Twelve New Animals Arrive at the Lake Superior Zoo
If you are looking for a fun family day that the kids will love, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Lake Superior Zoo. Recently, there have been many new additions to our zoo so it may be time to make another visit.
At the zoo’s Primate Conservation Center, the ring-tailed lemur troop welcomed its second set of twins born this summer. The twin females were born on June 29th. A previous set of twins, a male and a female were born on May 31st. The zoo’s ring-tailed lemur troop arrived in January from the Indianapolis Zoo and are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The breeding and resulting live births are important to the conservation efforts for captive ring-tailed lemurs in the United States. The troop now consists 6 adults and 4 babies, spanning four generations.
The Lake Superior Zoo’s Director of Animal Management, Maicie Sykes commented recently on the newest animals born at the zoo. “Our team is proud of the six successful births we’ve had at the zoo’s Primate Conservation Center this past year—two Angolan colobus and four ring-tailed lemurs. We are privileged to be a partner in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan.”
At the zoo’s Nocturnal Building three new species of animals have been added:
- The African crested porcupine is the largest porcupine in the world. These animals can weigh up to 60 pounds and have very, very long quills.
- The six-banded armadillo hails from the savannahs of South America and is covered by six hard and moveable plates and fine brown hair. Its claws are well-developed for digging.
- Southern flying squirrels are the only flying squirrels found in North America. Using a fur-covered membrane called a patagium, which extends between the front and rear legs, the squirrels glide from tree to tree. The zoo has acquired three males.
The zoo’s Australia and Oceania Building has three new species of animals:
- Two pairs of critically endangered spiny and golden coin turtles are now on exhibit.
- Spiny turtles have also been called “walking pin cushions” because of the sharp and pointy edges around its shell.
- Golden coin turtles are hailed as one of the most endangered turtle species in the world. Its threatened extinction in the wild is due to the illegal pet trade and its use in Chinese folk medicine.
While not native to Australia or Oceania, the zoo has acquired an American alligator as an opportunity to teach guests about the differences between Australian crocodiles and American alligators. This specimen was confiscated after it was discovered in a home in Wisconsin. The zoo would like to remind the public that alligators, like other wild animals, are not appropriate pets.
The Lake Superior Zoo is open daily 9 am – 5 pm. For more information go to: www.LSZooDuluth.orgor contact the Lake Superior Zoological Society at (218) 730-4500.
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