{"id":102822,"date":"2019-04-17T20:32:29","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T00:32:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=102822"},"modified":"2019-04-17T10:55:43","modified_gmt":"2019-04-17T14:55:43","slug":"utica-zoo-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=102822","title":{"rendered":"Utica Zoo news"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Utica-zoo.jpg?resize=300%2C159&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Utica-zoo.jpg?resize=300%2C159&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Utica-zoo.jpg?resize=150%2C80&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Utica-zoo.jpg?resize=400%2C212&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Utica-zoo.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Become a Hero to an animal at the Utica Zoo<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calling all superheroes: the animals at the Utica Zoo need you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Utica Zoo has announced a new animal adoption program,\nthe Utica Zoo Animal Heroes program. Members of the community may now choose\nany of the more than 200 individual animals to symbolically adopt and support\non a monthly basis. The program offers three different commitment levels and is\ndesigned to help community members become a larger part of the Utica Zoo by\nhelping with the monthly costs each animal has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the tiniest Brazilian Cockroach to the largest animal,\nFurlow the Bactrian Camel, Animal Heroes can elect to support an animal of\ntheir choice at levels of $25, $50 or $100 per month. Throughout the year,\nAnimal Heroes will also receive a variety of special Zoo items, including a greeting\ncard from their animal, a collectible trading card, impact statement,\ninvitation to the Animal Heroes Breakfast and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe are very excited to launch this program,\u201d said Director\nof Administrative Operations Nikki Sheehan. \u201cImagine the excitement of\nreceiving a greeting card from Donovan the African Lion, then coming to the Zoo\nand seeing Donovan and his siblings, knowing you are contributing to his food,\nenrichment, veterinary care, exhibit maintenance and conservation. The hero\nprogram makes it possible for the public to form a stronger connection with our\nanimals and their environments and contribute to making our mission possible\nall year long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Become an Animal Hero today by visiting <a href=\"http:\/\/www.UticaZoo.org\/Hero\">www.UticaZoo.org\/Hero<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Zoo debuts new species of critically endangered warty pig<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1362\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?fit=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"102823\" data-link=\"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?attachment_id=102823\" class=\"wp-image-102823\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=900%2C599&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?resize=400%2C266&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-2.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1362\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?fit=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"102824\" data-link=\"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?attachment_id=102824\" class=\"wp-image-102824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?resize=900%2C599&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?resize=400%2C266&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-8.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2014\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?fit=640%2C651&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"102825\" data-link=\"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?attachment_id=102825\" class=\"wp-image-102825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?w=2014&amp;ssl=1 2014w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?resize=148%2C150&amp;ssl=1 148w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?resize=295%2C300&amp;ssl=1 295w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?resize=885%2C900&amp;ssl=1 885w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?resize=400%2C407&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Photo-12.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Utica Zoo has debuted a trio of Visayan warty pigs as\ntheir newest animal species to call the Zoo home. The three pigs, named Axl,\nAce and Ozzy, are a species of Critically Endangered pig native to The\nPhilippines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visayan warty pigs are most noted by their distinctive\ncrests and manes that run down the tops of their backs, as well as their tusks.\nDue to their Mohawk-like manes, the pigs got their names in homage to rock\ngreats Axl Rose, Ace Frehley and Ozzy Osbourne, earning them the nicknames \u201cThe\nRockstar Pigs of the Utica Zoo.\u201d Warty Pigs are found in the central Philippine\nIslands and feed on fruits, vegetables and roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result of a sharp decline in population numbers, the\nIUCN Red List, the leading authority on conservation status of animals\nworldwide, has listed this species as critically endangered. Caused by growing\nindustry, farming, over-hunting, hybridization and human interactions, the wild\npopulation of the Visayan warty pig has declined more than 80 percent in the\nlast 20 years. Visayan warty pigs have been eliminated from half of the Philippine\nIslands and are considered functionally extinct on two of the six islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe care for more than 10 critically endangered and\nendangered species, and we view each one as a great responsibility,\u201d said Mark\nSimon, marketing coordinator at the Utica Zoo, \u201cbut our animal care staff are\nthe best at what they do, and the pigs already seem to be fully comfortable\ninside their exhibit space. Being able to watch them run and wrestle together\nis really interesting, and we hope our visitors will appreciate being able to\nview and learn about another critically endangered animal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Visayan warty pig exhibit is located near the scenic overlook\nnext to Bactrian camels and Trans-Caspian Urial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Zoo earns Woman\u2019s Fund grant, develops STEAM program for Girls<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"370\" height=\"136\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download.jpg?resize=370%2C136&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Women's Fund of Herkimer &amp; Oneida Counties, Inc.\" class=\"wp-image-102826\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download.jpg?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download.jpg?resize=150%2C55&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download.jpg?resize=300%2C110&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Utica Zoo has announced that they have earned a grant\nfrom the Woman\u2019s Fund for the purposes of holding a STEAM program for girls.\nThe new program will introduce 12- to 15-year-old girls to STEM\/STEAM-based\ncareers and different aspects of running a zoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to data from the Census Bureau\u2019s American\nCommunity Survey, women make up a mere 24 percent of STEM workers, despite\nrepresenting 47 percent of the work force. As society and technology advance at\na feverish pace, it is essential that girls engage in STEM\/STEAM activities\nfrom a young age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to be successful in a STEM\/STEAM career field, it\nis imperative that girls are exposed to the critical thinking skills and integrated,\nhands-on approach to STEM programs. Because of this need, the Utica Zoo successfully\napplied for a $4,500 grant from the Woman\u2019s Fund for the purposes of developing\nand running a program for girls in Oneida and Herkimer counties. The new\nprogram, titled \u201cSTEAMing the Urban Forest\u201d will be held eight consecutive\nSaturday mornings at the Utica Zoo starting May 11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new program will focus on real world problems and will\nimmerse the students in open-ended exploration and problem-solving. By using\nthe elements of STEAM, students will work together as a group to solve problems\nwhile being exposed to a variety of STEAM-based careers and methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students will be tasked with exploring and inventorying a\nsection of the North Trek Urban Forest, researching the needs of an animal of\nthe Urban Forest, working with animal care and veterinary staff to learn what\nconstitutes a healthy habitat, enhancing the environment for the benefit of\ntheir chosen animal, developing interpretive and informational materials and\nultimately presenting their findings to family, friends and zoo staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, female representatives from various supporting\norganizations will serve as guests to introduce the girls to real life, STEAM-based\ncareers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. consecutive\nSaturday mornings at the Utica Zoo from May 11 through June 22. The cost is $50\nper girl with a limited number of need-based scholarships available. Registration\nfor \u201cSTEAMing the Urban Forest\u201d is now open and may be done by contacting Mary\nHall at <a href=\"mailto:mary.hall@uticazoo.org\">mary.hall@uticazoo.org<\/a> or\n315.738.0472 ext. 36. Contact Hall for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Utica Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily,\nincluding Easter Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org, follow on\nFacebook or Twitter and Instagram @uticazoo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Become a Hero to an animal at the Utica Zoo Calling all superheroes: the animals at the Utica Zoo need you! The Utica Zoo has announced a new animal adoption program, the Utica Zoo Animal Heroes program. Members of the community may now choose any of the more than 200 individual animals to symbolically adopt [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":102826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23813,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-102822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-top-story"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p43meu-qKq","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/madisoncountycourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download.jpg?fit=370%2C136&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=102822"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/102822\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/102826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=102822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=102822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=102822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}