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Animal Information Africa
Chimpanzee Species Information……………………………………………………………………………2 Individual Animal Information……………………………………………………………4 African Lion Species Information……………………………………………………………………………6 Individual Animal Information……………………………………………………………8 Eastern Bongo
Species Information……………………………………………………………………………9 Individual Animal Information…………………………………………………………..11 Southern Ground Hornbill…………………………………………………………………………..12 Egyptian Geese……………………………………………………………………………………………14 Common Warthog……………………………………………………………………………………….16
Updated October 2018 Chimpanzee 2 Pan troglodytes
John Ball Zoo Habitat – Mokomboso Valley Built in 2001 with heated/cooled rocks and sand pits. Feeder rocks placed throughout the habitat to encourage natural behavior. Water used as a natural barrier as well as the incline of the wall. Vine that surrounds the upper half of perimeter wall is actually a hot wire. Individual Animals – 6 Chimpanzees: 4 Females and 2 Males Life Expectancy Average at AZA institutions: Male: 32.4 years; Female: 38.9 years Oldest recorded at AZA institutions: Male: 61 years; Female: 79.4 years Average life span in Wild: 27 years Oldest Recorded in Wild: 63 years Statistics Males – 3-4.5 feet tall and 75-154 lbs. Females – 3 feet tall and 57 - 110 lbs. Diet – Omnivore Wild – mainly fruit supplementing with leaves, flowers, seeds and insects. Chimps will cooperate together to hunt and kill monkeys. Zoo –Fruits, veggies and dry pasta are given daily. Enrichment in feeder rocks require tool use to extract could be sugar free Jell-O or Kool-Aid. Predators Mainly Humans. Young Chimps may fall prey to Leopards, Pythons, and Martial Eagles.
Habitat – Humid evergreen forests, tropical rainforests, deciduous forest and dry savanna woodlands. Region – Populations are found where tracts of forests remain in the equatorial forest belt of central Africa.
Chimpanzee 3 Pan troglodytes Reproduction – Polygynandrous: mate with multiple partners Reproduction can start at 11 years of age. Gestation lasts 7.5 months. One baby is born twins are rare. Once young are born females will not breed again for 3-6 years. Young are completely dependent upon their mother until 3-4 years of age but will stay with her until they reach adulthood. The estrus cycle lasts approximately 36 days, during which the females’ genital skin swells which is a visual indication when they are receptive to males for reproduction. Adaptations Opposable thumbs and big toes Twice as strong as the average human Behavior Chimps make a new nest in trees each night at the zoo they create these in the day room Communicate with a wide variety of gestures, postures and facial expressions. Arm raising, slapping/clapping, shaking a branch and foot stamping are threatening signals used between individuals. Live in communities of 40-60 chimps that then are divided into subgroups of about 6-7 individuals Play may be important to the development of social bonds and friendly relationships. One of the few species to exhibit tool use. Conservation Concerns Habitat destruction and degradation due to slash and burn agriculture, logging, oil/gas mining. Also, poaching and disease Conservation Ask Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions. o Action – When you make purchases, support green companies/eco-labels . Electronics – When buying new electronics look for conflict free labels. These products use responsibly sourced materials. . Look for theses Eco-labels: Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council, & Sustainable Palm Oil
Chimpanzee 4 Pan troglodytes
Individual Animal Information
Name: Peggy Date of Birth: 1969 (Estimate) Birth Location: Africa Arrived at John Ball Zoo: April 18, 2001 From: Detroit Zoological Society Gender: Female
Physical Description: Pink around mouth
Name: Sammy Date of Birth: June 16, 1978 Birth Location: Kansas City Zoo Arrived at John Ball Zoo: January 08, 2009
From: Potawatomi Zoo (Indiana) Gender: Male
Physical Description: Grey beard
Name: Donnie Date of Birth: January 25, 1979 Birth Location: Parc Safari (Quebec) Arrived at John Ball Zoo: April 18, 2001
From: Detroit Zoological Society Gender: Male Uncle to Kiambi
Chimpanzee 5 Pan troglodytes
Name: Sanga
