The month of May is a busy time for many different reasons. The zoo is working on multiple animal transfers, it is working on numerous construction projects, schools are nearing their end, and there is a lot of excitement just around the corner.

Warmer weather means animal transfers in and out of the zoo, quickly filling up quarantine spaces. All animals coming in go through a quarantine period that allows the zoo to ensure they did not arrive with any health concerns that could impact the other animals they will be sharing space with or animals nearby. Standard quarantine is around 30-days but may be longer in other cases depending on the type of animal. During this period, they are observed by staff, checked for parasites, and receive any veterinary exams deemed necessary for the species. This is an exciting time for staff as they get to work with new animals and help them adjust to their new home.

On the construction front, it will be very busy between the Amur leopard project and preparing for the flood mitigation project. While mostly the landscaping remains at the leopard project, other projects will be seen popping up across the campus in preparation for the coming flood projects. There are a multitude of moving parts associated with the project and our best hope is to stay one step ahead as it progresses to minimize the impact on our animals and guests. For many of the projects, staff are busily working with the designers to plan the new animal spaces replacing those impacted by the coming flood wall. Designs need to be completed by mid-June so a final review can be completed, and projects are ready to go out for bid in July. This year, we hope to see the construction begin for a new space to house our ambassador animals and the African Plains Building along with possibly moving the Discovery Barn to the main campus. All of these are still in the design phase and being discussed by staff to ensure we are meeting all the needs for today and tomorrow.

Finally, as the end of the school year approaches the number of field trips and classes both at the zoo and Outreach locations jump exponentially. With winter fighting to hang on throughout April, much of our spring education programming has been pushed into May and pushing the limits on our limited education staffing. Fortunately, we have a great staff throughout the zoo that is ready and willing to lend a hand when called upon.

The most exciting part of this week ahead will be the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday at noon for the new Amur Leopard Temperate Forest. With only landscaping remaining, Clover has been moved into her new home and soon the zoo will receive a pair of youngsters from two other institutions. Once the pair matures and breeds, the zoo will have leopards running throughout the habitat. With no time for rest, the zoo and its staff will keep pushing forward, working to stay ahead of what’s still to come.