Reptiles and primates - An interesting combo

I had a lovely day at the zoo on Sunday. I worked on the primate and reptile sections, which was great since they're still very new to me and I always enjoy doing this I haven't done before. I started the day by cleaning out the squirrel monkeys, which I described to you last time.

I also got to spend time in the reptile house. I got to 'supervise' as the head keeper got one of the snakes out of the back to show the public (there is a rule that the snakes should only be handled with two keepers present). Suzie is an albino Burmese python; she is very large for an albino but not yet fully grown.

Once Suzie was put away, Steve got out one of the smaller snakes for me to hold – My first real snake holding experience, aside from the tiny green snake that some of you will remember in Nova Scotia. He also took the time to tell me about some of the snakes and turtles they have there.

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Back to primates, we also spent a good part of the morning giving the indoor gibbon enclosures a thorough clean. They're hoping that one of the gibbons is pregnant which would be fantastic for the keepers and the zoo. The tests have come back inconclusive so far, so fingers crossed.

Just before lunch, I got to feed Mr Jingles. I have a real soft spot for sloths so Mr Jingles is definitely a favourite of mine, and I love being able to hand feed him. I could reach him too so that was an improvement on last time. ;-)

To top off a great day with the primates, we spent some time in with the black and white lemurs. It’s always really special to spend some time with the animals and this was no exception. Although I wasn’t particularly sure about the lemurs climbing down my back where I couldn’t see them, it was great being able to make a fuss of them; I even got some licks from one of the males.

Obviously, this is not a picture of black and white lemurs; but here are a couple of ring-tails during the Feed a lemur experience. 

Then finally, the new tiger arrived. Narnia, the white tiger was moved down to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent and has been replaced with Indy. They're hoping that Indy will get on better with Rocky, the male tiger and that they'll be able to share an enclosure. Rocky and Narnia had to be kept separated as they didn't get along.

A number of keepers, including myself had to help carry the moving crate into the separation enclosure so that she could be released. She went straight indoors so I couldn’t get a proper look at her, but hopefully I’ll have time for a visit now that she has settled in a bit.

Facts of the Week

Two-toed Sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni)

•  The sloth is the world's slowest animal. So slow, that algae can grow it's fur. This provides camoflage.
• They spend most of their time hanging from trees, even when sleeping (which they do for 15-20 hours a day).
• They are usually nocturnal, feeding at night.
• They are very good swimmers.
• While two-toed sloths can survive well in captivity, three-toed sloths can not.