Lined Seahorse
Seahorses are a mix of many different parts and abilities of other animals. They have the head of a horse, the snout of an aardvark, spines like a puffer fish, a pouch of a kangaroo, eyes like a lizard, the tail of a monkey and the ability to change colors like a chameleon.
Humboldt Penguin Chicks
Nine chicks hatched in 2010, the first on March 27. This is the fourth year the zoo has successfully bred its penguins. As it did last year, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be working with the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to send some of its chicks to other zoos in order maximize the genetic diversity of Humboldt penguins in zoos across the country. Cuzco, a 2007 chick, will be sent to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I. Esperanza, a 2008 chick, will be sent to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill. The remaining 2008 chicks, Javier and Horatio, are awaiting recommendations. Last year, two 2007 chicks, Raul and Nicolas, and a 2006 chick, Diego, were sent to Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Wash.
Haitian Giant Anole
We've recently acquired two Haitian giant anoles. Once the exhibit space has been reconfigured, they can be found across from the mandrills.
Peppermint Shrimp
Several peppermint shrimp have been introduced to the first two marine tanks inside U.S.S. Antiquities. Though they are nocturnal, it is sometimes possible to see them moving about on the rocks and in the water.
Copper-banded Butterfly Fish
You'll find the copper-banded butterfly fish in the first marine tank (also home to the clownfish). This species has two important survival adaptations: the large conspicuous eye spots above its tail confuse predators and its long snout, which enables it to reach food in narrow holes.
Violaceous Turacos
Next time you're in the Diversity of Birds aviary, look towards the ceiling and the higher branches and you might see a new pair of violaceous turacos. These birds are blackish blue in color, with a crimson crown. When in flight, the red feathers on the underside of their wings are beautiful sight.
Troupials
The Venezulan troupial is the national bird of Venezuela and one of about 25 or so species of "New World Orioles." Its head, upper breast, shoulders and wings are covered in black feathers, while the majority of its body is orange in color. There is a pair of troupials now residing in the Diversity of Birds aviary.
GyrSaker Falcon
Only found in captivity, GyrSaker Falcons are a common hybrid between Gyr and Saker Falcons. The zoo's newly acquired GyrSaker Falcon is named Casper. Visitors will notice that he is missing a wing, as it was previously amputated due to a serious injury, but Casper's youth and strength make him a wonderful addition to the educational bird team.
