This makes me want to cry
Not tears of joy, people. Tears of sadness. When will animal cruelty end?
Oklahoma City elephant exhibit falls to No. 2
The elephant exhibit at the Oklahoma City Zoo is no longer the biggest in the country.
The Denver Zoo unveiled its newest exhibit, the Toyota Elephant Passage, to the public June 1. The 10-acre Asian elephant exhibit is the largest in the country — taking the title from the Oklahoma City Zoo elephant exhibit.
The Asian elephant area in Oklahoma City is 9½ acres. It cost $13 million to build and opened last March.
While we may not be the biggest any more, our exhibit is still pretty darn fantastic. In fact, here’s some proof from The Oklahoman archives:
Could elephant death happen here?
Earlier this month, an African elephant at the San Diego Zoo died of injuries her keepers suspect came from an aggressive attack by another elephant. Such a startling tragedy raises the question, “Could this happen here?” The Oklahoma City Zoo is home to two adult Asian elephants and one offspring, shown here at right. I asked the OKC Zoo spokeswoman, Tara Henson, if it was possible. She checked with Assistant Zoo Director Alan Varsik. Here’s what she said:
In domestic or wild animals…this could happen. It’s a day to day, ongoing process to maximize our chances for success in any social situation. In any accredited zoo, we are concerned about the physical and social well-being of all of the animals in our care. Interpreting their behaviors and looking for any indications of a behavioral issue is a constant. Any species in a social situation presents this challenge. This is on a case by case basis according to the species as well as the individual animals. Individual and species specific behaviors must be taken into consideration. There is a level of unpredictability in anything we do and we try to minimize that.
Baby elephant debutes in Houston
Pets in the paper – rabies found in Texas
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Puppy may have rabies. (Texas)
- Online only: Mood: Dogs strut their stuff in last bark at Bryant Park. (New York)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
How to help animals in Haiti
As aid pours into Haiti from around the world, animal advocates have joined together to help pets in the country devastated by a major earthquake and its aftershocks. Several organizations are partnering to create the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, according to a press release issued this afternoon. You can donate to the three largest groups here:
- The American Humane Association
- The World Society for the Protection of Animals
- The International Fund for Animal Welfare
These are all reputable groups, but I would be sure to include a note in any online donations that the money is specifically for relief in Haiti.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
It’s raining lizards
In addition to record cold temperatures, Florida residents are dealing with another strange phenomenon — iguanas falling from the trees.
An iguana lies frozen, or possibly just in suspended animation, on the ground at a Florida Keys park following a cold snap - Tim Chapman, Miami Herald
The iguanas, which are not native to Florida, don’t do well in the cold. With record low temperatures in the state, the reptiles are falling frozen out of the trees in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne.
The iguanas aren’t actually frozen. They are in suspended animation, coming back to life once they warm up. However, extended cold temperatures could kill them.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pets in the paper – bears aren’t coats
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday:
- At zoo exhibit, it’s a bear’s life. (Oklahoma City – Be sure to click on this one and check out the neat panorama photo!)
- Opinion: Zoo’s growth continues. (Oklahoma City)
- Take care of pets during holidays. (Norman)
- Packing up one fragile tusk to go. (Norman)
- Two-legged pooch offers hope to wounded veterans. (Ardmore)
- Fishing days set for children. (Tulsa)
- Build-a-Bear videos raise conservative ire. (Missouri)
- Rainbow of underwater color shines in Caribbean. (Belize)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – pack your (antler) bags
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Vet gives fawn a new chance at seeing. (Oklahoma City)
- Zoo has name contest for 12 Nigerian goats. (Oklahoma City)
- GPS helping keep track: Wildlife researchers using technology to follow birds, animals. (statewide)
- Radio equipment helps track state wildlife. (statewide)
- United Airlines rescinds recent no antlers baggage rule. (Outdoors blog)
- Pony Express riders deliver Christmas mail in style. (Missouri)
- Two dogs find home after police say they fed on owner. (Nebraska)
- Fishers want locks closed. (Michigan)
- Government to jail tiger’s killer. (China)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – bugs and rugs and such
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Cruelty charges filed. (Stillwater)
- Teens find plenty to enjoy at the fair. (Oklahoma City)
- Club plans fishing derby. (Oklahoma City)
- Ugly bugs come out of their rug. (Edmond)
- Halloween can be a treat for dogs, too. (Norman)
- Pet Tales: Rescued dog finds family home. (Midwest City)
- Blog: More from the state wildlife director. (statewide)
- Cesar Millan dog-based empire adds slick magazine. (California)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
