The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens on Friday announced the arrival of a pygmy hippopotamus, the first of its endangered species at the zoo since 2004.

The male hippo named Udo, which translates to “peace” in the Igbo language of West Africa, is 2 years old and native to the countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire, according to the zoo.

Pygmy hippos are different than river hippos, preferring to spend more time out of the water and have smaller heads and mouths. They are about 5 to 6 feet in length and weigh between 400 to 600 pounds, whereas river hippos can weigh over 4,000 pounds, zoo officials say.

“Although the pygmy hippo is much smaller than the larger river hippo, our Udo is big on personality! His presence here helps fulfill our mission to conserve animals such as the pygmy hippo by educating zoo visitors about an endangered species whose numbers have declined drastically due to habitat loss and illegal hunting,” San Francisco Zoological Society executive director Tanya Peterson said in a news release .

Udo will be at an area of ​​the zoo next to other endangered African species like the African lion and black rhino.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Officials at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens sadly announce the passing of its Sumatran tiger, “Leanne,” yesterday. Leanne had lived at San Francisco Zoo for over 15 years and was an important ambassador of her species. At 18 years, 8 months, she was considered a geriatric animal, outliving by more than eight years her species’ life expectancy. Results from a necropsy are pending though her health had been recently declining.

“We truly are heartbroken over the loss of elegant Leanne, the matriarch of our Sumatran tiger breeding program,” said Tanya M. Peterson, CEO and Executive Director of San Francisco Zoological Society. “She was a wonderful animal in all ways and was instrumental in helping us and other zoos conserve this critically endangered tiger subspecies. Not only were her markings uniquely stunning, but she was a charismatic individual who captured the hearts of millions of SF Zoo visitors during her long tenure here. She will be sorely missed.”

Leanne, named after the late San Francisco Zoological Society donor and philanthropist, Leanne Roberts (the late first wife of billionaire George Roberts), was born at the Toronto Zoo in 2003 and transferred to SF Zoo & Gardens in 2006. Over her 15 years here , she had two male companions, but it was “Larry,” a male Sumatran, who was her longtime companion before his passing in 2020. Their daughter, “Jillian,” achieved local fame when the late comedian Robin Williams auctioned off her naming rights at a fundraiser in 2014.

Leanne was a devoted and successful mother from the beginning. In 2008, Leanne had a litter comprised of three male cubs, who have since sired 11 cubs all together at the different zoos they were ultimately transferred to, including the Berlin Zoo. One of these offspring later had five cubs, making Leanne a “great-grandmother.” Leanne and Larry were parents to “Jillian,” born in 2013 who recently transferred to San Diego Wild Animal Park to breed her own litter.

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is home to the Animal Wellness & Conservation Center, which specializes in non-surgical alternatives for animals and worked with Leanne to condition her for “awake” ultrasounds throughout her pregnancies. The accumulated knowledge from working with Leanne over the years contributed greatly to what is known about tiger breeding and nutrition.

“Leanne was a favorite of staff because of her willingness to participate in conditioning exercises, yet Zoo visitors loved her because she would sleep on her heated rock located next to a viewing window. Even in her old age, she loved to play, and one of her favorite toys was a green boomer ball,” said Ron Whitfield, Curator of Carnivores.

Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) are native to Sumatra, on Indonesia island. According to the IUCN Red List, an estimated 400-600 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, and they remain on a declining trend.

This press release was produced by San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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SAN FRANCISCO – A San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ring-tailed lemur that made headlines when he was kidnapped and recovered a year and a half ago has died at the age of 22, zoo officials announced Friday.

“Maki” was one of the zoo’s oldest lemurs, exceeding the median life expectancy of 16.7 years, the zoo said in a news release. He was recently diagnosed with acute kidney disease, which together with his advanced age contributed to his death Thursday, officials said.

On Oct. 13, 2020, Maki was nabbed from the Lipman Family Lemur Forest enclosure. Zoo officials said he was old, slow-moving and required a specialized diet.

The San Francisco Police Department recovered Maki less than 36 hours later when 5-year-old James Trinh spotted him at a playground in Daly City. San Francisco Mayor London Breed honored James and Maki in a ceremony that year on World Lemur Day.

“The fact that Maki survived his ordeal to thrive among his group for more than a year and a half is truly remarkable,” San Francisco Zoological Society CEO and Executive Director Tanya M. Peterson said in a statement.

“Maki became a symbol of resilience and bravery, becoming a fan favorite,” she continued. “His story increased awareness of endangered lemurs worldwide. We are heartbroken for this loss.”

