Life with Dylan

Category: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

  • Mother and Child Relationships in the Animal Kingdom

    One of the things I love about watching the animals is how they interact with each other. No matter what species of animal, one thing remains the same, the bond between a mother and child is simply undeniable.  The teaching moments as well as the times of utter frustration that all mom’s feel at one time or another are universal. After watching two different animal species interact a few weeks ago, I was reminded that humans are not the only species to share this special bond.

    Joanne and Imani
    Western Lowland Gorillas

    Hold my hand Joanne, let Mom help you …

    Like this Mom? Is this how we eat the leaves?

    Oshana with her cubs Ernest, Evelyn, Marion and Miss Ellen
    African Lions

    Oshana calling to Izu, most likely for reinforcement

    Really kids, you want to eat again?

    And just like all moms, as much as we love our children, sometimes we just need to walk away and have 5 minutes to ourselves.

    The next time you are visiting a zoo pay close attention to how the animals are interacting with one another. Animal behavior is quite fascinating if you ask me.

    To visit these featured moms and their babies, you can visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

  • Baby Black Rhino Charges Into Our Hearts

    Once again, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is doing their part to bring species back from the brink extinction. Last week a critically endangered black rhino calf was born at the Safari Park and has quickly charged into the hearts of rhino lovers all over the world.

    The unnamed male calf was born on Saturday July 12, 2014. This is the fifth calf for Lembe and father Jambia and the 15th black rhino born at the Safari Park.

    Last Wednesday I was at the Safari Park and knew the chances of seeing the baby rhino were slim. Lembe is very protective and has been keeping him hidden among the rocks. Nevertheless, I got on the tram  … I just wanted a glimpse of the then 4-day-old baby rhino. Well, I got more than a glimpse.

    The tram driver was just as excited as we were. She said that we were very lucky because nobody had seen Lembe walk the calf across the exhibit. All I could do was start clicking my camera in hopes of getting something that resembled a rhino. I was so honored that the Safari Park used my photo to announce the birth of the black rhino calf on social media.

    In a press release from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, keepers stated that Lembe runs around her exhibit with her tail pointed up, a cue that lets her calf know she is on alert and watching over him. The young calf trots closely behind, sometimes fumbling over his footing, as he is still getting comfortable keeping up with his mother.

    We have been watching Lembe has she grew bigger and bigger, anticipating the birth of this precious black rhino. Words cannot explain the excitement or the joy Dylan and I felt when we saw him running through the exhibit. Both mother and calf are visible to guests taking the Safari Park’s Africa Tram tour, so get out there and see this little guy for yourself. The cuteness factor is off the charts!

    Black Rhino Calf – Photo taken on July 18, 2014, by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

  • Breakfast with the Tigers? Yes please!

    Imagine walking along a bamboo lined pathway in the quiet of the morning. You hear faint animal calls off in the distance and the moist dew in the air feels cool on your face. As you round the corner, you see green foliage resembling the lush tropical forest of Sumatra. Then out of the trees comes not one tiger, but two tigers, ready to welcome you to their home. It’s as if they are saying, “Welcome, come in and join us for breakfast.”

    Well, that is exactly what they are saying. Last Saturday, Dylan and I had the pleasure of being some of the first guests to have breakfast with the Safari Park’s Sumatran tigers, and it was magical. If you thought sipping coffee on a tropical beach was relaxing, then you need to try it with the tigers. Sitting at a table sharing good food, my morning coffee, and friendly conversations with others was nothing short of blissful for me. Why you ask?

    What makes this so special you ask?

    Well, because it isn’t every day that a tiger is roaming just a few feet away from you while you sip coffee and eat your breakfast. This new experience, Breakfast with the Tigers, is being offered as part of the Summer Safari Asian Celebration.

    Every Saturday, from June 28 through August 16, you are invited to have breakfast with the tigers before the park opens to the public. Held in the Tull Family Tiger Trail’s Sambutan Longhouse from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., the new dining experience gives guests a chance to see the tigers interacting with keepers and exploring their habitats filled with enrichment items.

    The traditional American breakfast buffet includes eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, pancakes, fresh fruit, cereal, assorted pastries, coffee, tea, juice, and water.

    There is something for everyone and remember, it is a buffet so you can go back for more!

        

    Not only does this new dining experience allow you to enjoy your breakfast in a tropical Sumatran setting, but you also have the opportunity to speak with tiger keepers, who are walking around during breakfast to share stories and answer any questions you may have about the tigers. The keepers will also invite one of the six Sumatran tigers to the interactive wall to demonstrate what goes on during a training session.
    What I enjoyed most about having breakfast with the tigers was the intimate setting. I was told that only 50 tickets are sold for each Saturday dining experience, so you won’t have an issue with crowds. When breakfast is over, you can continue exploring Tiger Trail for about 20 minutes before the general public starts arriving.  