Date of Birth: October 28, 1984
Birth Location: Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum Arrived at John Ball Zoo: April 18, 2001 From: Detroit Zoological Society Gender: Female Physical Description: Bald Mother to Kiambi
Name: Susie
Date of Birth: July 01, 1987
Birth Location: Lincoln Park Zoological
Gardens
Arrived at John Ball Zoo: April 18, 2001 From: Detroit Zoological Society Gender: Female Physical Description: Largest in the troupe
Name: Kiambi Date of Birth: March 22, 1998 Birth Location: Detroit Zoological Society Arrived at John Ball Zoo: April 18, 2001
From: Detroit Zoological Society Gender: Female Sanga’s daughter
Donnie’s Niece
African Lion 6 Panthera leo krugeri John Ball Zoo – Lions of Lake Manyara Built in 2008 and has two bomas at viewing areas as well as a raised observation deck. The exhibit includes a heated/cooled rock and tree. Individual Animals – 2 Males, 2 Females Life Expectancy Average at AZA institutions: 16.9 years Oldest recorded at AZA institutions: 31.9 years Average life span in Wild: 14 years Statistics Weight – 227lbs -600lbs (males tend to be larger) Length – 7.9ft – 10.8ft Diet – Carnivore Wild – Wildebeest, zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, buffalo, warthog, kongoni, and topi. Zoo – Feline diet 6 times per week and a knuckle bone on the 7th. Predators – Humans Hyenas have been known to kill lion cubs, juveniles, or weak and sick adult lions. Habitat Plains or savanna habitat with a large amount of prey available Region Sub-Saharan Africa except in the desert and rainforest habitats Reproduction Polygynous – having more than one female as a mate at a time Females are able to breed at 4 years and males at 5 years. Breed year-round It is estimated that lions copulate 3,000 times for every cub that survives over one year. Lions mate approximately 2.2 times per hour for the 4 day estrus period. Female lions tend to have cubs every 2 years. One to six cubs are born after a 3.5 month gestation period. Mother lions keep their cubs in hiding until they reach about 8 weeks of age. The cubs are weaned between 7 and 10 months, however they are dependent upon adults in the pride until they are at least 16 months old.
African Lion 7 Panthera leo krugeri Adaptations The lion is one of the largest of the 'big cats' and can prey on animals many times its size by utilizing its strong jaws and muscular build. Unlike other carnivores that commonly have permanently extended claws, lions have claws that can be retracted. Behavior Lions that hunt in groups of 2 or more are only successful 30% of the time and individuals that hunt alone are only successful 17% of the time. Females will live together in prides of about 15 with only a few males. Males protect the territory as females hunt. Females live in the pride they are born in but males leave their pride at 2-4 years old with other males born at the same time. These groups are called coalitions. Successful male coalitions that takeover a pride have about 2 years before another younger, stronger coalition will replace them. Pride takeover battles are often violent. Communication happens through visual cues, scent marking, vocalizations (can roar at age 1) and tactile communication (physical aggression, touching during greetings) Lions are the only truly social cat. Conservation Concerns The main threats to Lions are indiscriminate killing and prey base depletion. Also, habitat loss and human conflict. o Lions cost ranchers in Kenya livestock and are persecuted in livestock areas. o Trophy hunting is considered an important financial tool when used properly with sustainable population management. Conservation Ask Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Fair Trade – Items labeled fair trade have strict environmental and economic guidelines to follow. When you look for this logo you can be assured that your purchase is helping not harming local communities and environments. Support Global and Local Conservation Programs o Donate time/money to the Zoo . By supporting JBZ guests are helping to support the Species Survival Plan associated with African Lions. African Lion 8 Panthera leo krugeri
