Zoo New England

The recent relocation of Mittermeier (see post from March 5) presented an opportunity for our veterinarians to get a closer look at the rest our pack of Mexican gray wolves. Routine veterinary check-ups are necessary to assess each wolf’s health and allow our Animal Health team to identify and manage health concerns early. The wolves were examined individually under anesthesia. Our veterinarians performed physical exams and collected blood and urine samples for testing. Semen collection was another vital part of these procedures. We collaborate with reproduction specialists from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums's SAFE Mexican Wolf program and the Wolf Conservation Center so that their genes may be banked for future artificial insemination and research. The ultimate goal of the SSP is to ensure that captive-reared wolves are genetically diverse and can help grow robust wild populations. In fact, this is why Mittermeier went to start his own pack at another AZA-facility involved in this important conservation work—to help grow the population of this critically endangered animal. We work tirelessly to support international conservation efforts for the species. While participating in the conservation takes time, recovery efforts are showing promising results. After the species was all but eliminated in the wild in the last century, recent counts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service documented more than 300 wild Mexican wolves, an encouraging milestone that reflects decades of conservation work and offers hope for the future of this iconic species. Zoo New England is proud to be part of this program, and even more happy to report that our wolf pack continues to thrive—thanks in large part to the dedication and expertise of our animal care and veterinary staff.

Mark your calendars! Zootopia returns to Franklin Park Zoo on Saturday, June 6. Our annual gala celebrating the natural world features animal encounters, conservation and education stations, delicious dinner and drinks, exciting auctions, and more — all to benefit Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. Reserve your spot for this festive fundraising event at zootopia.givesmart.com.

It's not you. This habitat IS all red. The red lighting is meant to simulate nighttime for our kiwis at Franklin Park Zoo, and Keeper Josh is here to tell us all about their recent habitat makeover!

Many birders have migration on the mind this time of year. Just time time for this exciting season, we have a conservation update from our partners at BirdsCaribbean! From community-centered banding programs to international tracking efforts, find out how our conservation partners are inspiring lasting change—both in the Caribbean and here in New England ➤ https://lnkd.in/ebETNKfa Photo: Holly Garrod

Our animal care team at Stone Zoo recently rounded up the scaly sided mergansers and Barrow's golden eye ducks inside our Caribbean Coast habitat for routine weight and physical checks. All smiles — everyone's looking good!

Through our enrichment program, the animal care team uses larger items—like this barrel—to elicit different natural behaviors. The barrel has holes and can be used as a puzzle feeder, encouraging the gorillas manipulate the barrel as they forage. It can also be used for play, social displays and, apparently, resting. Every time the keepers walked by, the gorilla siblings—Aziza, Kambiri and Pablo—had found a new to interact with this barrel! #Gorillas #AnimalEnrichment #FranklinParkZoo

Opal has been keeping a secret... 🦘 Keeper Josh Brancazio is helping to spill the little beans about a kangaroo joey growing in its mother's pouch at Franklin Park Zoo! Learn more about this "hoppy" news ➤ https://lnkd.in/ehtDwEiA

Are you a budding photographer? Do you dabble in social media strategy? Do you want to explore how to turn your social media savvy into a career? Consider our Social Media Marketing internship! Applications now open, the deadline to apply is April 20. Get started ➤ https://lnkd.in/ePRh7gAJ

Now accepting nominations for our 2026 Young Conservationist! During this year's Zootopia gala on June 6, we are going to celebrate a young person making a difference for wildlife and the environment. Now's the time to nominated your youngster in grades 3 through 12 for this special scholarship. Deadline to submit is April 10. Learn more about Zootopia, the Young Conservationist Award and how to apply ➤ https://lnkd.in/e9WzsvmF

Turtle conservation can happen in surprising places — even your local farm. 🌾🚜 Do you own property that includes or borders streams, wetlands or floodplains? Are you interested in improving water quality, reducing erosion, or enhancing wildlife habitat on your land? Let us help you — and we can help at-risk turtles too! We want to connect landowners and land managers with federal Farm Bill conservation programs that will provide the financial support and expertise to make meaningful habitat improvements across the region—from working farms to forests and other rural properties. You might be eligible. Find out more ➤ https://lnkd.in/ennricCF Photo: Kiley Briggs