On the same day Maki was found, a 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with his abduction. Zoo officials said he was charged with violating the Endangered Species Act.

While the kidnapping incident elevated Maki’s status as one of the zoo’s more popular animals, he was also one of the few lemurs that moved into the largest outdoor mixed lemur habitat in the country when it opened in 2002, according to the zoo.

Maki’s long-time caretaker, Lori Komejan, said Maki’s favorite food was purple grapes – he did not care for green grapes.

Maki also trusted his caretakers like no other lemur; As the lowest-ranking member of his ring-tailed lemur group, he often chose to eat next to his caretakers rather than his group.

“His personality filled the forest, and he will be missed forever,” Komejan said in a statement.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The oldest male chimpanzee to live in an accredited North American zoo died at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens on Saturday. He was 63.

The chimpanzee named Cobby was a hand-raised chimpanzee before it was brought to the San Francisco Zoo in the 1960s. Although the zoo said in a press release that the cause of death of the chimpanzee was not clear, the animal was recently sick and zoo officials believe age is a factor.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists chimpanzees as endangered, and they are considered the most endangered primates in Africa due to hunting, habitat loss, and disease.

The average life expectancy of 100,000 to 200,000 chimpanzees living in the wild is 33 years, while in human care it is between 50 and 60 years, the zoo said.

Cobby was instrumental in bringing the San Francisco Zoo’s chimpanzee population together, officials said, acting like the oldest of the troop.

“Cobby was part of San Francisco,” said Tanya M. Peterson, executive director of the San Francisco Zoological Society, in a statement. “He touched so many lives and people have so many memories of him. He is irreplaceable and our hearts are broken. We will all miss seeing his beautiful gray beard that watches over us from the top platform of the courtyard. “

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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A Los Angeles man accused of stealing a lemur from the San Francisco Zoo this week was arrested Thursday in San Rafael after allegedly stealing a store from a supermarket and then stealing a truck, authorities said With.

Cory McGilloway, 30, has been admitted to Marin County Jail for crimes such as burglary, theft, and vandalism. San Rafael police said he stole about $ 500 worth of groceries from the Smart & Final on 935 Anderson Drive Thursday night and then stole a truck owned by Marin Sanitary Service.

San Rafael police searched McGilloway’s cell phone while investigating the thefts and found a photo of a lemur. Lt. Dan Fink said the photo aroused suspicion among arresting officers, who knew Maki, a male ring-tailed lemur, had been stolen from the San Francisco Zoo this week.

Fink said officers notified the San Francisco police, who interviewed McGilloway and charged him in connection with stealing the lemur. McGilloway will be transferred to the San Francisco County Jail after his release from San Rafael police custody for aggravated animal theft, break-ins, looting and vandalism, authorities said.

The overnight break-in at the San Francisco Zoo was reported Wednesday morning. The investigation into the incident continues, the San Francisco police said on Friday.

The missing lemur was found on San Fernando Way in Daly City around 5 p.m. Thursday, police said. Maki “was determined to be in good health and was returned to the San Francisco Zoo,” said the San Francisco Police Department in an announcement.

The post Man accused of stealing lemur from San Francisco Zoo arrested in Marin County appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The oldest male chimpanzee to live in an accredited North American zoo died at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens on Saturday. He was 63.

The chimpanzee named Cobby was a hand-raised chimpanzee before it was brought to the San Francisco Zoo in the 1960s. Although the zoo said in a press release that the cause of death of the chimpanzee was not clear, the animal was recently sick and zoo officials believe age is a factor.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists chimpanzees as endangered, and they are considered the most endangered primates in Africa due to hunting, habitat loss, and disease.

The average life expectancy of 100,000 to 200,000 chimpanzees living in the wild is 33 years, while in human care it is between 50 and 60 years, the zoo said.

Cobby was instrumental in bringing the San Francisco Zoo’s chimpanzee population together, officials said, acting like the oldest of the troop.

“Cobby was part of San Francisco,” said Tanya M. Peterson, executive director of the San Francisco Zoological Society, in a statement. “He touched so many lives and people have so many memories of him. He is irreplaceable and our hearts are broken. We will all miss seeing his beautiful gray beard from the top platform of the courtyard. “

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in any way without permission.

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“This is a beautiful two year old male mountain lion. He is looking very healthy and has been radio chained by UC Santa Cruz so we know a little about him. He is young so he probably broke up with his mother recently,” said Dr. Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at Oakland Zoo.

