A Weekend on Cape Clear

posted in: Adventure, Wildlife | 0

This post is a continuation from my previous blog post documenting our amazing time going whale-watching, as immediately after, I was about to embark on another exciting adventure in West Cork. The day after our extraordinary trip where we got … Continued

My First Ever Badgers

posted in: Wildlife | 1

11 July 2022 – It was 20:50pm, and Dad and I left the house to pick up my sister. As we had time before my sister’s arrival, we decided to drive into the Phoenix Park for some wildlife-watching, so we … Continued

Wild in Cork

posted in: Wildlife, Zoos | 1

I’ve just come back from a week-long trip down to Cork with my family, which saw us visiting Fota Wildlife Park and a number of nature reserves while we were staying in a cottage in Dunmanway. We were hoping to … Continued

Wild days in Donegal

I’ve just come back from a family holiday in County Donegal, and now I’ve come to write a review about the two zoos we visited there: Wild Ireland and Tropical World. It was Wednesday, the 5th of August, and my … Continued

Our trip to Scotland

posted in: Adventure, Museums, Wildlife, Zoos | 1

Below is a detailed review of me and my parents’ recent trip to Scotland. It was a very interesting and successful holiday influenced by Dad having a conference in Glasgow, with highlights including getting to hand-feed reindeer in the Cairngorms, … Continued

Natura Artis Magistra

posted in: Zoos | 0

My Dad and I visited this zoo in Amsterdam earlier this month, after we arrived in the Netherlands for Dad’s conference in Rotterdam. Called Artis for short, it somewhat reminds me of the Menagerie du Jardin des plantes in Paris, … Continued

Diergaarde Blijdorp

posted in: Zoos | 0

My Mum and I visited this Dutch zoo on Tuesday. We had come to the Netherlands this month because Dad had a two-day conference in Rotterdam. Diergaarde Blijdorp, also called Rotterdam zoo, first opened in 1857 and is one of … Continued

SeaLife Bray

posted in: Aquaria, Work experience | 0

Why don’t we talk about an animal-related institution that’s closer to home? I have visited the SeaLife centre in Bray, Co. Wicklow, a few times as a child, and since moving to Bray after my 17th, it is possible for … Continued

Galway Atlantaquaria

posted in: Aquaria | 0

My family and I visited this aquarium in Galway just before New Year’s Eve of 2017. The aquarium’s collection consists predominantly of species that can be found off the coasts of Ireland, as well as species from all around the … Continued

My birthday weekend in Belfast

posted in: Museums, Wildlife, Zoos | 1

Friday was my birthday, and for my birthday, my parents and I went to Belfast zoo! I was lucky to meet education officer, John Fisher, who was with me at the summer camp 4 years ago, and keeper, Raymond Robinson. One … Continued

My work experience week

posted in: Work experience | 0

It was the end of my work experience on Friday! Want to hear where I worked? On Monday and Friday, I worked at the Mutz Nutz pet store which is near my school. There, I worked with rabbits and guinea pigs, cleaning … Continued

Our Portugese Holiday 2016

posted in: Adventure, Zoos | 1

At the end of May 2016, my family and I flew to Algarve in the south of Portugal for my uncle’s wedding. We stayed in an apartment for a week where I studied in preparation for the junior cert using … Continued

Trinity College Zoological Museum

posted in: Museums | 1

The Natural History Museum at Merrion Square, Dublin, has been one of my favourite places to visit ever since childhood (excluding pandemic years). However, it is not the only museum of its kind in the city, as literally a stone’s throw away stands the … Continued

Our Kerry Holiday 2015

posted in: Adventure, Wildlife, Zoos | 0

It was July of 2015, and my family and I visited Coolwood Wildlife Park in Co. Kerry, which was home to animals you would expect to see at any petting zoo, including lemurs, raccoons, owls, prairie dogs, New World monkeys, parrots, … Continued

