5 minute read
Meet Your New Neighbors
By Erin Scott, Senior Manager of Brand, Marketing, and Public Relations
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is setting the stage for a fantastic new habitat, opening late Fall 2021: The Rhino Savanna.
This expansive, multi-species, and state-of-the-art four-acre habitat is The Living Desert’s most ambitious project to date. Transforming the once empty space between the Zoo’s entrance and the existing giraffe savanna, the new Rhino Savanna will transport guests right to their own African safari, creating connections and appreciation for Africa’s wildlife. The anticipation is building as we prepare for the opening this fall – here’s a preview of what makes this new experience so exciting.
Rhino You’re Excited – Phase Two is Nearly Complete!
The opening of the Rhino Savanna will mark the completion of the second phase of The Living Desert’s three-phase capital expansion project: Crossroads of Conservation. Phase One opened Fall 2018 and features the new guest entrance, Grundhofer Entry Plaza, and Appel Gift Shop. The awe-inspiring rhino savanna of Phase Two will feature 12 new species, incredible vistas, numerous guest engagement opportunities, and remodeled habitats for warthogs and cape porcupines. Awe-mazing awaits as guests are immediately welcomed by the majestic black rhino. As guests wander the landscaped pathways, they will then be greeted by the most unusual of creatures – the naked mole rat. Destined to life underground, this peculiar species of rodent is blind, hairless and has a penchant for tunnels. And although you can’t see it, be sure to look up because at that particular moment, a rhino could be walking above you on the land bridge between the East and West rhino habitats. As you emerge from the Life Underground tunnel, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the African savanna and a variety of Africa’s amazing biodiversity. The pair of black rhinos will be joined by three species of antelope and numerous birds native to the African deserts. Guests will have the opportunity to grab a snack at the new Crash Café and take in the vistas of both the rhino and giraffe savannas. The giraffe feeding experience will remain at its original location and will continue to offer visitors the incredible opportunity to get eye-to-eye with the world’s tallest animal. The pathway will meander along the rhino and giraffe savannas and bring guests to the newly relocated and remodeled habitats of our beloved cape porcupines and warthogs at the new entrance of Village WaTuTu, adjacent to the petting kraal, leopard, and hyena habitats. The newly designed pathway through Village WaTuTu will offer guests a more cohesive experience and easy access to the rest of the African Safari.
Animal Care Leading the Charge
Animal care functionality and flexibility was crucial in the design of the habitat. From training and husbandry to veterinary care, the new habitats will ensure that every animal will receive the highest level of care. A new Animal Care and Nutrition Center will give guests a glimpse into the detailed efforts behind the meals each animal receives. Adjacent to the Animal Care and Nutrition Center, guests will get an inside look at the hoofstock barn and training facilities. Training will be an integral part of the animal care programs. From taking routine weights to visual health checks to ultrasounds and x-rays, each animal will become a participant in their own healthcare. Each habitat will have built-in features that offer the animals enriching experiences throughout their day. Through the use of timed feeders, browse hangers, and grain scatterers, animals are provided variety and stimulating experiences that encourage them to use their natural skills, behaviors and diligence when eating. In addition to these enriched feeding experiences, the animals will have behavioral training opportunities that will provide cognitive challenges
Springbok
Brunch at the Zoo
Eager to keep your eye on the construction progress? Be sure to tune into our live cams and check in on the progress. LivingDesert.org/LiveCams
and cooperative care. There are numerous elements throughout the habitats’ design that push the boundary and challenge the status quo. Namely, the multi-species focus of the habitats – black rhino historically ride solo in their habitats. However, through land management techniques including the use of boulders, landscaping, and water, every species within the savanna will have ample choice and opportunities, ensuring the highest level of wellbeing for every animal. Multi-species habitats mimic an animal’s native environments, providing stimulating experiences, scents, and opportunities.
Taking Center Stage
One of Africa’s most iconic species, the breeding pair of black rhinos coming to The Living Desert will take centerstage. Known for their two horns and pointed upper lip, black rhinos are browsers that eat trees and bushes. However, these stars will be supported by a unique cast of feathered, furry, and subterranean characters ready to take the stage. Klipspringer are tiny antelope with big skills – they inhabit rocky outcroppings and have specialized hooves that help them jump from boulder to boulder. The larger springbok antelope are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and are known for their pronking abilities, leaping over six feet into the air with a stiff-legged posture multiple times in row. The more sedentary waterbuck is one of Africa’s largest antelopes that makes its home near water sources. Two species of pelicans will make their homes in the habitats’ water features: great white pelicans and pink-backed pelicans. Great white pelicans, native to the Saharan Desert, live, feed, breed, and migrate in large colonies. With a wingspan of up to nearly 12 feet, great white pelicans feature unique plumage – white, pinkish body feathers, a featherless head, and black underwing feathers. And speaking of wings,
Great White Pelican
the pink-backed pelican can fly for 24 hours non-stop covering 300 miles in one flight. Although one of the smallest pelican species, they still have a wingspan of 7-9.5 feet with mostly grey plumage with pinkish back and underparts. Making their respective homes adjacent to the aforementioned naked mole rats, two more subterranean species will be making their debut – the dwarf mongoose and banded mongoose. Utilizing the underground burrows of others, including termite mounds, both species of mongoose live in colonies with a complex social structure. Despite being the smallest carnivore of Africa, dwarf mongoose have big personalities. These mammals live in groups ranging from 8-30 individuals and built sentry systems to protect the troop/pack/ business. Similarly, the banded mongoose communicate with each other using a vocabulary of calls and noises.
The Crash is Coming
No matter where you look, there will be something incredible to see at The Living Desert’s new Rhino Savanna. Thoughtful design, inspiring encounters, and excellence in animal care are the cornerstones of this new expansion. We are excited to welcome everyone to this extraordinary experience – set to debut late Fall 2021.