California Fish and Wildlife crews safely removed the mountain lion found in a tree after someone who parked his car picked it up on Santa Marina Street near Mission Street near the Bernal neighborhood around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night Heights had discovered.

State officials used an arrow to calm the big cat. Then it fell asleep on the porch under the tree and took him to the Oakland Zoo.

RELATED: What To Do When You Face a Mountain Lion

The mountain lion is believed to be the same one spotted Tuesday morning in the Portola and Bernal Heights neighborhoods.

Our vet and zookeeper investigated the mountain lion rescue we received last night. Overall, the 2-year-old man is in excellent health! After his exam and vaccinations, he was sent to @CaliforniaDFW along with our best wishes for release in a safe location in Santa Clara County. pic.twitter.com/wWhMWjhp5a

– Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) May 20, 2021

The mountain lion wore a tracking collar, so it is known to state wildlife officials.

WATCH: Mountain Lion safely removed from SF’s Bernal Heights neighborhood

“I think I’ve called him Mr. Handsome several times! That’s the name that came to mind,” she said.

RELATED: VIDEO: Mountain Lion stares through the window into Scotts Valley home

Mr. Handsome was busy. Cameras caught him roaming the streets of San Francisco’s Bernal Heights and Portola neighborhoods, walking next to parked cars, strolling through backyards and even checking someone’s porch.

A spokesman for the Puma project said they fitted him with a tracking device shortly after he was born to study the behavior of mountain lions. They say his long distance travel is normal as he looks for turf to call himself.

Officials will now take him back to the wild and hope he stays there this time.

“Official policy is, I can’t say where he will be released, but he probably won’t go back to Santa Cruz because we don’t want him to come back to San Francisco,” Herman said.

Copyright © 2021 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.

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Just after midnight last night, Oakland Zoo took in a two-year-old male mountain lion captured in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. This male marks the 16th rescue of a mountain lion for the zoo by the Alliance of the Bay Area Cougar Action Team (BACAT)

OAKLAND. Calif., May 20, 2021 / PRNewswire-PRWeb / – Oakland Zoo helped rescue a two-year-old male mountain lion found in San Francisco this morning by officials at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CADFW). He was taken to the Oakland Zoo for a temporary stay while he received a full exam, blood tests, and vaccines for preventative care.

Mr. Handsome, unofficially named by Oakland Zoo’s veterinary staff, was taken to a holding area of ​​the zoo’s veterinary hospital overnight pending examinations this morning. He was determined to have a total bill of healthy, hydrated, and a healthy weight of 98.5 pounds. He was treated for internal and external parasites (often found in wildlife) and vaccinated during his examination.

Long distance travel in neighborhoods is not uncommon for mountain lions of this time. Mountain lions are far-reaching species that are known to exhibit “dispersal behaviors” that result in them traveling long distances in search of food, good homes, and mates.

“We are proud to do our part to save and protect wildlife through our partnerships and collaboration with CDFW, the Bay Area Puma Project and the San Francisco Police Department, “said Dr. Herman, vice president of veterinary services at Oakland Zoo.

Mr Handsome is currently on his way to be released from in a rural, uninhabited area Santa Clara County from CDFW to continue living free in the wild.

Mountain lions are exposed to numerous threats California, often hit by cars, killed with expropriation permits and illegally poached. These factors culminate in a conflict between humans and animals, which brings them into conflict with humans and interferes with urban areas and developments. Oakland Zoo works with conservation organizations like the Mountain Lion Foundation and the Bay Area Puma Project to educate the public about the issue and help protect species in the wild.

The story goes on

The Oakland Zoo helped establish BACAT (Bay Area Cougar Action Team), an alliance with the Bay Area Puma Project and the Mountain Lion Foundation, in 2013 to help CADFW rescue mountain lions that are in conflict between humans and Animal are trapped.

Contact:
Erin Harrison
Oakland Zoo
eharrison@oaklandzoo.org
Office: 510-632-9525 ext 120
Cell: 415-601-1619

Isabella Linares placeholder image
Oakland Zoo
ilinares@oaklandzoo.org
Office: 510-632-9525 ext 239
Cell: 650-776-9589

###

ABOVE OAKLAND ZOO AND THE CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA::
The Oakland Zoo, home to more than 850 native and exotic animals, is managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC); A nonprofit that leads an informed and inspired community to take action on wildlife locally and globally. With over 25 nature conservation partners and projects worldwide, the CSC is committed to nature conservation-based education and the rescue of species and their habitats in the wild. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the national organization that sets the highest standards for animal welfare in zoos and aquariums.

