Media News

On March 28^th, for the first time in Zoo Miami’s history, a crested coua hatched and is being raised at the zoo’s Avian Propagation Center!  Crested couas are medium-sized tree-dwelling birds endemic to the forests, shrublands, and savannas of Madagascar.  These long-tailed birds are from the cuckoo family and get their name from the distinct grey crest along with the sound of their call.  Another distinct feature couas possess is brightly colored bare skin surrounding the eyes.  They are weak flyers and prefer to hop or take short flights between branches in the trees.  Couas feed on a variety of insects, fruits, berries, seeds, and small reptiles. 

One of the most unique traits associated with couas is seen in the hatchlings.  To draw attention from the parents and help guide them to where to place food, coua chicks have distinct red and white “bullseyes” in their mouths.  When hungry, they will open their mouths widely and flash these very distinct targets while shaking their heads incessantly.  The parent will then place the food on those targets, facilitating the hatchlings’ ability to easily swallow it.  

Crested couas are listed as a species of least concern.  However, their numbers have been decreasing due to habitat loss throughout Madagascar.  The Avian Propagation Center is designed to work in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) community to increase the populations of rare, endangered, and underrepresented species. 

Photos by: Ron Magill

It is with profound sadness that Zoo Miami announces the death of a juvenile giraffe that was born on December 15^th.  The young female was found deceased early Saturday morning by Animal Science staff and was then transported to the Zoo Animal Health Facility where a necropsy was performed.  The results of the necropsy confirmed that the cause of death was a broken neck. 

Because the event that led to this trauma happened overnight and was not personally observed, zoo officials can only speculate that something startled the animal and caused it to run into a fence, resulting in the fatal injury.  No other giraffe in the herd displayed any signs of trauma, and all have since returned to their normal routines without incident.  Zoo staff continue to closely monitor the herd for any indication of stress or abnormal behavior while searching for any indication of what may have led to this very sad incident. 

Zoo Miami has had an exceptional record of caring for giraffes, with 60 being born throughout its history.  In addition, it has provided funding through the Zoo Miami Conservation Fund to various organizations in support of giraffe conservation in the wild.  

This has been a devastating loss, and all procedures are being carefully evaluated to help ensure the prevention of any similar incidents in the future.  As part of a support system for staff dealing with loss, Zoo Miami partners with an organization called, “GRAZE,” which stands for Growing Resiliency for Aquarium and Zoo Employees to provide counseling in times of crisis and loss for those who may need it.  

Photos by: Ron Magill

Zoo Miami is proud to announce that for the first time in its history, a tawny frogmouth bird has hatched!  Tawny frogmouths are unique looking birds often mistaken for owls due to their large golden eyes and wide faces.  Though, like owls, they are nocturnal, frogmouths are related to nightjars which are in a different family.  They are short and stout birds that usually measure between 10-20 inches in length and weigh up to 1.5 pounds. 

Found in a variety of habitats in Australia and Tasmania, frogmouths prefer wooded areas where they use their cryptic coloration, combined with a stiff straight posture, to appear like a thick branch in a tree.  Their excellent camouflage enables them to ambush their prey which consists mostly of insects, but they will also eat small mammals and reptiles if the opportunity arises.  They get their name from their very wide mouth that has a relatively short beak which is what they use to catch their food.  Tawny frogmouths are monogamous and mate for life with both parents contributing to raising the chicks.  Their populations are stable.   Nevertheless, they encounter challenges such as habitat loss resulting from development and the risk of being struck by vehicles while pursuing insects attracted to headlights. 

The parents of this chick were introduced to each other in November of 2023 and began nesting in February of 2024.  The single chick hatched on February 28^th.  Zoo Staff carefully removed the chick for short periods of time during the first several days to weigh it and ensure that it was developing normally.  Each time it was quickly returned to the nest where the parents continued to care for it.  Moving forward, the chick will be parent-raised unless zoo staff observe any issues that may require additional support.  This frogmouth family is housed behind the scenes in Zoo Miami’s Avian Propagation Center (APC).  This facility is designed to work with the AZA community to increase populations of rare and endangered birds, providing a vital focus on underrepresented species.  Zoo Miami is currently housing 23 species of birds in the APC.

