We love stories of hope and healing, especially from American Humane CertifiedTM zoological facilities that are working to build a better, more humane world for animals across the globe. As the dark, cold months come upon us this winter, we are thrilled to share some good news from the frontlines of the conservation movement.
SeaWorld San Antonio announced the name of its newest baby beluga whale! Visitors were asked to help make the decision and once the votes were tallied, Tulok was the winner. Tulok – of Inuit origin, means “warrior of the stars.”
Tulok, the baby beluga whale (Courtesy: SeaWorld San Antonio Facebook)
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium celebrated the 31st birthday of Casper, the Macaroni Penguin. To celebrate, zoo employees gave her a special birthday cake with smelt, capelin and herring – yum! In the wild, this species of penguin only lives 10 to 15 years, making Casper one of the oldest in the world. Happy birthday, Casper!
Casper, the Macaroni Penguin (Courtesy: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium)
Many zoos, including Brookfield Zoo and Denver Zoo, have been vaccinating some of its animals against the coronavirus. The veterinary vaccine, developed by American Humane partner Zoetis, is designed for non-human mammals. While it is exceedingly rare for humans to transmit COVID-19 to animals, there have been some cases that are cause for concern. Dedicated conservationists, like those at American Humane Certified™ facilities, are committed to prioritizing the health and welfare of the animals in their care.
Francine Lescher, a senior animal care specialist, holds T-Mo, a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth at Brookfield Zoo, while he receives a COVID-19 vaccine administered by Dr. Mike Adkesson, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society. (Courtesy: Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)
We hope you enjoy these heartwarming stories. Consider supporting American Humane Certified™ zoos and aquariums this winter by visiting one near you.
