We love the Skyfari Sky Ride. We were able to see a lot of animals, but the chimpanzees were our favorite. A great addition to your Zoo ! / Gravel Family, RI
Primate Zookeeper Michelle Reports
December 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
We have been very grateful that the weather has been mild so far! The primates are loving it! Tanzie, our toddler chimpanzee has discovered “rolling” and “somersaults”! She’s discovered that if she starts at the top of her hill, she can roll longer and faster all the way down. She does get dizzy at the bottom, but runs right up to do it again! Check out our Facebook post to see a short video of her rolling skills! The new siamang exhibit is well under way and the Siamangs just arrived! They are inside a new winter enclosure where it is nice and warm. We have a wonderful family unit with a mom, dad, and 2 year old! The toddler reminds us of Tanzie with the playful demeanor and curiosity! They’ve adjusted very well to their new home and are doing great! We’ve also had a pair of Red Ruffed Lemurs arrive and they are so beautiful and have lots of personality! They are doing great also. We can’t wait to see what is next and share them with you when we open next season! We are looking for donations of blankets, sheets, towels, and toys for the Holidays (used is fine)! Thank You (Below Mama, Papa, & Toddler Siamang)
Zoo Closed for the Season
November 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
THANK YOU for a Great Season, we’ll see you in mid APRIL 2012!
Clyde, our Beloved Rhino
November 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Dear Friends, with a heavy heart we are announcing the passing of our beloved rhinocerous Clyde. Clyde passed away last week of natural causes. Clyde lived far beyond his lifespan and was here at Southwick’s Zoo for over 40 years along with his mate Bonnie who passed 2 years ago. Bonnie and Clyde were named by Clarice Daniels Southwick all those years ago and were a favorite of all here at the zoo…. Clyde was a gentle giant who loved to get his back scratched. As soon as he heard the broom on the wall, he’d lumber over right away for a back scratch! Although we knew as the years went by that this was coming, we are all still saddened as Bonnie & Clyde were such a big part of the zoo, our lives, and the lives of our visitors. We’d especially like to thank Clyde’s zookeepers for their dedication and wonderful care, some who have shared his life for over 20 years and feel his loss.
Thank you Cindy, Kathy, Paul & All Docents!
October 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Southwick’s Zoo would like to THANK Cindy Wilson, Kathy Morgan, Paul Wilson and all the Zoo Docents for their hard work & dedication while sharing their valuable time with Southwick’s Zoo. They have provided a great service for Zoo Education and to Southwick’s Zoo and we appreciate all they have done this year. Great Job Everyone and Thank You!
Zookeepers Report….UPDATE: Clyde the male White Rhino over 40 yrs old passed away due to natural causes. He is greatly missed.
October 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
We’ve had an exciting Fall so Far. Zookeeper Duane reports that our new young female White Rhinos are doing great and adapting well to their new environment. They’ve taken to Duane and the girls were a little fearful at first but have really warmed up to their home and are venturing outside more and more each day. We are really grateful that we were able to help protect these amazing animals. It has been a long haul for these girls and we are happy they are in a stable environment and we were a part of their species survival plan! Zookeeper Michelle reports that a baby Schmidt’s Guenon was born 2 weeks ago and is doing really well. Schmidt’s Guenons are an endangered species, so breeding in captivity is very promising for them! They are a curious group and can be seen playing, jumping on each other, and swinging on each other’s tail! They are very curious about the new baby. Some of the other females will help groom or hold the baby. We spied the toddler born last year pulling at the newborn’s tail! Kids will be kids!