Today, Zoo Miami’s flock of thirty-seven Caribbean flamingos were rounded up on their habitat so that they could each receive their annual wellness exams. 

The Animal Health team set up a mobile clinic alongside a specially constructed corral area adjacent to the habitat, and one by one, each flamingo was brought in to be checked by Zoo Miami Associate veterinarians Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher and Dr. Gaby Flacke with assistance from the Animal Science and Animal Health teams.  

Examinations included getting individual weights, collecting blood samples, and checking the overall body condition with special attention to the feet which can be susceptible to certain issues.  In addition, each flamingo was vaccinated against West Nile virus. Some also received radiographs and ultrasound examinations. 

Other than some minor eye issues commonly associated with advanced age and some foot issues that will be carefully monitored, all of the flamingos appeared to be in good condition and were successfully returned to the habitat following the procedure.  

These exams are part of an important preventative medicine program designed to identify any potential health issues within the zoo’s population.  Because they are wild animals, they oftentimes will disguise any symptoms of disease or illness until the progression is advanced.  By being able to identify any potential issues during early stages through preventative exams, lives can, and have been saved. 

The Caribbean or American flamingo is one of the largest and certainly the most brightly colored of all the flamingo species.  It ranges from Mexico through the Caribbean and into South America with a small population in the Galapagos Islands.  They feed on alga and a variety of aquatic invertebrates.  It is from the keratin in their diet that they get their salmon pink coloration.  Though they are found in large flocks, they form monogamous pairs and the females only lay one egg.  When the chicks hatch, they are a light gray color and will not achieve their adult coloration until after they are a year old. 

Officially recognized as a native bird of Florida that had become extirpated in the 1800s due to hunting for meat and the feather trade, Caribbean flamingos have begun to reappear in various areas of the state where they seem to be spending more time.  The hope is that ongoing Everglades restoration efforts may lead to flamingos once again establishing themselves in Florida as a symbol of successful conservation efforts.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fh7w1nf8ksgcah76qkt7e/Zoo-Miami-Flamingo-Roundup.mp4?rlkey=mrqzfhi9bhdn87ggl99twgnry&dl=0

Video and images by: Ron Magill

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

TINA FURNISS-ROE, Chief of Marketing and PR

786-798-4860 – Zoo Miami

786-521-1448– Cellular

Due to overcrowding at manatee critical care facilities (CCFs) like Zoo Tampa, Jacksonville Zoo, and SeaWorld, Orlando, the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation partnership (MRP) requested assistance due to the extremely high numbers of manatees needing rescuing this winter.  Approved facilities were asked to temporarily hold animals, which would relieve the overcrowding pressure, until rehabilitated animals could be released. 

To answer the request, Zoo Miami partnered with local Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS) to prepare a temporary holding pool.  MARS loaned the pool to Zoo Miami to hold two young, orphaned, female manatees until they could be released or returned to the CCF once the overcrowding situation was resolved.  Zoo Miami joined the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) in the fall of 2023 as the first step in the zoo’s Master Plan for a future expansion, which is to include manatees. Many staff at Zoo Miami have previous experience working with manatees or are currently volunteering with partners in the MRP. Prior to the manatees arriving, the pool and filtration system were approved by the MRP, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and SeaWorld. The two manatees were then delivered by SeaWorld to Zoo Miami on January 15^th, where the dedicated animal care staff performed 24-hour observations to ensure the manatees were adapting to their new home. To have the best chance of a successful release, each manatee must meet a set of pre-determined measurements and pass a veterinarian exam, following strict guidelines outlined by the MRP. At this time, the Chief of Animal Health for Zoo Miami, Dr. Gwen Myers, along with other MRP veterinarians concluded that these manatees do not meet the requirements for release, so they will be returned to SeaWorld until they meet the benchmarks for release. SeaWorld is now able to house them due to a number of manatees being successfully rehabilitated and released this week. Through the Zoo Miami Foundation, TruckMax donated the use of a truck to transport the two manatees back to SeaWorld, Orlando.  We will continue to aid and support manatee rehabilitation and release as a part of the MRP. Zoo Miami is committed to conservation of animals in South Florida and across the globe.