    Tickets are $45 for Breakfast with the Tigers – Admission is separate and required for non-members, but may be added at checkout.

    Come, join the tigers for an experience you will never forget. Teddy sends his personal invitation and recommends the pancakes. He says the syrup is lip-smacking good!

  • Exploring Tiger Trail and Becoming One with the Tigers

    Tigers are breathtaking, captivating, elusive, powerful, and mysterious. They have taken over my world and I could not be happier!

    Twelve days ago I saw Tiger Trail for the first time when my son and I attended a special donor preview event on May 22. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I did know that we would see tigers like never before.

    The anticipation mounted as we walked along the pathway lined with wooden posts. We had been down this path so many times over the past two years, but this time it was different. No longer did the path end with a barricade. Now the path opened up to a beautiful plaza giving way to the entrance of the Tull Family Tiger Trail. After finding Dylan’s name on the donor plaque, we began walking down the bamboo lined path toward the Indonesian tiger statue. I could feel myself leaving one world and entering another.

    I was in Indonesia; surrounded by lush, green foliage and the soothing sound of a waterfall in the distance. Along the path were beautifully hand-carved wooden benches.


    Each one unique and a piece of art. These benches call to you, inviting you to sit and take in everything around you.

    Then, as I turned the corner, I saw him. Standing there only a few feet away from me and looking into my eyes was Teddy. I was mesmerized by his beauty.

    Teddy

    Teddy is a 10-year-old male Sumatran tiger and he loves to pose for the camera. As you can see, Teddy is quite handsome.

    Across the way I saw another tiger. One I have not seen since he was a small cub, only a few months old. It was Conrad and he stole my heart with his captivating eyes.

    Conrad

    Everywhere I looked took my breath away. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park did an amazing job designing this new Sumatran tiger habitat – not a single detail was left out. From the moment you walk through the arched branches you feel an overwhelming sense of calm and serenity.

    The message of tiger conservation is apparent throughout the exhibit. Whether it be a sign explaining how tigers care for their young or the Pondok where you can learn about poaching and illegal trade of animal products, it is clear that San Diego Zoo Global is serious about creating awareness and bringing these endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

    This new 5.2 acre Sumatran tiger habitat is home to six tigers. Delta just celebrated her 16th birthday and is the grand dame of Tiger Trail. She is the mother of the four young tigers (3-year-old sisters, Joanne and Majel and 2-year-old brothers, Conrad and Thomas) who were all fathered by the dearly departed Utan. Teddy is the new comer and we have high hopes that he will breed with one of the females to start a legacy of his own.

    Dylan and I have been following the construction of Tiger Trail since they broke ground and I am honored to have my son’s name listed as one of the many donors who helped make this new tiger habitat possible. Seeing something so beautiful left me speechless. I was (and still am) in complete awe of the new Tull Family Tiger Trail. I have been back three times already and still have a difficult time putting it into words. Aside from wanting to visit every chance I get, I have been inspired to do more for these magnificent animals.

    Fewer than 350 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild and this number continues to drop. There are currently 270 Sumatran tigers in captivity as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Scientist estimate that these tigers could be extinct in their native Sumatra by 2020 unless we take action now to protect and preserve the Sumatran tiger. That is only six years from now. Humans have driven the Sumatran tiger to the brink of extinction and now humans must be the ones to save them. The Tull Family Tiger Trail is a huge step in the right direction to help save the Sumatran tiger.

    Delta

    Seeing a tiger walk up to you at eye level and hearing a tiger vocalize to another tiger is something I believe everyone should experience. If you have not been to see the new Tiger Trail, I urge you to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park soon. You will not leave as the same person you were when you arrived. Tiger Trail has a way of changing your mindset.

    You will become one with the tiger.
    You will live life, like a tiger.

    Tiger Trail is breathtaking, captivating, elusive, powerful, and mysterious.

    Just like a tiger.

    See more photos of the tigers and of Tiger Trail on my Flickr page.

    To learn more about the Sumatran tiger you can visit the Tiger Trail website.

  • Looking Back at Our Journey to Tiger Trail

    It seems like just yesterday Dylan was making a birthday wish, a wish that seemed almost impossible for a 9-year-old-boy, a wish that would forever change his world.

    However, it was not yesterday, it was two years ago. A wish that has taken two years to become a reality.

    A wish to help save the tigers.

    The kindness of a stranger brought a beautiful tiger painting into our home – Recognition from the White House gave Dylan another sense of pride for his conservation work – Getting to go behind the scenes and meet Danai, Connor, and Christopher was the icing on the cake. Now, we are ready for the final stop of our journey.

    About a year ago the signs started going up and the paths to the see the tigers began closing. As much as we loved seeing Joanne and Majel, seeing these signs meant we were that much closer to the new Tiger Trail opening.

