We’ve been highlighting endangered species and how you can help them all week. We want to explain a bit more about endangered species and have you meet a few animals who have success stories!

First, what is an endangered species? Well, that is a complicated answer. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is an International group that is made up of scientist, conservation organizations and governments from all over the world. They work on conservation issues all around the globe and help determine populations of animals. They have ranking system that starts at Data Deficient and goes to Critically Endangered to Extinct. Individual countries sometimes have their own ranking system and that here in the U.S. started with the Endangered Species Act. It lists animals who need protection or help due to low populations. When an animal is put on the endangered species list, it helps people protect their habitat and their population.

We often hear so many negative stories when it comes to endangered species and we wanted to share some success stories! We can make a difference and we can help protect critical habitats and the animals who live there!

Peregrine Falcons

At one time there were just 324 pairs of these fast fliers left, but now there are over 1,700 pairs*!

Sea Otters

These adorable otters have gone from 1,700 individuals to over 2,700 due to protecting their habitat and rehabilitation efforts by places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Hawaiian Goose

The state bird of Hawaii has gone from just 400 birds to several thousand due to captive breeding programs that reintroduce the birds in their habitats!

Gray Whale

These giants of the ocean are protected from hunting internationally and have seen their numbers grow under that protection. They now number in the 30,000s!

*Numbers from biologicaldiversity.org

We love sharing animal success stories! You can make a difference when it comes to helping endangered species. You can  get involved with local and global conservation organizations. You can participate in a habitat clean up. You can recycle, reduce your trash and reuse items. You can take a trip to your local AZA accredited zoo or aquarium, all of which not only work with the animals they house, but with wild populations. Lastly, share your passion and love of animals with everyone you know!

ENDANGERED SPECIES WEEK

DAY # 5

Today’s adventure takes us to South America to meet one gorgeous parrot. These beauties are endangered and we can’t imagine living in a world where these feathery friends aren’t around! Grab your gear, your binoculars and let’s go meet these big blue birds!

MEET THE HYACINTH MACAW!

   Range/Habitat: Central South America/ rainforest

   Diet: Herbivore: nuts, fruits

   Length/Weight: 3 ¼ ft/ 3 lbs

   Conservation Status: endangered

Fun Facts:

•          Hyacinth Macaws are the largest member of the parrot family that can fly.
•          They have bright blue feathers.
•          Hyacinth macaws are very social.
•          Hyacinth macaws have long tails.
•          They have large curved beaks to help them crack open nuts.

Hyacinth macaws are one of our favorites. They are endangered mainly due to the pet trade. If you decide a pet parrot is right for your home, make sure you get one from a reputable breeder. Remember that parrots are very social and live a very long time, so they are very high maintenance and require a lot of care.

WHO AM I?

• I live in the mountains in Asia.
• I am able to jump 50 feet in one leap.
• I am large cat.

WHO AM I?

Endangered Species Week- Craft Day

We’re making a manatee bookmark today. These amazing marine mammals are listed as vulnerable and there is much that we can do to help them; like making sure their ocean and river habitats are free of trash. Also making sure if you are boating in their habitat you go slow as not to hurt them. Lastly, help reduce the pollution that goes in our waterways, by using natural cleaning products. Let’s get started on this adorable bookmark that will remind you how neat manatees are!

Materials:

• A popsicle stick
• Gray Felt
• Hot glue (to be used by an adult)
• Black marker and blue marker

Instructions:

• Print pattern (below) and trace on the felt. You’ll need two manatees.
• Cut out your manatees.

• Color your popsicle stick with the blue marker.

• Place one manatee down, then the popsicle stick, then the other manatee on top- glue this together.

• Add face details to your manatee.

ENDANGERED SPECIES WEEK

DAY #2

Day two of Endangered Species Week takes us to the Caribbean to meet a large swimming reptile. We’ve met these turtles before, but are happy to go and find them again! Let’s hop aboard the E & E boat and grab our snorkeling gear to meet today’s endangered species.