Images by: Ron Magill

Dental health is a key component of the Animal Health Department’s preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami.  A variety of issues ranging from gum disease to fractured and broken teeth can lead to critical care issues that may result in serious infection and even death without treatment. 

Because animals generally do not complain about dental pain, dental disease is often referred to as “silent suffering” in the animal health field.  By the time serious signs such as loss of appetite and weight are evident, the disease or infection process may be quite advanced and can be a debilitating and sometimes fatal issue in animals that do not receive the proper care. 

As part of the overall preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami, dental exams are routinely done on a variety of animals during regular general health exams.  If and when issues are diagnosed, depending on the severity of the problem, Zoo Miami’s team of veterinarians will either perform the treatment themselves, or, when there are more complicated cases, enlist the assistance of a veterinary dental specialist. 

This week, veterinary dentist, Dr. Jamie Berning, DVM, DAVDC, from Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of Ohio, along with her veterinary technician, Jill A. Bates, RVT, VTS – Dentistry, traveled from their home in Columbus, Ohio to perform a series of procedures on a variety of animals including an orangutan, a dingo, a siamang, a tapir, a Patagonian cavy, a raccoon, and a dhole.  The procedures were done over several days this week and ranged from general consultations, cleanings and exams to extractions and root canals.  Zoo Miami is very grateful for the expertise and time that Dr. Berning and Ms. Bates donated to provide Zoo Miami animals with this critical care.

Photos by: Ron Magill

Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) is the legendary fundraiser that combines tastes from 30 South Florida restaurants/caterers/beverage providers with full open bars, wild animal encounters and live entertainment at Zoo Miami 

MIAMI, FL (JANUARY11, 2024) – Zoo Miami Foundation is hosting Feast with the Beasts “Rainforest Soiree” on March 1, 2024 at Zoo Miami.  The annual fundraiser returns in its 26^th year to honor wildlife and tantalize palates with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s most renowned fine food establishments. The event will benefit Zoo Miami Foundation’s mission to inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising and building relationships.  

From 8 p.m. – 11 p.m., Feast with the Beasts’ Main Event returns as one of the best events in Miami featuring tastes from local restaurants & caterers, full open Bacardi bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment and a fabulous silent auction with trips, sports memorabilia, and jewelry.  Main Event participating restaurants and beverage providers include: 

From 7 pm to 9 pm, the VIP reception grants guests access to the pre-party in the VIP lounge, Main Event, VIP area in the main event area, private bars, and exclusive animal encounters.  Special tastings will be provided by:  Josh’s Premium Meats, Cry Baby Creamery, Los Tanitos Meat Market & Restaurant, and Taste of Miami catering. 

“We’re so excited to host Feast with the Beasts again at Zoo Miami!  As one of my personal favorite fundraisers, it’s wonderful to see the community of supporters come together to celebrate wildlife by serving delicious bites and beverages, by donating auction items, through sponsorships and by attending,” said Jose Romano, ZMF President & CEO. 

Admission tickets to the Main Event at FWTB are available for $250 and VIP Reception tickets are $500.  VIP perks include one-hour early entry into the Main Event path, exclusive VIP lounge access from 7 pm to 9 pm, a VIP area in the main event area and exclusive restaurant access and animal encounters.  Cocktail attire is encouraged.  This event is only for adults 21+.  Tickets, sponsorship, and underwriting opportunities as well as ways to contribute to our silent auction are available at  www.fwtb.org.  For more information, you can also email Marie at mhernandez@zoomiami.org or call (305) 255-5551.  

Select photos from Feast 2023 are available here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ttuyb4tq8ram97vwpeet2/h?rlkey=oz75g6fyq9hf9f7lbcsgij3gs&dl=0

Video from Feast with the Beasts 2023 is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqwNZPIhIXQ

We are grateful to our FWTB 2024 sponsors. 

The Platinum sponsor is Milton Family United Property Management.  

Gold sponsors are Kaseya and PepsiCo.

Silver sponsors are Bacardi and Publix Super Market Charities.