Our Visit to France 2006

posted in: Zoos | 0

I first visited France back in 2006, when I was just 5, and this was the first time I had ever left my native Ireland. At the beginning of our trip, we first stayed in Paris at an apartment next to … Continued

National Reptile Zoo

posted in: Zoos | 0

Dubbed “Ireland’s only reptile zoo”, the National Reptile Zoo is located in Co. Kilkenny, and is home to all kinds of reptiles, including American alligators, red-footed tortoises, Asian water monitors, rhinoceros iguanas, king cobras, alligator snapping turtles and anacondas. There … Continued

Welsh Mountain Zoo

posted in: Uncategorized, Zoos | 0

Located in Colwyn Bay in the north of Wales, Welsh Mountain Zoo is also known as the National Zoo of Wales, being the first zoo to be opened here in 1963 by Robert Jackson, a wildlife enthusiast and naturalist. The zoo … Continued

Chessington World of Adventures

posted in: Adventure, Zoos | 0

Chessington World of Adventures Resort, near the city of London, was originally opened in 1931 as Chessington Zoo. A theme park was later developed alongside the zoo and opened in 1987 as one of Britain’s first amusement parks. Today, the … Continued

Tierpark Hellabrunn

posted in: Zoos | 0

We visited this zoo in Munich in August 2010 on our first and so far only visit to Germany. It is the first zoo, as far as I can remember, where I saw my first bears. They were polar bears, … Continued

Badger

posted in: Carnivores, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Eurasian badger Scientific name: Meles meles Irish name: Broc Diet: Omnivore Size: 56-90cm Tips on how to find them: Burrows called setts have large, broad entrances and can often be found on the edges of woodland; dung varies depending … Continued

Bottlenose dolphin

posted in: Other Mammals, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Tursiops truncatus Irish name: Deilf bolgshronach Size: 2.3-3.8m; males tend to be a little larger than females Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: When looking out to sea, look out for a tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin; a … Continued

Chough

posted in: Birds, Species, Uncategorized, Wildlife | 0

International name: Red-billed chough Scientific name: Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Irish name: Cág cosdearg Diet: Omnivore Size: 40cm long Tips on how to find them: A rather distinctive crow when seen at close range, with a slender red bill and red legs; call is a … Continued

Common frog

International name: European common frog Scientific name: Rana temporaria Irish name: Frog; Ioscán Length: 5-10cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: The most widespread of Ireland’s three amphibian species; best found in areas with water, be it a pond, ditch … Continued

Common lizard

posted in: Reptiles and Amphibians | 0

Scientific name: Zootoca vivipara Irish name: Iaghairt bheobhreitheach Diet: Carnivore Size: 10-15cm Tips on how to find them: Lizards are small and are well-camouflaged against mosses and grass, so look carefully and scan potential areas; search between March and October, … Continued

Curlew

posted in: Birds, Wildlife | 0

International name: Eurasian curlew Scientific name: Numenius arquata Irish name: Crotach Size: 51-60cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: One of Ireland’s most threatened birds, having undergone serious declines in recent years; can be found in most parts of the island in … Continued

Fulmar

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Northern fulmar Scientific name: Fulmarus glacialis Irish name: Fulmaire Diet: Carnivore Size: 45-51cm Tips on how to find them: Resident year-round all around the Irish coast; plentiful on the east coast but more abundant on the west coast.

Fallow deer

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Dama dama Irish name: Fia buí Size: 1.3-1.6m Diet: Herbivore Tips on how to find them: The Phoenix park is perhaps the easiest place to see this species, the most widespread deer in Ireland.

