save these species. A study published in the journal Conservation Letters in 2021 cites that '...the extinction of at least 28–48 bird and mammal species was prevented between 1993–2020, and of 11–25 bird and mammal species between 2010–2020'. It is argued that zoos not only educate people but also serve as a person's first introduction to wild animals. Maybe it is by locking eyes with a tiger that a kid might take an interest in studying zoology or want to grow up and become a wildlife conservationist. Seeing animals at close quarters can make it an extremely personal experience, which could impact one in more ways than one. But do these human-animal experiences and other positive outcomes justify keeping wild animals against their will—away from their natural habitats, instincts, and kin? Not to mention commodifying wildlife? The dark side of zoos If you were to ask any animal on its willingness to be kept in a cage, we all know what the answer is going to be. Incidents of animals escaping their enclosures tell us what we really want to know. No one wants to be restricted; freedom is important to all beings, human or nonhuman. And zoos cannot simulate the conditions of the wild. Several researches have proven how animals kept in captivity exhibit signs of distress and stress. These include repeated motions, pacing, swaying, bobbing of head etc. This is called zoochosis. These psychological stressors and symptoms get exacerbated due to what is referred to as the 'visitor effect' –the stress a visitor contributes, due to their presence and loudness. The economics of zoos cannot be ignored. Come any holiday season, zoos always witness an influx of people. For most people, zoos are centres of recreation, where you go to gawk at animals. The breeding of charismatic animals is also one of the ways zoos try to increase footfalls, as cute animal babies always draw a crowd. But captive breeding programmes can also lead to inbreeding, following which the babies could end up with deformities and health problems. This human-nonhuman relationship hasn't always been in the best interests of the animals. Take the case of Marius. Some 11 years ago, Marius was all over the news. The 18-month-old healthy giraffe was considered useless for breeding by the Copenhagen zoo which decided to kill it. Despite protests and petitions and even zoos and agencies offering to take in Marius, he was shot dead and dissected in front of a large crowd, which even included children. Can a mindset shift help? Next time you visit a zoo and stare at any of the charismatic animals, take a moment to reflect as to how (and if) watching the animal in the confines has enriched your perspective and understanding about animals. Or did it just remind you of the stark reality these animals face on a daily basis, of waking up and pacing about in the restricted, human-made area, where people like you and me regard them as cute artifacts, and fated to live a life devoid of even the quiet freedoms we enjoy?
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Celebrate Phoenix on 602 day with discounts and deals on food, tickets and more
Your area code is probably a pretty insignificant part of your life, unless it's June 2. Have you ever heard of Area Code Day? It's a way for cities around the country to embrace their local flare and uniqueness on the calendar date that corresponds with their local area code. Phoenix's area code day is 602 Day, which falls on June 2. If nothing else, 602 Day is a great excuse to go out and support your local businesses or meet fellow community members. Not only will there be themed deals on food, products and admission to local attractions, but the City of Phoenix will host events throughout the Valley. Here's what to know. 602 Day is an annual celebration of Arizona's capital city and its local businesses. Phoenix partners with retailers and restaurants to offer special discounts and deals. The city also collaborates with organizations to host events and activities that promote community spirit. 