|
"Tasha"
the Fennec Fox
In the last eNews issue, we asked our readers to vote on their favorite animal ambassador at Zooniversity. The winner by a mile was "Tasha," one of our fennec foxes.
The fennec fox is a diminutive 3-pound member of the canine family and is only found in the deserts of North Africa. They have adapted to endure inhospitable desert conditions -- 100-130 degree heat, scorching winds and sand, no shade, and little food and water. To survive, they dig 14-20' holes, they can run up to 20 mph, and they use their gigantic ear flaps to expel excess body heat.
Yet, for all their desert survival tactics, they can do little to escape from human interference. They are now listed on the CITES II watch list, due to collection by humans for the pet trade, meat and for fur.
Pets? Yes, pets. Do we think these are good housepets? Simply and firmly, NO.
Besides being illegal to own in most states, counties and cities, their desert behaviors just do not lend themselves to life in your family room. They sleep all day, run 20 mph all night long, they dig 14-20' holes in your carpet, and, lest I forgot to mention it, they mark their territory.
These are not chihuahuas. They are not status symbols to be sported about by wanna-be Paris Hiltons. These are wild creatures that exhibit wild behaviors.
And, to top it off, little is really known about proper captive care -- much of today's husbandry advice has been gathered from just the last 20 years of zoo trial-and-error attempts at care.
Tasha may be precious to behold, but she is no housepet. She was donated to Zooniversity when she was 4 months old. She lives with one of her fellow fennecs at Zooniversity, Faith. You can read Faith's story and a new Faith update on our website. |
Prairie dog "barking" tells other prairie dogs what type of predator is coming -- a hawk versus a coyote versus a human. Researchers decoding prairie dog language now believe these little rodents can distinguish between a human wearing a red shirt versus a yellow shirt -- and they talk about us!
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendar! Free Summer Shows
 Come see us for free! We're coming to your local library this summer. We'll be teaching our "Native Texas Critters" program, so come meet animals rarely seen: "Tucson," the desert hairy scorpion; "Chuck," the chuckwalla; "Doggie," the prairie dog; and "Teddy Bear," the porcupine. Check our public calendar for your nearest location. |
|
"I need your help. I found an animal..."
 It's baby season in Texas and the wildlife is teaming. But, what do you do if you find native wildlife that you think needs your help? Before you try to "rescue" it, before you pick it up or you try to feed it food or water, STOP and learn what to do. Rehabilitating native Texas wildlife requires years of training and hands-on experience and is strictly regulated by the State of Texas. So, be sure to call in the real experts -- the wildlife will thank you. |
|
Register Now! Fall Zoo Schools are Filling Fast
 Zoo School is coming to you this Fall! Enroll your K-5th grade homeschool or afterschool student in a semester-long series of fun, hands-on zoology classes. Registration is underway for BASIC and ADVANCED (new!) Zoo Schools in Frisco, Little Elm, Rockwall and North Dallas. Class size is limited, so don't wait for the August 1st deadline -- enroll now! Want to bring a Zoo School to your school or community? Contact us for all the details. |
|
Free Education Manual! All About Gorillas
 Teachers, homeschoolers and librarians -- download a free 36-page education manual "All About Gorillas" [pdf] -- perfect curriculum for the aspiring zoologist or conservationist. The manual was developed by the International Zoo Educators Association (IZEA) and includes activities, games and conservation projects for elementary through high school age students. The IZEA encourages you to print it, use it, and post it for others to share. |
|
Know, Before You Hire Someone with Animals
 Before you hire that person with animals, there are a few critical things you should know. Are they licensed to own and exhibit those animals in this country, state, county, and city? Do they have clean inspection reports? Do they have liability insurance? Do they allow direct audience contact with animals that could potentially inflict harm (like big cats or monkeys)? What steps do they take to protect your audience? Learn what to ask and how to uncover the facts that some animal folks don't want you to know. | |
|
Join "Teens for Planet Earth"
 It's like a "green" Facebook -- except it's a new social networking site to help teens and adults carry out environmental service projects. Your school, church or scout group can form a group and share messages, photos, videos, blogs and updates with your teammates or other groups around the world. Adult leaders can contact local officials, raise funds, and manage team dynamics. Protect our planet and join T4PE now! |
|
Plant a Billion Trees or Adopt An Acre
 Help The Nature Conservancy meet their goal to Plant a Billion Trees in the Brazilian rainforest. For just $1 per tree, you can make a donation to replant our Earth's most precious biome. Or, think big and Adopt An Acre of rainforest, African savanna, Australian forest, or U.S. Rocky mountain -- a $50 donation will help to preserve and protect your favorite animal habitat -- a great group service project for your school, church, scout or community organization! |
|
Become a Facebook Fan!
Join us as a facebook fan! We just launched our facebook page and invite you, your students and your family to join us. Just click on "Become a Fan" and you'll be able to post your favorite Zooniversity pictures and videos, join in animal discussions, and be alerted to our special events and news. It's just a start -- so help us build our fan base and share your fun stuff and ideas with lots of other animal-minded people. Post on our wall today! |
|
Celebrate! "World Environment Day" June 5th
 Friday, June 5th, is World Environment Day -- a date set by the United Nations to focus the world's attention on the crucial issue of climate change. Have your family, your camp, church, library or community group organize an event to educate others on what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint -- then send in pictures of your event to mark your participation in this worldwide campaign to stop global warming. |
|
|
|
|