Great crested grebe

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Podiceps cristatus Irish name: Foitheach mór Diet: Carnivore Size: 46-51cm Tips on how to find them: Widespread throughout Ireland, particularly in the north (Lough Neagh is a good place to find them); look for them in wetlands with emerging … Continued

Great spotted woodpecker

posted in: Birds, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Dendrocopos major Irish name: Mórchnagaire breac Size: 23-25cm Diet: Mainly carnivore; will also take peanuts from bird feeders Tips on how to find them: Search in old woodland with dead trees; listen out for the woodpecker’s famous ‘drumming’ … Continued

Grey seal

posted in: Carnivores, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Halichoerus grypus Irish name: Rón mór Length: 1.7-2.3m Diet: carnivore Tips on how to find them: Not a difficult species to see; greatest numbers are along Ireland’s west coast.

Hedgehog

posted in: Other Mammals, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: European hedgehog Scientific name: Erinaceus europaeus Irish name: Gráinneog Diet: Omnivore Size: 20-30cm Tips on how to find them: Best to look between April and October when they are out of hibernation; most likely to be seen around dusk; droppings often appear … Continued

Irish hare

posted in: Other Mammals, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Mountain hare Scientific name: Lepus timidus hibernicus Irish name: Giorria sléibhe Éireannach Diet: Herbivore Size: 50-65cm long Tips on how to find them: Can be found throughout Ireland in various habitats; smaller than the introduced brown hare; mainly nocturnal, but can … Continued

Jay

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Eurasian jay Scientific name: Garrulus glandarius Irish name: Scréachóg Size: 33-37cm Diet: Omnivore Tips on how to find them: Identified by distinctly coloured plumage; found mainly in deciduous forests; in Autumn, they collect acorns to store for winter, which might … Continued

Kestrel

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Common kestrel or Eurasian kestrel Scientific name: Falco tinnunculus Irish name: Pocaire gaoithe Size: 33-37cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: Can be found anywhere in Ireland, in any kind of habitat; can often be seen … Continued

Kingfisher

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Common kingfisher, Eurasian kingfisher Scientific name: Alcedo atthis Irish name: Cruidín Size: 16-17 cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: When looking over a river or other water body, keep your eyes peeled for a small, fast-moving, … Continued

Little egret

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Egretta garzetta Irish name: Éigrit bheag Size: 55-65cm long Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: Found closer to the coast than inland; can be found in any type of wetland habitat.

Little tern

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Sternula albifrons Irish name: Geabhróg bheag Size: 24-27cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: Call includes a loud, rasping sound; can be seen hovering over the water in mid-air as it looks for fish; breeds in … Continued

Mute swan

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Cygnus olor Irish name: Eala bhalbh Size: 144-160cm (1.44-1.6m) Diet: Herbivore Tips on how to find them: Very easy to see on rivers and lakes throughout Ireland.

Orca (Killer whale)

posted in: Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Orcinus orca Irish name: An Chráin dhubh Diet: Carnivore Size: Up to 9m for males, 7.9m for females Tips on how to find them: Tallest dorsal fin of any cetacean; unmistakable white underside and patch behind eye; may be … Continued

Otter

posted in: Carnivores, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Eurasian otter Scientific name: Lutra lutra Irish name: Dobharchú Length: 95-130cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: Present only in oxygen-rich waters; usually nocturnal (I was lucky to have seen one by day, as in the photograph); … Continued

Puffin

posted in: Birds, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Atlantic puffin Scientific name: Fratercula arctica Irish name: Puifín Length: 20cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: Best seen in summer; seen on cliffs mainly along the west coast of Ireland.

Red fox

posted in: Carnivores, Species, Wildlife | 0

Scientific name: Vulpes vulpes Irish name: Sionnach/Madra rua Size: 45-90cm Diet: Omnivore Tips on how to find them: Best time to watch foxes is during April-May, when the cubs venture above ground; rabbit warrens and cattle pasture are good areas … Continued

Red squirrel

posted in: Other Mammals, Species, Wildlife | 0

International name: Eurasian red squirrel Scientific name: Sciurus vulgaris Irish name: Iora rua Diet: Omnivore, but largely herbivore Size: 20-25cm Tips on how to find them: Look up at the trees, as red squirrels spend most of their time in the … Continued