MEET THE GREEN SEA TURTLE!

   Range/Habitat: tropical-subtropical-temperate oceans worldwide

   Diet: Herbivore: sea grass, roots, jellies

   Length/Weight: 3 ¼-4 ft/145-600 lbs

   Conservation Status: endangered

Fun Facts:

•          Green Sea Turtles have a smooth carapace.
•          The carapace (top shell) is a brown-olive color.
•          Green sea turtles have small heads.
•          Green sea turtles have strong flippers.
•          They are the only sea turtle that can be seen occasionally sunbathing on the beach.
•          Green sea turtles lay eggs on the beach.

Green sea turtles are beautiful reptiles. They have been on the planet for about 65 million years and we sure hope they stick around. One great way to help sea turtles is pick up your trash! Turtles often mistake trash for food. If we make sure our oceans our clean, then the turtles only have their food to eat!  

ENDANGERED SPECIES WEEK

Our theme week this month is focusing on Endangered Species. We’ll spotlight 3 animals and giving you ways in which you can help. We’ll also have a guess the endangered animal post and a craft! We’re going to the mountainous rainforests of Africa to meet today’s endangered species. Grab your raincoats and let’s go meet this great ape.

MEET THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA!

   Range/Habitat: Central East Africa/ mountain rainforest

   Diet: Omnivore: leaves, shoots, fruit, insects

   Length/Weight: 4 ¼-6 /14 ft/ 150-460 lbs

   Conservation Status: critically endangered

Fun Facts:

•          Mountain Gorillas live in high altitude volcanic mountains.
•          They live in troops with one dominant male, females and their offspring.
•          Mountain gorillas are generally very peaceful.
•          Mountain gorillas make a nest every night.
•          They have very thick fur to help keep them warm.
•      Mature adult males are called silverbacks.
  

Mountain gorillas are such amazing creatures. They are gentle, social and intelligent. Habitat loss is just one reason these gorillas are endangered. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund helps these special apes, by tracking them and helping them in the wild. Check out their website. Another great way to help gorillas in the wild is by recycling your cell phone at your local zoo. Our zoo has a program as do many others. Remember everything little thing can help our endangered friends!

We’re celebrating moms today with some fun photos of wild animal moms! And if you somehow forgot to get your mom something, we have a card you can color! Thanks to all those moms for all the hard work you do!!

FEATHERY FRIDAY #69

It’s time for that fabulous day of the week when we meet a feathery friend. We’re going to South America to meet a little bird with an extra long bill!

MEET THE SWORD BILLED HUMMINGBIRD!

   Range/Habitat: Northwest South America/Andes mountains

   Diet: Omnivore: insects, nectar

   Length/Weight:  6 ½-9”/ 7/16-9/16 oz

   Conservation Status: common 

Fun Facts:

•          Sword billed hummingbirds have long bills, up to 4 ½”.
•          Their bills are longer than their bodies.
•          Sword billed hummingbirds have dark green bodies.
•          Sword billed hummingbirds hold their bill vertically when at rest.

These tiny little hummingbirds are crazy looking with their looooooong beaks. Those little beaks must help them get to the good nectar.

Look at the picture, read the clues and guess the animal in the comments below.

• I live in the Pacific Ocean coral reefs.
• I am famous.
• I am  a member of the tang family.

WHO AM I?

WATERY WEDNESDAY # 69

 It’s off to South East Asia to find a little fish with a funny face. Are you ready to head out on today’s adventure?

MEET THE CLOWN LOACH!

   Range/Habitat: Southeast Asia/ lakes, streams

   Diet: Carnivore: Invertebrates

   Length: up to 12”

   Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

•          Clown loaches are bottom feeders.
•          Clown loaches have a sharp spine behind each eye for defense.
•          They have four barbells on the front of their mouths.
•          Clown loaches are freshwater fish.
•          They have 3 black bands on their bodies.

These cute little fish are funny looking with their barbells. Those barbells are used to find prey. That is a cool adaptation!