Individual Animal Information Name: Docha Born: April 10, 2005 At Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens Arrived: May 24, 2007 From Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens Physical Description: Darker mane, than Kiume Gender: Male
Name: Abena Born: May 17, 2006 At San Diego Zoo Safari Park Sister to Bakari Arrived: October 14, 2007 From San Diego Zoo Safari Park Gender: Female
Name: Bakari Born: May 17, 2006 At San Diego Zoo Safari Park Sister to Abena Arrived: October 14, 2007 From San Diego Zoo Safari Park Physical Description: Darker around the eyes Tends to have tongue sticking out. Gender: Female
Name: Kiume Born: July 24, 2011 At Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens Arrived: December 19, 2012 From Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens Physical Description: Lighter mane, than Doucha Gender: Male
Eastern Bongo 9 Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci John Ball Zoo Habitat – African Forest Edge, opened in 1996. Sometimes referred to as the African Savanna. Mixed species habitat that includes Southern Ground Hornbills and Egyptian Geese. Individual Animals: 1 Male, 2 Females Species – Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci Also known as Mountain Bongo 1 of 2 sub-species of Bongo Life Expectancy Average at AZA institutions: Male: 9.2 years; Female: 12.3 years Oldest recorded at AZA institutions: Male: 19.8 years; Female: 23.6 years Wild: insufficient data Statistics Weight – Male: 525-890lbs; Female: 460-520lbs Length – Body: 5.5-8.2ft; Tail: 1.4-2.1ft Height – Shoulder: 3.6-4.2ft Horn Length – 2.4-3.3ft Diet – Herbivore Wild – Grazer and browser. Leaves, flowers, twigs, thistles, garden produce and cereals. o Bongos have also been known to eat burned wood as a means of getting salt or minerals. Zoo o Once a day, at night the Bongos receive: . 4-14 cups of herbivore/ruminant grain (depending on their size) . A mix of produce: carrot, apple, sweet potato. . Between 0.5-2 cups of omelene (aka sweet feed). o Twice a day: . 2-4 flakes of alfalfa hay each o In the winter they receive a supplement of some ‘approved’ browse that were frozen over the summer. o In their outdoor habitat they get free range of browsing and grazing. o They always have access to a mineral block, which has a lot of different nutrients for supplementation. o They are given graham crackers during training sessions. Predators – Lions & Humans Habitat – Rainforest, scrub forest, & mountains Region Small populations reside in the montane or highland forest of Kenya and in the Congo. A few remain in the Aberdares Conservation Area. Eastern Bongo 10 Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci Reproduction The mating patterns of the forest dwelling groups are poorly known due to the density of their habitat and their tendency to retreat during the daytime. Sexually mature around 20 months of age. Females come into estrus every 3 weeks and remain in estrus for approximately 3 days. o During this period, the male follows the estrus female in a "low stretch" posture while emitting soft vocalizations. The male approaches the female, rubbing his head against her side and rump to test her for mounting receptivity. Before attempting the mount, the male assumes a "frozen" posture. Gestation lasts just over 9 months. The female gives birth to a single calf weighing approximately 43 pounds. o On rare occasions multiple births may occur in which two calves are born. For a short period after birth calves are left alone, lying still in a sheltered spot to avoid detection by predators, with the mother periodically returning to nurse the calf. Young are weaned at six months. Adaptations Long prehensile tongue for grasping leaves Broad horns for pulling or breaking high branches Bongos are the largest and most colorful of the forest African antelopes Behavior – both diurnal and nocturnal Non-territorial Bongos are the only forest antelope to form herds. Conservation Concerns: Estimated fewer than 100 individuals in the Wild Large scale and unrestricted hunting with dogs and snares Lion predation Habitat destruction Conservation Ask Support Global and Local Conservation Programs o Donate time/money to the zoo . Become a member, return visit, make purchase There is a Species Survival Plan for Eastern Bongos