Alligator, American

posted in: Reptiles and Amphibians, Species | 0

Scientific name: Alligator mississipiensis Length: Up to 5m Origin: North America Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Habitat degradation, climate change, historically poaching Zoos I have seen them: National Reptile Zoo, Zoomarine Interesting fact: The alligator became increasingly rare in … Continued

Anteater, Giant

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Myrmecophaga tridactyla Origin: South America Size: 1-2m Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Hunting for food, conversion of habitat to agriculture, fires (both natural and caused by humans) Zoos I have seen them: Belfast Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, Chester Zoo, … Continued

Axolotl

posted in: Reptiles and Amphibians, Species | 0

Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum Size: 10-30cm Origin: North America (Mexico) Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Critically Endangered Threats: Pollution of its habitat, capture for the pet trade Zoos I have seen them: National Reptile Zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. Also saw … Continued

Aye-aye

posted in: Primates, Species | 0

Scientific name: Daubentonia madagascariensis Size: 30-40cm long, tail about 60cm Origin: Africa (Madagascar) Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Deforestation, inaccurate folk belief (some Malagasy people consider it a sign of evil and death) Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, London Zoo Interesting fact: … Continued

Babirusa, North Sulawesi

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Babyrousa celebensis Length: 85-110cm Origin: Asia (Sulawesi) Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Overhunting by humans, deforestation Zoos I have seen them: Chester Zoo, London Zoo Interesting fact: Although babirusas were, until 2002, considered a single species, Babyrousa babyrussa, that … Continued

Bear, Andean (or spectacled)

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Tremarctos ornatus Origin: South America Size: 1.3-1.9m Diet: Omnivore but mostly herbivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Conversion of forests to agriculture, leading to conflict with people; hunted for food and for use of its parts in traditional medicine Zoos … Continued

Bear, Brown

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Ursus arctos Origin: North America and Eurasia Diet: Omnivore Size: 1.5-2.8m IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Human-bear conflicts resulting from raids on crops or livestock, poaching, habitat fragmentation Zoos I have seen them: Tierpark Hellabrunn, Welsh Mountain Zoo, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, … Continued

Bear, Polar

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Ursus maritimus Size: 1.8-2.8m Origin: Arctic Ocean, North America (Canada) and Russia Diet: Omnivore, but mostly carnivorous IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Melting of sea ice resulting from global warming, water pollution, hunting for food and fur Zoos I have … Continued

Bear, Sun

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Helarctos malayanus Size: 1.2-1.5m Origin: Asia Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Deforestation (in Sumatra and Borneo, conversion of forests to palm oil plantations); hunted for use of its parts in traditional medicine, and for the pet trade Zoos … Continued

Bison

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific names: Bison bison (American) and Bison bonasus (European) Size: 1.8-2m for the American bison, 1.8-2.2m for the European bison Origin: North America and Europe respectively Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Near Threatened (both species) Threats: Overhunting, loss of habitat to agriculture Zoos I … Continued

Cassowary, Southern

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Casuarius casuarius Origin: Australasia (New Guinea and Northern Australia) Size: 1.5-1.8m Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Hunting, deforestation, cyclones (in Australia) Zoos I have seen them: Edinburgh Zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, Natura Artis Magistra Interesting fact: … Continued

Chameleon, Panther

posted in: Reptiles and Amphibians, Species | 0

Scientific name: Furcifer pardalis Origin: Africa (Madagascar, but introduced to Réunion and Mauritius) Origin: 40-52cm Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: No current threats to this species Zoos I have seen them: Parc Zoologique de Paris, Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo, Tropical World … Continued

Cheetah

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus Size: 1.2-1.5m Diet: Carnivore Origin: Africa and Asia IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Loss of habitat, persecution by people who believe it preys on their livestock Zoos I have seen them: Fota Wildlife Park, Belfast Zoo, Chester Zoo … Continued