602 Day is celebrated exclusively in Phoenix on June 2, because the date, written in MM/YY format, is the same as the Phoenix area code. In 2025, it falls on Monday, June 2. More than 250 businesses in the greater Phoenix area are celebrating with the community. Randy's Donuts: Enjoy $6.02 off any dozen May 30 through June 3. Lime: Purchase a 1-day ride pass for $6.02. Desert Botanical Garden: Admission will cost only $6.02 on June 2. Phoenix Zoo: Between 6:02 a.m. and 1 p.m. on June 2, admission will cost just $6.02. Tickets must be purchased online. Select gift shop and food items will also cost $6.02. The Yard Milkshake Bar: Purchase a scoop bowl or cone for $6.02. Valid at the Phoenix location on Jefferson Street. : Tickets for the series of baseball games against the Seattle Mariners (June 9 through 11) will be $6.02. Children's Museum of Phoenix: The 602nd visitor on June 2 will receive a surprise gift. The museum will also have a 602-second-long story time and gift shop and cafe promotions. Arizona Science Center: General admission will cost $6.02 all day June 2. The VIG: Celebrate with $6.02 house margaritas, valid at the Fillmore location. BARCOA: Candy tequila shots and a specialty cocktail for $6.02 each. Yoga Hause: $6.02 sound healing. Valley Youth Theatre: Family of four packages for the 2025-2026 season will cost $602. Fair Trade Cafe: Phoenix Cold Brews for $6.02. Orange Blossom Pilates: One Pilates class for $6.02. Rainbow Donuts: Four choices of regular-size donuts for $6.02. Phoenix Art Museum: General admission for seniors and youth ages 6-17 for $6.02. First Draft Book Bar inside Changing Hands Bookstore: $6.02 croissant and drip coffee, and $6.02 draft beer and wine on tap. Window Coffee Bar: $1 off drinks. Zia Records: Free sticker with purchase. Books on 7th Ave: 15% discount. The Mexicano: Enjoy any two tacos with rice and beans for $6.02 in the restaurant's "happy hour area" on June 2. The Sicilian Butcher: Discount of $6.02 on their "BYO Pasta." Arizona Rattlers Indoor Football: $6.02 tickets for two regular season home games: June 28 and July 12. Arizona State Fair: $6.02 fair admission ticket (four tickets per transaction). This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 602 Day in Phoenix: How to get discounts on food and more
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Phoenix Zoo mourns Mystic the Mountain Lion
The Brief Mystic the Mountain Lion has died, the Phoenix Zoo said on May 15. She was humanely euthanized due to advanced renal failure. Her death comes months after her sister, Sierra, died from the same disease. PHOENIX - The Phoenix Zoo is mourning the loss of Mystic the Mountain Lion just months after losing her sister. What they're saying "It is with a heavy heart we share that 18-year-old mountain lion, Mystic, was humanely euthanized this week due to rapidly declining health caused by advanced renal failure. Her sister, Sierra, passed away in February of the same disease," the Phoenix Zoo said on May 15. The zoo says Mystic and her sister Sierra arrived in Phoenix as orphaned cubs from South Dakota. "Our keepers and staff cared for the sisters for the last 17 years and are dearly missing their secretive but sweet nature," the zoo said. When the zoo's new Big Cats of Arizona exhibit opened, Mystic moved in to her new home. "We feel fortunate to have witnessed her exploring the space and having the chance to welcome guests to the new habitat," the zoo said. The zoo says Mystic and Sierra are the blueprint for how they support and raise orphaned mountain lions. "We celebrate their legacy and impact by continuing to grant second chances at life, starting with Fern and Thistle who will be joining us later this summer," the zoo said.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Phoenix Zoo has no plans to replace Indu the Asian elephant anytime soon
The Phoenix Zoo has no plans to bring in another elephant following the May 8 euthanasia of 59-year-old Indu, a spokesperson confirmed. Indu had been sharing the habitat with two one-horned rhinos, named Chutti and Bhotu, the spokesperson, Linda Hardwick, said in an email on May 10. Those rhinos would stay in the habitat, she said. Indu had undergone treatment for osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that weakens cartilage over time, zoo official said, and had been struggling with age-related illnesses. Although the zoo had been giving Indu medication, treatment and therapies, she still appeared to be in discomfort, the zoo said. Staff also saw a decline in her mobility and overall health. That led to the decision to euthanize her. Her care team surrounded her as she died, zoo officials said. The president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, Bert Castro, said that Indu's 'legacy will live on through the stories we share, the connections she helped people form with wildlife and our continued commitment to the highest standards of animal care. She will be profoundly missed.' 'Her legacy will live on': Phoenix Zoo announces death of 59-year-old Asian elephant Indu This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Zoo has no plans to replace Indu the Asian elephant
