African Pygmy Hedgehogs
African Pygmy Hedgehogs at the Zoo: Cholla – surrendered pet Quilliam – surrendered pet Description The African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), or four-toed hedgehog, is a tiny mammal…
American Crow
One of the most intelligent species of bird. Very social – may gather in communal roosts of many thousands in a single grove. They are very opportunistic when it comes to feeding – which they mostly do on the ground.
American Kestrel / Sparrow Hawk
North America’s smallest falcon is also the most widespread. Normally hunts from a high perch, swooping down to capture prey. They have a wide variety of prey options and individuals will often specialize in one type or another.
American White Pelican
One of North America’s largest birds with a wingspan up to 9 feet!! Pelicans don’t carry food in their pouches, they use them to scoop up food but will swallow their catch before flying off.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle, with it’s snowy-feathered (not bald) head and white tail, is the proud…
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are 13 to 24 inches long, including the tail. They are appropriately named bearded dragons because of their “beard,” an expandable throat pouch with spikey scales. They have a broad, triangular head, round bodies, stout legs, and robust tails.
Box Turtles
Box Turtles are mid-sized, terrestrial turtles – about 4-6”– with a high, rounded shell that is dark with many yellow or orange patches. The carapace pattern is variable and becomes less prominent with age. There are four toes on each hind foot.
Fox Squirrels
Highly adaptive, large, North American squirrel. In most parts of Southern California their upper body is brown/grey with a brown/orange underside.
Glossy Snake
A medium-sized muscular snake with smooth, glossy scales, a faded or bleached-out appearance, and a short tail.
Gopher Snake
Large and heavy-bodied snake which can reach 9 feet in length, but 4 feet is much more common. On its back are 33 to 66 light to dark brown or reddish blotches.
Grizzly Bears
Grizzly bears are magnificent animals. They can be dangerous to humans, particularly if..
King Snake
King Snake at the Zoo: Zeus Description Highly variable in appearance. Most commonly seen with alternating bands of black or brown and white or light yellow, including the…
Leopard Gecko
They are fairly small but sturdy lizards, and their common name, ‘leopard gecko’ refers to their spotted patterns, predominantly shades of yellow and brown. Their tails are long, about the same length as their torsos.
Mallard Ducks
One of the most abundant ducks in the world and the ancestor to most blood lines of domestic ducks. They forage in water by dabbing or submerging their head and neck; on land, they graze, pluck seeds and will even grub for roots
Red Tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis) As they circle and soar, they can spot a mouse from 100 feet up in the air—about ten stories high.
Red-eared Slider
Red-eared Slider at the Zoo: Description What do they eat? Algae, aquatic plants, snails, larvae, insects, crustaceans and small vertebrates. How long do they live? Average…
Rose Haired Tarantula
Rose Haired Tarantula at the Zoo: Rose Description Chilean rose tarantulas are calm, docile spiders native to desert scrub habitats in South America. They are fairly large with…
San Joaquin Kit Fox
Kit foxes appear to be able to survive without drinking water. This is an adaptation to…
Sandhill Crane
During mating, pairs vocalize in a behavior known as “unison calling.” They throw…
Snow Leopard
Snow leopards eat meat. They primarily hunt wild sheep and goats. Snow leopards are also known…