Latest news with #RiverbanksZooandGarden
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Zoo's tortoises become first-time parents ... aged about 100
A pair of critically endangered giant tortoises aged about 100 years old have become first-time parents at Philadelphia Zoo. The zoo said this week it was "overjoyed" at the arrival of four hatchlings from Abrazzo and Mommy, a pair Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises. The births were a "first" in the zoo's 150-plus-year history, it said, and Mommy - who arrived in 1932 - was the oldest known first-time mother of her species. Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are critically endangered in the wild, and there are fewer than 50 kept in US zoos. The first of Abrazzo and Mommy's eggs hatched on 27 February, and others quickly followed. The zoo's animal care team is monitoring others that could still hatch in the coming weeks. The four hatchlings weigh between 70 and 80 grams. They are being kept behind-the-scenes, inside Philadelphia Zoo's Reptile and Amphibian House, and are "eating and growing appropriately", the zoo said. It is planning a public debut of the quartet on Wednesday 23 April, which is "the 93rd anniversary of Mommy's arrival at the zoo". The hatchlings are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' breeding programme, aimed at the survival of species and genetic diversity. "This is a significant milestone in the history of Philadelphia Zoo, and we couldn't be more excited to share this news with our city, region and the world," the zoo's president and CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman said in a statement. "Mommy arrived at the zoo in 1932, meaning anyone that has visited the zoo for the last 92 years has likely seen her," Ms Mogerman said. Abrazzo is a newer arrival, having moved to Philadelphia in 2020 after previously living at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina. "Philadelphia Zoo's vision is that those hatchlings will be a part of a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises on our healthy planet 100 years from now," she added. First giant Galapagos tortoises born in UK zoo Baby tortoises wrapped in plastic found in suitcase
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden mourns the loss of beloved Amur Tiger Koshka
COLUMBIA, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden announced Thursday the death of its beloved Amur Tiger Koshka, who was nearly 20 years old. 'Koshka was an integral part of the Riverbanks family and a true ambassador for her species,' said Tommy Stringfellow, President and CEO of Riverbanks. 'Her presence touched the lives of countless visitors and staff members over the years, inspiring a deep appreciation for tiger conservation.' Koshka exceeded the median life expectancy of 14 to 16 years for Amur tigers in human care, as she lived almost 20 years. Zoo officials say she benefited from laser therapy for arthritis, husbandry practices designed to support animals well into their golden years, and regular check-ups with the veterinary team. Koshka gave birth to four cubs. With fewer than 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild, zoo officials note her contribution to the breeding program in human care was significant. Officials say Koshka was known for her intelligence and willingness to work with her keepers on training goals. She actively participated in her own healthcare, allowing animal care staff to administer treatments through voluntary injections, nail trims, fluid supplementation, and laser therapy that kept her comfortable and active as she aged. Visitors to Riverbanks often had the pleasure of watching Koshka patrol her yard or hearing her evening calls as she announced her territory or answered the lions living next door. In her advanced age, Koshka faced challenges associated with intervertebral disc disease, a condition common in large, geriatric cats. Despite the dedicated efforts of the veterinary and animal care teams, her condition progressed, affecting her mobility and quality of life. After monitoring her continually declining condition, careful consideration and consultation with the veterinary team, zoo officials said the difficult decision was made to euthanize Koshka. 'Koshka serves as an inspiration, reminding everyone of the importance of wildlife conservation and the profound impact that animal care can have,' said Dr. Martha Weber, Director of Animal Health at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. 'Her memory will continue to inspire and educate future generations about Amur tigers and the critical need for their protection. We are grateful for the time we spent with Koshka and the impact she had on conservation awareness.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Beloved and rare, endangered tiger dies at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC, keepers say
An Amur tiger that entertained guests at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for nearly two decades has died, zookeepers announced. Koshka, a 19-year-old Amur, or Siberian, tiger, was euthanized this week after her health declined due to age, a news release said. With fewer than 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild, Koshka was an endangered species. Amur tigers typically live between 14 and 16 years in captivity. Koshka's longevity was supported by laser therapy for arthritis, husbandry practices and regular checkups by the zoo's veterinary team, the release said. 'Koshka was an integral part of the Riverbanks family and a true ambassador for her species,' said Riverbanks President and CEO Tommy Stringfellow in a news release. 'Her presence touched the lives of countless visitors and staff members over the years, inspiring a deep appreciation for tiger conservation.' A member of the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan, Koshka contributed to the survival of her species by giving birth to four cubs while housed at the zoo, the release said. 'Visitors to Riverbanks often had the pleasure of watching Koshka patrol her yard or hearing her evening calls as she announced her territory or answered the lions living next door,' the release said. 'Winter was her favorite season in South Carolina, and she particularly enjoyed a rare snow day this past January, showcasing her natural adaptations to colder climates.' As she got older, Koshka began suffering from intervertebral disc disease, a condition common in large geriatric cats, according to the release. Zookeepers made the 'difficult' decision to euthanize Koshka due to her condition worsening, which affected her mobility and quality of life, the release said. 'Koshka serves as an inspiration, reminding everyone of the importance of wildlife conservation and the profound impact that animal care can have,' said Dr. Martha Weber, Director of Animal Health at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, in a news release. 'Her memory will continue to inspire and educate future generations about Amur tigers and the critical need for their protection. We are grateful for the time we spent with Koshka and the impact she had on conservation awareness.'
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gondola-style skyride under construction at South Carolina's largest zoo
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Construction is underway on a gondola system offering a bird's eye view of South Carolina's largest zoo. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is home to over 300 animals and sprawling botanical gardens in the state's capital city, is building an aerial lift, called the 'Saluda Skyride,' that will carry guests across the Saluda River between the Zoo and Botanical Garden. The gondola-style system will feature 19 cabins to accommodate up to eight passengers for a two-and-a-half-minute ride. It's expected to open later this year. 'The Saluda Skyride is a symbol of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's commitment to innovation, conservation, community, and economic growth,' said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. 'We're excited to offer this experience to our visitors while advancing our mission of environmental stewardship.' According to the zoo, the Saluda Skyride will be a pay-once, ride-all-day experience with tiered pricing options and special discounts for Riverbanks members. 'We're not just building an attraction; we're creating a new way for our community to connect with nature and each other,' said Lochlan Wooten, Chief Operations Officer at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. 'The Saluda Skyride is just the beginning of our vision for the future of Riverbanks.' Zoo officials said the transportation system was carefully planned to minimize land disturbance, protect wildlife habitats, and create new opportunities for native species. Those behind the project worked closely with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to implement strategies that 'ensure the well-being of sensitive wetland ecosystems and local wildlife.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