Chimpanzee

posted in: Primates, Species | 0

Scientific name: Pan troglodytes Size: 64-94cm Origin: Africa Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Deforestation, hunting for bushmeat, diseases such as Ebola Zoos I have seen them: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Chester, Welsh Mountain Zoo, La Vallée des Singes, Amsterdam Interesting fact: … Continued

Clouded Leopard

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Neofelis nebulosa Origin: Asia Size: 70-110cm Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Deforestation, hunting for the illegal wildlife trade Zoos I have seen them: Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes Interesting fact: There is a second species found in Sumatra and … Continued

Crane, Red-crowned

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Grus japonensis Origin: Asia Diet: Omnivore Size: 1.4-1.5m IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Habitat loss, human disturbance, pollution, poaching Zoos I have seen them: Emerald Park, Diergaarde Blijdorp Interesting fact: In China, the red-crowned crane is viewed as a symbol … Continued

Dog, African Wild

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Lycaon pictus Origin: Africa Size: 85-140cm Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Poaching, diseases contracted from domestic dogs Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo (gone), Edinburgh Zoo (gone), Chester Zoo, ZSL London Zoo, Natura Artis Magistra Interesting … Continued

Dog, Common raccoon

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Nyctereutes procyonoides Origin: Asia (introduced to Europe) Length: 50-71cm Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Persecution, diseases, collisions with vehicles Zoos I have seen them: Coolwood Wildlife Park Interesting fact: The raccoon dog is the only canid that hibernates … Continued

Eagle-owl, Bengal

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Bubo bengalensis Length: 50-56cm Origin: Asia (Indian subcontinent) Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: No current threats to this species Zoos I have seen them: Coolwood Wildlife Park, Diergaarde Blijdorp. Also at the Birds of Prey centre in Russborough … Continued

Elephant, African bush

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Loxodonta africana Origin: Africa Size: 3-3.6 metres in height Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Poaching for its tusks, loss and fragmentation of habitat leading to conflict with humans, climate change Zoos I have seen them: Blair Drummond Safari Park Interesting … Continued

Elephant, Asian

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Elephas maximus Origin: Asia Size: 2-3.6 metres in height Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Loss of habitat leading to conflict with people, poaching for the male’s tusks Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo, Tierpark Hellabrunn, … Continued

Flamingo, Chilean

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Phoenicopterus chilensis Origin: South America Height: 1-1.3m Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Near Threatened Threats: Hunting, intensive egg-harvesting, mining Zoos I have seen them: Dublin, Belfast, Fota, Edinburgh, Chester, Welsh Mountain Zoo, Natura Artis Magistra Interesting fact: What looks like the … Continued

Giraffes

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Genus name: Giraffa Height: 3.8-4.7m Origin: Africa Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching for its skin and for food Zoos I have seen them: Too many to count! Interesting fact: A recent study in 2016 indicates … Continued

Gorilla, Western

posted in: Primates, Species | 0

Scientific name: Gorilla gorilla Origin: Africa Diet: Omnivore, but mostly herbivore Size: 1.3-1.7m IUCN status: Critically Endangered Threats: Deforestation, poaching for bushmeat, Ebola virus contracted from humans Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo, La Vallée des Singes, ZSL … Continued

Hippopotamus, pygmy

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Choeropsis liberiensis Origin: Africa (mostly Liberia) Size: 1.5-1.75m Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Deforestation, poaching for bushmeat Zoos I have seen them: ZSL London Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, Diergaarde Blijdorp Interesting fact: Dublin zoo may have been the … Continued

Horse, Przewalski’s

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Equus ferus przewalskii Origin: Asia Size: 2.2-2.8m long Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Hybridisation with domestic horses; historically hunting and habitat loss Zoos I have seen them: Highland Wildlife Park, Welsh Mountain Zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. … Continued

Kangaroo, Eastern Grey

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Macropus giganteus Origin: Australia Size: 0.9-1.4m Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Currently no major threats to this species Zoos I have seen them: Fota Wildlife Park, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes Interesting fact: This species can jump … Continued

