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Virtual Zoo School
Don't get stir crazy! The Park & Zoo may be closed but we are bringing the ZOO-to-YOU! Welcome to our virtual Zoo School! Join us as we take you on a virtual tour of the zoo! Below you will find all of our videos, Day 1 - Day 37 where we feature a short clip of a different animal and teach you all about it. At the end of every clip we have a challenge for YOU to do right at home. You can show us how you completed your challenges by sharing photos or videos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by using #cmczooschool.
Don't forget to follow us on our Facebook Page for zoo updates!
Don't forget to follow us on our Facebook Page for zoo updates!
Day 34 - Tortoise Tuesday Key Terms:
Keystone - v-shaped scute on shell
Scutes - Most turtle and tortoise shells are covered with hard scutes, also called shields, which protect the shell.
Scutes - Most turtle and tortoise shells are covered with hard scutes, also called shields, which protect the shell.
Plastron - Turtle shells have three main parts: the upper or top piece (carapace); the bottom (plastron); and the bridge that fuses the upper and lower pieces together
Day 33 - Howler Monkey Key Terms:
New World Monkey - New World monkeys are the five families of primates that are found in the tropical regions of Central and South America and Mexico
Prehensile Tail - A prehensile tail is the tail of an animal that has adapted to grasp or hold objects. Fully prehensile tails can be used to hold and manipulate objects, and in particular to aid arboreal creatures in finding and eating food in the trees.
New World Monkey - New World monkeys are the five families of primates that are found in the tropical regions of Central and South America and Mexico
Prehensile Tail - A prehensile tail is the tail of an animal that has adapted to grasp or hold objects. Fully prehensile tails can be used to hold and manipulate objects, and in particular to aid arboreal creatures in finding and eating food in the trees.
Day 29 - Pig Key Terms:
Rooting - a term used to describe the natural behavior of pigs using their nose to push or nudge something typically searching for food.
Rooting - a term used to describe the natural behavior of pigs using their nose to push or nudge something typically searching for food.
Day 28 - Deer, Llama, Alpaca Key Terms:
Antlers - solid bony structure that arise from the frontal bone on the head of an animal of the deer family, usually found on males. Typically shed and grown back annually.
Bucks - male deer.
Leucism - is a partial loss of pigmentation in an animal causing white, pale, or patchy colors.
Albino - a person or animal having a genetic absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes.
Melanin - Dark brown to black pigment in hair, skin and eyes.
Piebald - irregular patches of two colors.
New World Camelid - new world camelids consist of llama, alpaca, vicuna and guanaco.
Antlers - solid bony structure that arise from the frontal bone on the head of an animal of the deer family, usually found on males. Typically shed and grown back annually.
Bucks - male deer.
Leucism - is a partial loss of pigmentation in an animal causing white, pale, or patchy colors.
Albino - a person or animal having a genetic absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes.
Melanin - Dark brown to black pigment in hair, skin and eyes.
Piebald - irregular patches of two colors.
New World Camelid - new world camelids consist of llama, alpaca, vicuna and guanaco.
Day 27 - Waterfowl Key Terms:
Dabbling Duck - a duck that feeds primarily along the surface of the water or by tipping headfirst into the water to graze on aquatic plants, vegetation, larvae, and insects
Diving Duck - duck which feed by diving beneath the surface of the water.
Dabbling Duck - a duck that feeds primarily along the surface of the water or by tipping headfirst into the water to graze on aquatic plants, vegetation, larvae, and insects
Diving Duck - duck which feed by diving beneath the surface of the water.
Day 26 - Bald Eagle Key Terms:
Plumage - a birds feathers.
Piebald - having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white.
Migrate - move from one region or habitat to another according to the seasons.
Carrion- the decaying flesh of dead animals.
Plumage - a birds feathers.
Piebald - having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white.
Migrate - move from one region or habitat to another according to the seasons.
Carrion- the decaying flesh of dead animals.
Day 25 - Owl Key Terms:
Imprinted - Imprinting refers to the critical period of time early in an animal’s life when it forms attachments and develops a concept of its own identity. Birds and mammals have biological programing to imprint on their mothers.
Molt - is to shed old feathers, hair, or skin, or an old shell, to make way for a new growth.
