We were lucky enough to get a behind the scenes tour at the Waco zoo today. We got to pet a rhino bottom, and hear an elephant play the harmonica. We lead such an exciting life! Ethyl the rhino has only recently arrived and misses her mama. She has adopted Babe, the other female as a surrogate parent, which doesn't please Babe. They will work it out. Ethyl the rhino ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) Temba the elephant was in a playful mood since the weather was cold and she was confined to her indoor quarters. She did present her feet for inspection, and played the harmonica for us (holding the harmonica in her trunk and blowing through it). She also blew some other stuff in our direction. Luckily she hadn't eaten garlic recently. Elephants need manicures, too! ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) We visited the first set of tiger cubs, who are now 18 months old and will be sent to another zoo to augment their breeding program. We got to visit with the three new cubs and their mother. When impending birth caused the mother tiger to be separated from her mate, she was quite upset. The keepers put a mirror against the wall so they could see each other, and both were happier. Almost baby tigers ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) We had offered pound jars of honey as treats/training aids for the orangutans, and the mammal curator mentioned that Donna the bear had allergy problems, and that local honey might help her. The thought of a sneezing bear, irritable with runny eyes, was horrific! We took a jar for Donna, hoping it will help her allergies (or her temperament). So, today we got to pet a rhino's bottom, see tiger cubs, hear a harmonica-playing elephant, and have a grand day at the zoo! Donna the bear ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden )
One never thinks of animal allergies but now that you mention it, I suppose why not. Do they know what causes her allergy? Jerry
What a lovely way to spend a day!! I hope Donna's condition improves soon and that Babe will grow fond of Ethyl and begin to enjoy her company.
Jerry, they are trying to find out what causes Donna's allergies. They think it is plant-related, since her symptoms have abated some since our first hard freeze. Food was considered, as were various items in her habitat. According to the curator, she gets very irritable when she is having an attack, and has to be segregated from the other bear. The poor thing actually has sneezing fits!
You are the lucky one, aren't you. It must have been so interesting as well as fun. I wonder how your honey will help Donna. Do let us know about that, oké? I liked hearing how each animal had a little story. I can imagine that that working in a zoo might be a fulfilling job. Wow though!--quart jars of honey for the orang utans! They must have a serious sweet tooth.