    I never thought Dylan would be so happy to not see the tigers, but the day that we walked up to this he proved me wrong.

    Now, instead of seeing the tigers we got to see his birthday wish come true. Right before our eyes, visit after visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we watched the construction of Tiger Trail.

    From the early groundbreaking with just a few bulldozers …

    To the sight of something more …

    This was no small task. Everyone had a job to do and each visit brought us closer to seeing Tiger Trail. A 5.2 acre habitat for the six Sumatran tigers who call the Safari Park home.

    Could this possibly be the new tiger bedrooms?

     In January 2014, we finally got to see a glimpse of the longhouse. This was really happening.

    I am so happy that I took these pictures over the past year and a half. Looking back at our journey, seeing where it all started, and knowing that so many people helped to make Dylan’s birthday wish for the tigers come true with their donations in his name brings such joy to my heart.

    Knowing that Dylan will have his name on a plaque at the exhibit, as one of the many people who helped raise the $19.5 million it took to create Tiger Trail, gives me a sense of pride that I can’t even begin to put into words. As strong advocates for tiger conservation, Dylan and I are honored to be attending a special celebration on Thursday, May 22 before Tiger Trail officially opens to the public.

    We have been counting down the days – the excitement is getting harder to contain – a birthday present two years in the making is now less than 48 hours away.

    You can read more about Dylan’s Tiger Trail journey by visiting our Wish for the Tigers page.

    The official opening of the Tull Family Tiger Trail is Saturday, May 24, 2014

  • A Little Bundle of Joy Joins the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Family

    Last weekend Dylan and I had the pleasure of watching the gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for quite some time. I am still amazed at how human-like these animals are … and just like humans, sometimes births can be complicated. Thankfully, Imani and her newborn daughter had top-notch care.

    Baby Girl Gorilla
    Photo taken on Mar. 13, 2014, by Tammy Spratt, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

    According to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 18-year-old gorilla, Imani, gave birth to a baby girl yesterday, on March 12th, around 6:30 p.m. at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Imani showed signs of labor yesterday morning and was closely observed by animal care and veterinary staff. By evening, she showed no signs of progress and was transported to the Safari Park veterinary hospital for an emergency c-section. 
    The full-term baby, weighing 4.6 pounds, was delivered by a team of San Diego Zoo Global staff and outside consultants, including a veterinary surgeon and human neonatal specialists from UCSD Medical Center. The baby is showing some complications believed to be related to the difficult labor, and she is currently in intensive care receiving oxygen and supplemental fluids at the veterinary hospital. Imani is recovering from surgery in the familiar surroundings of the gorilla bedroom area. 
    This video of the delivery brought tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful moment captured here.
    As with humans, the decision to perform an emergency c-section is not something doctors take lightly. However, when the mother or unborn baby appear to be in distress, a c-section can mean the difference between life and death.
    “In retrospect the c-section was the right decision,” Nadine Lamberski, associate director
    of veterinary services at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park said of the newborn gorilla. “We think the health of the fetus would have been compromised if we delayed the surgery any longer” Lamberski said. 
    1-day-old baby girl gorilla with Safari Park keeper Jennifer Minichino and Dr. Jack Allen
    Photo taken on Mar. 13, 2014, by Tammy Spratt, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    Like I said, just last Saturday we were watching Imani walk around the gorilla exhibit and eat lunch with the rest of her troop. She was so cute with her round baby belly. One of the gorilla keepers told us that she was due any day. We are sending lots of positive thoughts to Imani and her daughter in hopes of a speedy recovery from surgery and a healthy start for this precious new life.
    This is the first baby for Imani and the 17th
    gorilla to be born at the San Diego Zoo Safari
    Park. The Safari Park is home to eight gorillas, including the new baby. There are four females: Vila, Kamilah, Kokamo, and Imani;two young males: Monroe, born at the Safari Park in 2011, and Frank, born at the San Diego Zoo in 2008; and adult male Winston, the silverback leader of the troop.

  • A day of exploring the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

    Over the weekend Dylan and I went to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for a little adventure of our own. No meet-ups with other photographers, no special event, just a day to explore and have fun. This past weekend was quite warm, but we have been missing our animal friends at the Safari Park so we prepared ourselves for the heat and ventured out to Escondido.

    Of course our first stop is always the rhino statue with an obligatory photo. It’s kind of a tradition now.

    Nairobi Station is always fun to visit and even more so when the kids from Conservation Corps are there teaching kids about endangered animals. Whether it’s touching an ivory elephant tusk, seeing a giraffe vertebrae, or sizing up your hand to a gorillas hand … there is always something new to learn.

    Next stop, more adventure … and it looks like Dylan has the right of way!

    We had so much fun exploring and seeing our friends. We saw Wally the blue-tongued skink with her keeper and and Izu or favorite lion relaxing in the shade. We took a tram ride through Asia and Africa and saw Nola the Northern White rhino standing in the water. This pretty much made our day and I would have been fine going home. Any day seeing Nola is a great day!