Media contact

Isabella Linares placeholder image, Oakland Zoo, 5106329525, ilinares@oaklandzoo.org

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SOURCE Oakland Zoo

The post Mountain Lion Roaming San Francisco Bernal Heights Neighborhood Introduced To Oakland Zoo appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

“This is a beautiful two year old male mountain lion. He is looking very healthy and has been radio chained by UC Santa Cruz so we know a little about him. He is young so he probably broke up with his mother recently,” said Dr. Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at Oakland Zoo.

California Fish and Wildlife crews safely removed the mountain lion found in a tree after someone who parked his car picked it up on Santa Marina Street near Mission Street near the Bernal neighborhood around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night Heights had discovered.

State officials used an arrow to calm the big cat. Then it fell asleep on the porch under the tree and took him to the Oakland Zoo.

RELATED: What To Do When You Face a Mountain Lion

The mountain lion is believed to be the same one spotted Tuesday morning in the Portola and Bernal Heights neighborhoods.

Our vet and zookeeper investigated the mountain lion rescue we received last night. Overall, the 2-year-old man is in excellent health! After his exam and vaccinations, he was sent to @CaliforniaDFW along with our best wishes for release in a safe location in Santa Clara County. pic.twitter.com/wWhMWjhp5a

– Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) May 20, 2021

The mountain lion wore a tracking collar, so it is known to state wildlife officials.

WATCH: Mountain Lion safely removed from SF’s Bernal Heights neighborhood

“I think I’ve called him Mr. Handsome several times! That’s the name that came to mind,” she said.

RELATED: VIDEO: Mountain Lion stares through the window into Scotts Valley home

Mr. Handsome was busy. Cameras caught him roaming the streets of San Francisco’s Bernal Heights and Portola neighborhoods, walking next to parked cars, strolling through backyards and even checking someone’s porch.

A spokesman for the Puma project said they fitted him with a tracking device shortly after he was born to study the behavior of mountain lions. They say his long distance travel is normal as he looks for turf to call himself.

Officials will now take him back to the wild and hope he stays there this time.

“Official policy is, I can’t say where he will be released, but he probably won’t go back to Santa Cruz because we don’t want him to come back to San Francisco,” Herman said.

Copyright © 2021 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.

The post Mountain lion present in San Francisco tree is from Santa Cruz Mountains, zoo officers say appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

“This is a beautiful two year old male mountain lion. He is looking very healthy and has been radio chained by UC Santa Cruz so we know a little about him. He is young so he probably broke up with his mother recently,” said Dr. Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at Oakland Zoo.

California Fish and Wildlife crews safely removed the mountain lion found in a tree after someone who parked his car picked it up on Santa Marina Street near Mission Street near the Bernal neighborhood around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night Heights had discovered.

State officials used an arrow to calm the big cat. Then it fell asleep on the porch under the tree and took him to the Oakland Zoo.

RELATED: What To Do When You Face a Mountain Lion

The mountain lion is believed to be the same one spotted Tuesday morning in the Portola and Bernal Heights neighborhoods.

Our vet and zookeeper investigated the mountain lion rescue we received last night. Overall, the 2-year-old man is in excellent health! After his exam and vaccinations, he was sent to @CaliforniaDFW along with our best wishes for release in a safe location in Santa Clara County. pic.twitter.com/wWhMWjhp5a

– Oakland Zoo (@oakzoo) May 20, 2021

The mountain lion wore a tracking collar, so it is known to state wildlife officials.

WATCH: Mountain Lion safely removed from SF’s Bernal Heights neighborhood

“I think I’ve called him Mr. Handsome several times! That’s the name that came to mind,” she said.

RELATED: VIDEO: Mountain Lion stares through the window into Scotts Valley home

Mr. Handsome was busy. Cameras caught him roaming the streets of San Francisco’s Bernal Heights and Portola neighborhoods, walking next to parked cars, strolling through backyards and even checking someone’s porch.

A spokesman for the Puma project said they fitted him with a tracking device shortly after he was born to study the behavior of mountain lions. They say his long distance travel is normal as he looks for turf to call himself.

Officials will now take him back to the wild and hope he stays there this time.

“Official policy is, I can’t say where he will be released, but he probably won’t go back to Santa Cruz because we don’t want him to come back to San Francisco,” Herman said.

Copyright © 2021 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.

The post Mountain lion present in San Francisco tree is from Santa Cruz Mountains, zoo officers say appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.