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What’s new at the Zoo? Find out here! Click on the tags to learn more about your favorite animals and topics.

A Perdido Key Beach Mouse in a hollow log.

Expanding Perdido Key Beach Mice Conservation

For about 15 years, our Zoo has been one of a handful of conservation breeding programs for the Perdido Key beach mouse. We’re hoping to help expand that number as well as awareness of this critically endangered species with its recent addition to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) SAFE program.   

An oyster reef made of coquina

Experimenting with a New Reef Building Material

Our Restore Our Shores (ROS) team is always looking to try new methods in its efforts to improve the Indian River Lagoon, whether it’s taking on an experimental seagrass planting project or trying out a new material in our oyster restoration projects. One such new material: coquina!

Hoof Trim Training for People

Our animal care team takes a special training course in order to learn how to do hoof trims on animal residents like our giraffe!

Florida grasshopper sparrow

Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Success – Again!

Our second breeding season for the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrows has ended with incredible success!

A black howler monkey sits on vines.

Remembering Stormy

We’re sorry to share that we made the difficult decision to euthanize the leader of our black howler monkey troop, 19-year-old Stormy, due to advanced kidney failure.   

A posed photo of our giraffe Rafiki.

Remembering Rafiki

We’re heartbroken to share that Rafiki, one of our original five giraffes to be on habitat when Expedition Africa opened in 2003, was humanely euthanized following ongoing age-related medical issues.

A photo of Rafiki the giraffe

Rafiki’s New Shoes

Our 25-year-old giraffe Rafiki is experiencing some health issues. We’re hopeful that our innovative care will help him continue to age comfortably with us.

Green sea turtle spicy Hawaiian gets chiropractic care.

Offering Chiropractic Care to Our Sea Turtle Patients

One of our Sea Turtle Healing Center patients, Spicy Hawaiian the juvenile green sea turtle, has been receiving this treatment!