Eastern Bongo 11 Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci
Individual Animal Information Name: Jasper Born: October 10, 2008 At Virginia Zoological Park Arrived: December 30, 2009 From Virginia Zoological Park Physical Description: Largest of the 3 darker coloration Gender: Male
Name: Penelope or Penny Born: June 18, 2014 At Potter Park Zoological Gardens Arrived: May 03, 2017 From Potter Park Zoological Gardens Physical Description: One horn is bent Gender: Female
Southern Ground Hornbill 12 Bucorvus leadbeateri
John Ball Zoo Habitat – African Forest Edge, opened in 1996. Sometimes referred to as the African Savanna. Mixed species habitat that includes Eastern Bongos and Egyptian Geese Individual Animals – 1 Male, 1 Female Male – Dino (all red on throat) o Hatched May 18, 1994 . At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens o Arrived April 09, 2002 . From Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Female – Priscilla (Large blue spot on throat) o Hatched September 08, 2001 . At San Antonio Zoological Gardens o Arrived April 18, 2003 . From San Antonio Zoological Gardens Life Expectancy Average at AZA institutions: 30-40 years. Average life span in Wild: 30-40 years. Statistics – Largest member of the hornbill family Weight – 4.8-9.2 pounds
Height – Approximately 3.2 feet o Wingspan – 3.9-5.9 feet Males have continuous red coloring on their face and neck, while females have blue coloration on their throat. Diet – Carnivore Wild – The main source of food is insects. Can also eat amphibians, small mammals, and some reptiles. o When prey availability is severely limited, they also have been known to eat dead animals. Predators – Leopards and Crocodiles
Habitat Forest, savanna, or grassland Region Sub-Saharan Africa. o From southern Kenya to Botswana in the south. Southern Ground Hornbill 13 Bucorvus leadbeateri Reproduction – Monogamous Sexual maturity is reached at about 3 years of age. o At this time their facial skin changes color. Mating occurs seasonally in early summer, but not every year. Only the Alpha Mates (largest female and male) produce offspring. o The rest of the flock serve as helper birds. Copulation and nesting lasts from September to December. o During this time, the female spends much of her time in a large cavity in or around trees and cliff. The male prepares the nest and protects the female while she is nesting. 1-3 Eggs per clutch Eggs hatch 37 to 43 days after copulation. There is a three to seven day rest period between the laying of each egg. Typically only the first chick survives. The chick is relatively self-sufficient after 86 days, however its parents will continue to guide and provide protection for their offspring. Adaptation They use their large beaks to attack slightly larger prey. Their large mouths and beaks allow them to eat their prey whole, as they do not have any teeth for chewing. Inflatable throat sac used to produce loud calls by filling and releasing air, which can scare off potential predators. They can also give alarm calls to warn other hornbills in the area of potential threats. o They occasionally set up chorus calls that can be heard by other birds over a mile away. They have long eyelashes to aid in shading their eyes. Behavior – Diurnal and non-migratory. Live in groups of 2-11. Conservation Concerns – Loss of nesting habitat to humans for agriculture. Conservation Ask Support Global and Local Conservation Programs o Donate time/money to the zoo . Become a member, return visit, make purchase There is a Species Survival Plan for Southern Egyptian Goose 14 Alopochen aegyptiaca
John Ball Zoo Habitat – African Forest Edge, opened in 1996. Sometimes referred to as the African Savanna. Mixed species habitat that includes Eastern Bongos and Southern Ground Hornbills. There is also 1 Female Egyptian Goose located in the duck habitat on Hillside. Individual Animals – 1 Male, 2 Females All 3 individuals hatched in April of 2008 and arrived at John Ball Zoo on May 20, 2008. Life Expectancy Under managed Care: up to 14 years. Average life span in Wild: Insufficient data Statistics Weight – 3.3-5 pounds Height – 24-28 inches o Wingspan – 13-16 inches Diet – Herbivore Wild – Grass, grains (mainly wheat), and leaves. o Some small insects, worms, and frogs.
