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"Teddy Bear"
the Porcupine
"Teddy Bear" was named after a stuffed bear that this once small, orphaned baby clung to for comfort. Teddy is a North American porcupine and he came to Zooniversity after his wild Mama gave birth and then abandoned him in a West Texas rancher's barn. Thanks to a "porky" rehabilitator in Maine, we learned how to feed and care for a baby porcupine. Five years later, he now weighs in at a whopping 18 pounds! Teddy is related to the beaver and eats only plants, preferably bark and leaves. His bright orange front teeth are a sign of good health and his long fuzzy coat discreetly hides his 35,000 quills. No, he can't shoot them like projectile missiles! But they are sharp and barbed and they easily pull out from his body if you're silly enough to upset him. Teddy is amazingly bright -- he knows his name and is very vocal with the humans he loves. His human imprinting is so strong, he cannot be released into the wild -- he has no fear of people or animals. He'll quickly climb up your leg for a fig newton or a belly rub! Teddy knows he is the leading man (or porky) in our Native Texas Critters program. Invite him to your next event! |
Did you know that a frog doesn't have a roof in its mouth? In order to swallow, a frog has to squeeze its eyeballs -- its the eyeballs that push the frog's food down its throat! |
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New! Zoo School Classes for K-4th
 Our new multi-week series of Zoo School classes are the perfect zoology enrichment for schools, homeschool or after-school groups. Classes for K-4th grade students are now forming for Spring Semester 2009 in Frisco and in Irving/Coppell/Euless. Contact us for registration information or if you'd like to organize a Zoo School in your area! |
Holiday Gifts That Help Wildlife
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It's Time To Book Summer Reading!
 Librarians, it's that time again! Time to plan for Summer Reading 2009. If you are using the "Libraries: Deep in The Heart of Texas" theme, be sure to consider our "Native Texas Critters" program, featuring rarely seen local creatures. Using another theme? No problem, all 50+ species of rescued, exotic animals are ready to come visit your patrons. Request your reservations online now, before all the best spots on the calendar are taken! |
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Make a Winter Wildlife Treat Tree
 Give your backyard buddies some help through the long winter. Relive those childhood memories by making pinecone bird feeders , suet cakes , and popcorn garland. Go to your local feed store and buy dried corn-on-the-cob, sunflower seeds, and millet branches and decorate an entire wildlife treat tree! A great project to teach your kids and grandkids that even nature needs a little help in tough times. |
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Behind the Scenes at Zooniversity
 Want a glimpse of what it's really like behind the scenes at Zooniversity? Read "Critter Tales" -- our year-long blog of fun and light-hearted recollections. Some Moms have even reported they've used these entertaining anecdotes as bedtime stories for animal-loving kids! Think our job is easy? Read "Problem Party People" or "THAT Kid from the Country Club" to see what our lives are really like! |
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Early Birds: Book Now for Spring
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Forget the socks and gift cards. Give a holiday gift that is cute, cuddly, and actually helps wildlife conservation. 
It's not too early to schedule your Spring 