Kangaroo, Red

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Osphranter rufus Size: 1-1.6m Origin: Australia Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Currently no major threats to this species Zoos I have seen them: Belfast Zoo Interesting fact: In the Australian desert, when the weather gets too hot, the … Continued

Kea

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Nestor notabilis Origin: Australasia (New Zealand) Size: 48cm Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Persecution over attacks on sheep, habitat loss, introduced species such as stoats and cats, climate change Zoos I have seen them: Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, … Continued

Koala

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus Origin: Australia Size: 65-82cm Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Habitat loss, bushfires, disease, climate change Zoos I have seen them: Edinburgh Zoo Interesting fact: The name ‘Koala’ is aboriginal for ‘no drink’, and refers to the … Continued

Komodo Dragon

posted in: Reptiles and Amphibians, Species | 0

Scientific name: Varanus komodoensis Length: Up to 3 metres Diet: Carnivore Origin: Asia (Indonesia) IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Human-induced burning of natural grasslands, loss of prey species, climate change Zoos I have seen them: London, Chester, Natura Artis Magistra, Diergaarde Blijdorp Interesting … Continued

Lemur, Ring-tailed

posted in: Primates, Species | 0

Scientific name: Lemur catta Origin: Africa (Madagascar) Size: 95-110cm Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, capture for the pet trade Zoos I have seen them: Countless… Interesting fact: Nearly all of Madagascar’s 105 existing lemur species are threatened … Continued

Lion

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Panthera leo Origin: Africa and Asia Size: 1.6-2.5m Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Hunting for sport and food, loss of habitat to agriculture which increases conflict with humans Zoos I have seen them: Asian lions in Dublin, Fota, … Continued

Manatee, West Indian

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Trichechus manatus Origin: North America and South America Length: 3-4.6m long Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Zoos I have seen them: Parc Zoologique de Paris Threats: Pollution, collisions with powerboats, hunting, habitat degradation Interesting fact: Although they resemble walruses, … Continued

Mandrill

posted in: Primates, Species | 0

Scientific name: Mandrillus sphinx Size: 55-110cm Diet: Omnivore Origin: Africa IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Deforestation, poaching for bushmeat Zoos I have seen them: La Vallee des Singes, Tierpark Hellabrunn, Chester Zoo, Natura Artis Magistra Interesting fact: The largest of the … Continued

Okapi

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Okapia johnstoni Size: 2.5 meters long Origin: Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo) Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Deforestation, poaching for its meat and skin Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, London Zoo, Chester Zoo, Diergaarde Blijdorp Interesting … Continued

Orangutan, Bornean

posted in: Primates, Species | 0

Scientific name: Pongo pygmaeus Origin: Asia (Borneo) Size: 1.1-1.4m Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Critically endangered Threats: Conversion of rainforests to palm oil plantations, poaching for its meat and for the illegal pet trade Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Chester … Continued

Ostrich, Common

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Struthio camelus Origin: Africa Size: 1.7-2.7 metres high Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Currently no major threats to this species Zoos I have seen them: Quite a lot. Interesting fact: What looks like an ostrich sticking its … Continued

Panda, Giant

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca Origin: Asia (China) Size: 1.6-1.9m Diet: Omnivore, but mostly herbivore (it eats mostly bamboo shoots) IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Conversion of bamboo forests for agriculture, climate change, historically hunting for its fur Zoos I have seen them: … Continued

Panda, Red

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens Origin: Asia Size: 50-64cm long (excluding tail) Diet: Omnivore, but mostly herbivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Deforestation, hunting for its fur Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo, Fota Wildlife Park, Highland Wildlife Park, Ménagerie … Continued

Penguin, Humboldt

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Spheniscus humboldti Size: 65-70cm Origin: South America Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Pollution, predation of eggs by introduced species (such as rats), overfishing of its fish prey, climate change Zoos I have seen them: Dublin, Fota, Belfast (gone), … Continued