Predators – Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Crocodiles, and Vultures
Habitat Meadows, grasslands, and agricultural fields. o Most of their time is spent in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. Region Africa, and southern Europe. It is especially common in southern Africa, below the Sahara and in the Nile Valley. Introduced into Great Britain, and a substantial population still thrives there today.
Egyptian Goose 15 Alopochen aegyptiaca Reproduction – Monogamous Sexual maturity is reached at the age of two. The males are quite aggressive when mating. Each male performs a noisy and elaborate courtship display, emitting unusually loud honking noises. Egyptian geese breed in the spring or at the end of the dry season. Nests are made out of feathers and vegetation. o Sometimes Egyptian Geese use the abandoned nest of other large bird species. 5-12 Eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts 28-30 days. The young fledge in 70 days. The father protects the eggs and chicks, while the mother guides them and keeps them close to her. Behavior – Diurnal Males make a raspy hiss, while females produce a cackling sound. The geese usually settle in one pond, lake, stream or river for their entire lives, unless predators become too abundant or drought occurs. Since these geese tend to eat much of their food on land, they help disperse seeds, break up soil and decompose dead plants. Conservation Concerns The species is persecuted by shooting and poisoning in parts of its range due to it being regarded as a pest. Conservation Ask Support Global and Local Conservation Programs o Donate time/money to the zoo . Become a member, return visit, make purchase.
Common Warthog 16 Phacochoerus africanus John Ball Zoo Habitat – Warthog habitat located next to the African Savannah Individual Animals: 1 Male – Theodore Born July 01, 2010 Arrived August 23, 2011 Life Expectancy Average at AZA institutions: 11-12 years Average in Wild: 7-11 years Oldest recorded at AZA institutions: 18.2 years Statistics Weight: 110-330 pounds Length: 2.9-4.6 feet Shoulder Height: 2-2.7 feet Males ten to larger than females Diet – Omnivore Wild – grasses, leaves, roots, tubers, wood, bark, stems, seeds, grains, nuts, fruit, and carrion. Predators Predominantly Lions; also Leopards and Cheetahs
Habitat – Wooded savanna, grassland, and semi-deserts, Region Africa, from Mauritania to Ethiopia and south to Namibia and eastern South Africa. Reproduction – Polygynandrous: both males and females have many mates. Common warthogs are sexually mature at 18 to 20 months, although males do not typically mate until 4 years of age. Females usually become fertile 4 to 5 months after the rainy season has ended and give birth during the dry season. Females attract mates by urinating in a hunched position. When females are in estrus ritualized fighting between males does occur. Gestation lasts 170 to 175 days. o This is the longest gestation of all pig species. Common Warthog 17 Phacochoerus africanus
Females give birth in a burrow, which is important in regulating the body temperature of the piglets. o Young warthogs cannot maintain their own body temperature for the first few days. Litters range in size from 1 to 7 piglets, with an average of 3 piglets per litter. Piglets are weaned at about 21 weeks of age. Warthogs spend 6 to 7 weeks in the burrow before venturing out with the mother. Adaptations They graze short grasses by to lowering themselves on their wrist joints, which are calloused and padded. Warthogs have six “warts” (thick patches of skin) to protect themselves against other males. Behavior – Diurnal Common warthogs live in family groups called soundings. o A sounding usually consists of females and their young. o Males tend to be solitary.
They can use the warning calls of red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers to avoid predators. Conservation Concerns Human-caused habitat degradation and competition with livestock for water and food). Hunted for entertainment, bush meat, skins, and tusks o They are also used as bait for hunting large carnivores. Conservation Ask Support Global and Local Conservation Programs o Donate time/money to the zoo . Volunteer . Become a member, return visit, make purchase . John Ball Zoo participate the Species Survival Plan for Common Warthogs.