Brevard Zoo News - New Life & New Releases!

Rock hyrax pups born at Brevard Zoo

MELBOURNE, Fla., July 5, 2019 — Brevard Zoo welcomed two rock hyrax pups on Wednesday, June 19 to mother Buffy and father Fangs. The newborns have been named Turnip and Radish by keepers, and their sexes are unknown at this time. They are not yet visible to Zoo guests.

“Last year, Buffy and Fangs gave us babies Gnocchi and Hashbrown,” said Michelle Smurl, the Zoo’s director of animal programs. “This year, they’ve given us two more furballs, both of whom appear to be in excellent health.”

Gestation for rock hyraxes lasts six to eight months and females can give birth to up to four pups per litter.

Although hyraxes only weigh about eight pounds as adults, their closest living relatives are elephants and manatees. This species is found in rocky, arid habitats throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Human hunting has led to population decline in some areas.

 Brevard Zoo to release rehabilitated sea turtle

MELBOURNE, Fla., July 6, 2019 — Following a stay at Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center, juvenile green sea turtle Kona will be returned to the ocean at Bonsteel Park in Melbourne Beach on Tuesday, July 9 at 4 p.m. through a partnership with the Barrier Island Center.

Upon admission to the Healing Center on April 7, Kona appeared lethargic, was covered in barnacles and had trouble staying underwater. This sea turtle was treated with medication, fluids and nutritious food by Zoo staff and volunteers.

This event is open to the public, and a filming and viewing area will be reserved for media. All media personnel are asked to check in with a Healing Center volunteer upon arrival. Accessibility mats will be in place for wheelchair, walker and stroller users.

More information about Kona is available at www.brevardzoo.org/meet-the-patients-kona.

Brevard Zoo is home to more than 900 animals representing 195 species from all over the world. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in the fields of animal wellness, education and conservation. More information is available at www.brevardzoo.org.

Treetop Trek features five aerial obstacle courses that whisk guests above parts of the Zoo and through lush Florida landscapes. More information is available at www.treetoptrek.com.

Brevard Zoo opens bear habitat

MELBOURNE, Fla., April 8, 2019 — Brevard Zoo guests can now visit the Florida black bear habitat in the Wild Florida section of the Zoo.

The 5,000-square-foot space, which features pools, trees, boulders and other elements that encourage natural behavior, houses a two-year-old female. She represents the beginning of the Zoo’s commitment to providing a permanent home for rescued bears, and the habitat can accommodate an additional two to three individuals should the need arise.

Earth Day celebration returns to Brevard Zoo

MELBOURNE, Fla., April 2, 2019 — Brevard Zoo guests are invited to “Spring into Action” at the Zoo’s annual Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Party for the Planet is the Zoo’s way of celebrating Earth Day,” said education programs manager Andrea Aubert. “We invite guests to come learn about sustainable living and conservation, and celebrate our world in a fun, family-friendly way.”

Brevard Backyard Beekeepers, Brevard County Natural Resources, Keep Brevard Beautiful, Recycle Brevard and Sea Turtle Preservation Society will be present with hands-on nature play and science activities. Other festivities include a sea turtle obstacle course, recycling workshops, games, crafts, live music, mangrove adoption, native seed giveaways and the opportunity to create enrichment items for Zoo animals.

All activities are included with Zoo admission. The event is presented by the Zoo’s corporate partners.

Brevard Zoo is home to more than 900 animals representing 195 species from all over the world. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in the fields of animal wellness, education and conservation. More information is available at www.brevardzoo.org.

Treetop Trek features five aerial obstacle courses that whisk guests above parts of the Zoo and through lush Florida landscapes. More information is available at www.treetoptrek.com.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to host its third-annual Plant Swap

SANFORD, Fla., April 1, 2019—The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be partnering with Orlando Permaculture to kick off National Garden Month with its third-annual Plant Swap on Saturday, April 6. The Zoo is inviting residents of the Central Florida community to bring or swap a non-invasive plant. In exchange, each adult participant will receive one ticket for single-day admission to the Zoo. (Limit one per adult. Tickets valid through December 31, 2019.) “We are excited to partner with Orlando Permaculture to offer this event for our community. As a botanical garden and conservation resource, it is important that we educate people about protecting our environment,” says Dino Ferri, CEO of the Zoo. “With all the construction across Central Florida, we are losing a lot of green space. Many people don’t realize caring for plants at home can actually provide opportunities for them to reduce their carbon footprint."

Brevard Zoo sees influx of sea turtle patients

MELBOURNE, Fla., March 12, 2019 — Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center admitted 13 green sea turtles between Friday and Sunday. The cause of this influx is unknown.

The turtles arrived in a debilitated state, laden with algae and barnacles that interfered with their ability to swim. Some are suffering from additional ailments like inflammation and sepsis. They are being treated with fluids, antibiotics, vitamins, nutritional support and a safe place to rest.

Though the Healing Center typically only holds around 12 sea turtles at a time, staff and volunteers creatively reconfigured the space to accommodate an all-time high of 26 patients as other facilities in the state also neared capacity. On Monday, 12 turtles were transferred to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

Brews Around the Zoo Returns to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

SANFORD, Fla., January 30, 2019—Brews Around the Zoo, presented by Wayne Densch, Inc., is returning for its twelfth year at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Saturday, April 13 from 6 PM to 10 PM. This wildly popular event directly supports the Zoo's animal welfare, conservation initiatives, and education programs. Over 1,800 guests are expected to attend this adults-only night featuring food samples from local restaurants, live music, special animal encounters, and over thirty different craft beers. Tickets for the event are all inclusive for beer and food samplings and will go on sale through UNation on Friday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. Multiple ticket options are available. The Zoo will also host A Taste of the Wild Beer Pairing Dinner, featuring beer from Wicked Weed Brewing based in Asheville, NC. This year, the dinner will take place the evening before Brews Around the Zoo—Friday, April 12 from 6:30 to 9 PM. Tickets to A Taste of the Wild Beer Pairing Dinner include General Admission tickets to Brews Around the Zoo on Saturday. This event is held rain or shine. All guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend; a valid ID will be required along with your ticket upon admission. Guests with infants and/or small children will not be permitted to enter the gates under any circumstances. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To obtain more information please contact the Zoo’s event manager by phone at 407-323-4450 ext. 103 or e-mail atmegans@centralfloridazoo.org.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to over 350 animals in Sanford, Florida. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, providing experiences that excite and inspire actions on behalf of wildlife. More information is available at www.centralfloridazoo.org.

 

Seminole Aerial Adventures at the Central Florida Zoo is a self-propelled challenge course for all ages. Woven into the natural forest are three courses designed to test you, physically and mentally. Swing, climb, and balance across dancing logs, tight wires, rope bridges, nets, & exhilarating zip lines. This featured attraction, just before the Zoo's entrance, gives both nature lovers & challenge seekers the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of adventure in Central Florida.

Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation is a cutting-edge conservation facility dedicated to propagation of and reintroduction of the federally protected eastern indigo snake. More information is available at www.centralfloridazoo.org/about-the-zoo/ocic.