Bronze sponsors include ELM Arch; Verdeja, De Armas, Trujillo, Alvarez and World.  The Official Liquor Sponsor is Bacardi.

Founded in 1956, Zoo Miami Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through robust Learning Experience programs, supports vital conservation initiatives, and supplements key capital projects that bolster animal welfare and guest experiences at Zoo Miami. With one of the largest membership bases in South Florida, Zoo Miami Foundation continues to make a significant impact connecting with and educating the South Florida community to take conservation action!

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 street; Miami, FL 33177. General zoo admission is: $22.95/adult, plus tax and $18.95/child (3-12) plus tax.  Children under two, zoo members, and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; last ticket sold at 4 p.m.  For more information, please visit http://www.zoomiami.org.

On December 4^th, at approximately 4:00AM, “Kematee,” a 4-year-old sloth bear, gave birth to a single cub in the secluded den area located behind her public habitat.  Then, at approximately 9:30AM, she gave birth to a second cub!  These are the first births for Kematee, who arrived at Zoo Miami in 2021 from the Philadelphia Zoo where she was born.  The father is “Hank,” who is 11 years old and arrived at Zoo Miami in 2016 from the National Zoo in Washington D.C. where he was born.  The newborns are also his first surviving cubs.  They are the first sloth bears born at Zoo Miami since 1998. 

This week, the Animal Health Team was able to do a neonatal exam and determine their sexes.  This procedure was done quickly to minimize the stress of the temporary separation from mom who was trained to station at a certain area while the cubs were safely secured. Both cubs are females and appear to be in good health, weighing between 2 and 3 pounds each. 

Kematee will remain off-exhibit, secluded in her den with the cubs, to help ensure that they are able to continue to establish a strong bond with minimal interruptions or distractions.  She is demonstrating excellent maternal care, and the hope is to introduce mom and cubs onto their outdoor habitat as soon as the staff is confident that they are able to safely navigate the area which may take several weeks.   

Sloth bears are considered a vulnerable species that is threatened by poaching and habitat destruction.  They are solitary and found in moist and dry forests of the Indian subcontinent where they feed primarily on fruit and insects – especially termites. There is a gap in their upper front teeth which enables them to create a straw with their long lips and suck up termites and other insects quickly and effectively.  Their long shaggy coat does not have an undercoat, so it helps keep them cool in their native warm climate while protecting them from biting insects.

Images by: Ron Magill

On Friday, December 15^th, Zoo Miami welcomed the birth of an endangered babirusa, the first successful birth of this species in the history of the zoo!  This is the first baby for both parents, a nearly 5-year-old female named Maggie, from the St. Louis Zoo, and a nearly 5-year-old male named, Harry, from the Audubon Zoo.  The sex of the newborn is still undetermined as it remains isolated with its mother in a secluded holding area. 

Of the over 20 different species of wild swine in the world, the unique babirusa is considered to be one of the most bizarre looking.  The word “babirusa,” means “pig deer” in the Malay language.  This is believed to come from the strange appearance of males whose tusks look like antlers growing on the top of its head.  Unlike other pigs, the babirusa has a set of upper tusks that grow up through the top of its face and sometimes curl all the back into its head!  These upper tusks, combined with a second set on the lower jaw that curl up and out away from the head, create an almost alien appearance that causes many to consider the babirusa the strangest looking pig in the world.  Females do not exhibit these tusks and both sexes are relatively hairless. 

Babirusas are found in the swamps and rainforests of Indonesia.  In the wild, they have a lifespan of approximately 10 years but can live up to 20 years under human care.  They are omnivorous and feed primarily on fruits, roots, invertebrates, and small mammals, but will eat almost anything including on occasion, their own young.  Males will battle with each other for territory by standing on their hind legs and punching with their front ones.  Their greatest threats are habitat loss and hunting for food. 

Though Harry, the father, can be seen on public display daily, both the mom and baby, will likely remain off exhibit for the next several weeks to ensure that the baby can properly navigate the challenges of a moated habitat.