Rhinoceros, White

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Ceratotherium simum Length: 3.7-4m Origin: Africa Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Near Threatened Threats: Poaching for the horn, climate change Zoos I have seen them: Dublin, Paris, Blair Drummond Safari Park Interesting fact: Apparently, the white rhino derives its name … Continued

Roller, Lilac-breasted

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Coracias caudatus Size: 32-36cm Origin: Africa Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: No current threats to this species Zoos I have seen them: Belfast, Chester, Natura Artis Magistra, Camperdown Wildlife Centre Interesting fact: The rollers (which are related … Continued

Secretarybird

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Sagittarius serpentarius Origin: Africa Diet: Carnivore Size: 1.3-1.5m IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Habitat loss, competition with livestock, hunting Zoos I have seen them: Emerald Park, Diergaarde Blijdorp Interesting fact: The secretarybird is featured as the emblem of Sudan, and also … Continued

Snow Leopard

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Panthera uncia Origin: Asia Size: 0.9-1.2m Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Loss of prey (wild sheep and goats) as a result of poaching and depredation on livestock, hunting for the fur trade Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Welsh … Continued

Starling, Bali

posted in: Birds, Species | 0

Scientific name: Leucopsar rothschildi Origin: Asia (Bali) Size: 25cm long Diet: Omnivore IUCN status: Critically Endangered Threats: Illegal capture for the cage-bird trade, habitat loss Zoos I have seen them: Belfast Zoo, Chester Zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, Edinburgh Zoo, … Continued

Tamarin, Golden Lion

posted in: Primates, Species | 0

Scientific name: Leontopithecus rosalia Origin: South America (Brazil) Diet: Omnivore Size: 30cm, tail up to 40cm IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Habitat loss through deforestation Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo, La Vallée des Singes, Ménagerie du Jardin des … Continued

Tapir, Malayan

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Tapirus indicus Origin: Asia Size: Up to 2.4m Diet: Herbivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Loss of forests to agriculture, including palm oil plantations; hunted for meat Zoos I have seen them: Belfast Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, Chester Zoo, Diergaarde Blijdorp, … Continued

Tiger

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Panthera tigris Origin: Asia Size: 1.4-2.8m (depending on subspecies) Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Poaching for fur, illegal trade of its parts for use in traditional medicine, loss of habitat to human developments Zoos I have seen them: … Continued

Tortoise, Galápagos Giant

posted in: Reptiles and Amphibians, Species | 0

Scientific name: Chelonoidis niger Origin: South America (Galápagos islands) Diet: Herbivore Size: 1.2 metres long IUCN status: Vulnerable Threats: Hunted for its meat, competition with introduced species Zoos I have seen them: ZSL London Zoo, Chester Zoo (?), Diergaarde Blijdorp Interesting … Continued

Tree-kanagaroo, Goodfellow’s

posted in: Other Mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Dendrolagus goodfellowi Size: 52-80cm Diet: Herbivore Origin: Australasia (New Guinea) IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Deforestation, hunting for food Zoos I have seen them: Belfast Zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes Interesting fact: The generic name ‘Dendrolagus‘, meaning ‘tree hare’ … Continued

Wolf, Grey

posted in: Carnivores, Species | 0

Scientific name: Canis lupus Length: 1-1.5m Origin: North America and Eurasia Diet: Carnivore IUCN status: Least Concern Threats: Persecution as a result of depredation on livestock, exaggerated public perception of the species, habitat fragmentation Zoos I have seen them: Dublin Zoo, … Continued

Zebra, Grevy’s

posted in: Hoofed mammals, Species | 0

Scientific name: Equus grevyi Size: 2.5-2.75m long Diet: Herbivore Origin: Africa IUCN status: Endangered Threats: Habitat loss, competition with livestock, hunting Zoos I have seen them: Edinburgh, Chester, Paris, Natura Artis Magistra Interesting fact: This largest member of the horse … Continued