    Luckily we continued our adventure and got to spend some time with the gorillas while they were having lunch. Winston is such a character, Frank and Monroe had us laughing, and Imani has got to be the cutest pregnant gorilla ever. The keeper said she’s due any day now!

    Tiger exhibit is completely closed off now because of the final stages for Tiger Trail … we have really missed seeing the tigers at the Safari Park, but know they are going to love their new home. Just a few more months and Tiger Trail will be open. An adventure without cats isn’t very fun, especially when you are a big cat lover like we are. Thankfully Ken and Dixie were out to share their cuteness with the world. I can’t believe how big they have gotten. (Pictures coming soon)

    So much to see and so much to explore.

    A day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is always an adventure! 

  • My Magical Giraffe Moment

    The sun was setting and this little giraffe came walking up along side the field exhibit. The cart came to a stop and I got out to stand by the fence. 
    We looked at each other, eye level to eye level, and we had a moment.

    A brief moment in time, but it was our moment. These animal connections don’t happen all the time, but when they do they are magical.

  • Lorikeet Landing just got a little more colorful

    Lorikeets are bright and cheerful. They love nectar and have a fairly loud chatter; especially when they are inches from your ear. However, being surrounded by these little birds and experiencing them up close is worth some high-pitched chirping. Last week Dylan and I went to say hello to a few of the newest members to call Lorikeet Landing home.

    Recently thirty more birds have joined the existing population at the Lorikeet Landing aviary, nearly doubling the population from 43 to 73 lorikeets. The new birds came from an already-established flock and keepers say the new birds are very social and integrating well with the existing flock.

    Lorikeets are very social birds that flit around the trees looking for flowers and nectar. While lorikeets are interesting to watch, they also serve an important role as pollinators. Yes, these birds are pollinators! The lorikeets feed on nectar from various plants and that feeding helps transfer pollen. They have a very unique tongue, with its brush-like texture, to drink the nectar.

    When not flitting around the tree tops, lorikeets will spend time grooming each other.


    The next time you visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park be sure to stop by the Lorikeet Landing aviary and purchase a cup of nectar to feed them. The aviary is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily and is located in the Nairobi Village at the Park.  


    There are a few hidden gems at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park that don’t always get the attention I think they deserve. Lorikeet Landing is one of them … and next week I will share the other hidden gem with you.


    Have you been to Lorikeet Landing? 






  • Have you walked with the lemurs?

    In case you missed the opening of Lemur Walk at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park over the summer, now is the perfect time to go walking, or um, leaping with the lemurs. Every day in October, children 11 years old and younger receive FREE admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park as part of Kids Free presented by Mission Fed.

    Lemur Walk is an immersive experience, where you get to walk on a pathway through the animals’ habitat. Yes, you are inside the exhibit with the lemurs and can watch the endearing primates socializing, grooming, jumping, climbing and even sunbathing, one of the lemur’s favorite pastimes.

    Lemurs are native to Madagascar, an island off the southeast coast of Africa. There are numerous species of lemurs, with ring-tailed lemurs among the most populous and easily recognized with their long nose, big eyes, woolly fur and long, black-and-white-ringed tail. Ring-tailed lemurs are mostly active during the day; unlike other lemurs, they spend more time on the ground than in trees. They are omnivores, eating primarily fruits, leaves, flowers, herbs, bark and sap. All lemurs are endangered, mostly due to habitat destruction, so this truly is an amazing experience to be up-close with the lemurs.

    Because you are inside the exhibit and the animals can walk right up to you, Lemur Walk is limited to guests five years of age and older. For the comfort of the animals, Lemur Walk attendants remind guests not to touch or feed the animals, as tempting as it may be. I even left my purse outside with the attendant because the lemurs will try to get inside if they smell food. (I had strawberries and the lemurs would have loved those!)

    So even if you did walk with the lemurs already, why not go back and walk some more? Who knows, you may even come home with a little lemur leap in your step.

    While at the Safari Park, you can enjoy Kids Free events every Saturday and Sunday that include animal shows, keeper talks, animal ambassador presentations, and crafts. Robert the Zebra talks to guests in a digital, animated form on a large screen where he can see the people who have come to visit. He asks questions, cracks jokes, talks about zebra life, and is very curious about humans. Robert also is celebrating his birthday the entire month of October so his interactions will include sing-a-longs and birthday fun! At Tiger Tales storytelling, families can enjoy a storybook reading followed by an animal presentation.

    There are also special activity booths located throughout the Park, children can unleash their creative sides while learning about the wonders of the wild. These booths are one of our favorite activities during Kids Free days at the Safari Park.

    For more pictures from our walk with the lemurs, visit our Flickr album Lemur Walk.