Photos by: Ron Magill

This holiday season, Zoo Miami is celebrating the public debut of the 60^th giraffe born in the zoo’s history!  Born on December 15^th, the little female made her public debut on Thursday, December 21^st!  The 13-year-old mother’s name is Sabra, and this is her eighth calf. The father is 6-year-old Malcolm, and this is also his eighth calf.  At birth, the calf stood a bit over 5 feet tall and weighed just over 120 pounds which is actually a bit on the smaller side for newborn giraffe.  Initial results from her neonatal exam indicate that she is strong and healthy. 

As she accompanied her mother onto the habitat for the first time, the entire herd came over to welcome her.  Each giraffe took turns approaching the calf, then smelling her and occasionally licking her.  The calf seems to be unfazed by all the attention and has spent the last few days exploring her new habitat where she can now be seen daily with the rest of the herd. 

Giraffe have a pregnancy of approximately 15 months and the mother rarely, if ever, lies down while giving birth.  The newborn falls 4-6 feet to the floor where it receives quite an introduction to the world! 

The status of the giraffe in the wild is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to significant reductions in their populations over the last several years.

Photos by: Ron Magill

The critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub that was born at Zoo Miami on September 6^th is now being given limited access to the outdoor habitat under the watchful eye of her mother, Leeloo. 

After several weeks of bonding with her mother and after passing her swim test on Tuesday, the yet unnamed cub has begun to have access to the Sumatran tiger habitat to experience the sights and smells of what will eventually be her home.  Zoo staff are now providing mother and cub access from their den between 11AM – 2PM each day, weather permitting.  This access began on Wednesday and will continue daily until staff feels confident that mother and cub can navigate the habitat without incident.  Mother and cub will be closely monitored throughout the access periods.   

It will be up to the individual animals as to whether they come out of the denning area into public view.  During the first two days, Leeloo has ventured out onto the habitat for short periods of time, but the cub has only come to the entry doorway of the Tiger Temple where she has explored the area immediately surrounding the doorway without going out into the habitat, giving short but precious viewing opportunities to the public.  Each day she has demonstrated greater bravery in making herself visible and staff feels optimistic that she will soon be venturing out into the habitat itself to explore and provide excellent public viewing opportunities.  The public is invited to come and see if they can catch a glimpse of this precious new life between 11AM and 2PM daily, as she prepares to discover her brand new world.

Photos by: Ron Magill

On this Thanksgiving Day, Zoo Miami is excited and proud to officially announce the birth of a critically endangered Sumatran tiger!  In addition to the profound importance that this birth has to the overall conservation efforts regarding these iconic big cats, it is especially meaningful to everyone at Zoo Miami following the recent loss of “Berani,” our adult male Sumatran tiger.  In a bittersweet story of the “Circle of Life,” Berani is the father of this beautiful cub which will hopefully be an important addition to his already wonderful legacy. 

The cub was born in a secluded den on September 6^th where until recently, it remained isolated with its mother and was being observed through closed circuit cameras along with occasional glimpses from zookeepers assigned to the area.  Because it is important for mother and cub to have minimal disturbance, zoo veterinarians waited to perform their first exam until it was necessary to administer vaccinations at 8 weeks old.  Those procedures were done on November 7^th.  At that time, in addition to getting vaccinated, the cub received a general overall physical exam, had a microchip implanted for identification and had its sex verified as being a female.   

Though the cub has made it through the most critical time of her young life and she appears to be developing well, she will remain in seclusion with her mother for an as of yet undetermined amount of time before making her public debut to ensure they are well established. 

This is the third cub for the 11-year-old Leeloo.  She previously gave birth to a male cub named, “Satu,” in November of 2015 and then a female cub named, “N’dari,” in 2021.  Both of those cubs have since moved to other accredited institutions as part of a carefully managed Species Survival Plan (SSP) developed through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  The late Berani is the father of all three of Leeloo’s cubs, his and Leeloo’s only offspring.  There are presently only 73 Sumatran tigers in all U.S. zoos. 

There are believed to be less than 500 Sumatran tigers left in the wild where they are found in forested areas on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.  Their biggest threats are habitat loss to palm oil plantations and poaching.  They are the smallest subspecies of tiger with males reaching up to 300 pounds and females closer to 200 pounds.  Zoo Miami has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to tiger conservation in the wild through its Conservation Fund and will continue to raise money to support those efforts.