Fringed Feathers - the fringed feathers break up the air further as it flows off the trailing edge, resulting in a large reduction in aerodynamic noise.
Glean - Gleaning is a feeding strategy by birds in which they catch invertebrate prey, mainly arthropods, by plucking them from foliage or the ground.
Biodiverse - Biodiversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is typically a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level.
Imprinted - Imprinting refers to the critical period of time early in an animal’s life when it forms attachments and develops a concept of its own identity. Birds and mammals have biological programing to imprint on their mothers.
Molt - is to shed old feathers, hair, or skin, or an old shell, to make way for a new growth.
Fringed Feathers - the fringed feathers break up the air further as it flows off the trailing edge, resulting in a large reduction in aerodynamic noise.
Glean - Gleaning is a feeding strategy by birds in which they catch invertebrate prey, mainly arthropods, by plucking them from foliage or the ground.
Biodiverse - Biodiversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is typically a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level.
Day 22 - American Bison Key Terms:
Horns - permanent pair of hollow sheaths of keratin atop a bony core anchored to the skull. Present in both males and females.
Antlers - solid bony structure that arise from the frontal bone on the head of an animal of the deer family, usually found on males. Typically shed and grown back annually.
Repatriation - the act or process of restoring someone or something to the country or place of origin.
Horns - permanent pair of hollow sheaths of keratin atop a bony core anchored to the skull. Present in both males and females.
Antlers - solid bony structure that arise from the frontal bone on the head of an animal of the deer family, usually found on males. Typically shed and grown back annually.
Repatriation - the act or process of restoring someone or something to the country or place of origin.
Day 21 Cheetah Key Terms:
Semi-Retractable Claws - claws that cannot fully retract.
Coalition - term to describe cheetah sibling group.
Diurnal - active during the day.
Semi-Retractable Claws - claws that cannot fully retract.
Coalition - term to describe cheetah sibling group.
Diurnal - active during the day.
Day 20 Camel Key Terms:
Dromedary Camel - One humped camel.
Bactrian Camel -Two humped camel.
Domesticated - adapted over time (as by selective breeding) from a wild or natural state to life in close association with and to the benefit of humans
Feral - having escaped from domestication and become wild
Dromedary Camel - One humped camel.
Bactrian Camel -Two humped camel.
Domesticated - adapted over time (as by selective breeding) from a wild or natural state to life in close association with and to the benefit of humans
Feral - having escaped from domestication and become wild
Day 19 African Lion Key Terms:
Pride - a group of lions.
Whelps/Lionettes - terms for baby lions.
Territory - a geographical range occupied by a single animal, mate pair, or group.
Pride - a group of lions.
Whelps/Lionettes - terms for baby lions.
Territory - a geographical range occupied by a single animal, mate pair, or group.
Day 18 Ring-tailed Lemurs Key Terms:
Strepsirhinni - Primate sub-order consisting of lemurs, lorises, and bush babies, which characteristically have a wet area around the nostrils.
Halporhinni - Primate sub-order (sister sub-order of Strepsirhinni) consisting of the tarsiers and the simians, which characteristically have a dry-nose.
Tapetum Lucidum - is a layer of tissue in the eye of many vertebrates. Lying immediately behind the retina, it reflects light.
Semi-Terrestrial - lives both on the ground and in the trees.
Strepsirhinni - Primate sub-order consisting of lemurs, lorises, and bush babies, which characteristically have a wet area around the nostrils.
Halporhinni - Primate sub-order (sister sub-order of Strepsirhinni) consisting of the tarsiers and the simians, which characteristically have a dry-nose.
Tapetum Lucidum - is a layer of tissue in the eye of many vertebrates. Lying immediately behind the retina, it reflects light.
Semi-Terrestrial - lives both on the ground and in the trees.
Day 17 Hoofstock Key Terms:
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) - "The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA accredited zoos and aquaria meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience."
Species Survival Plan (SSP) - "SSP Programs are led by expert advisors who cooperatively work together to maximize genetic diversity, appropriately manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of TAG recommended Animal Programs within AZA member institutions."
Visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums website for more information.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) - "The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA accredited zoos and aquaria meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience."
Species Survival Plan (SSP) - "SSP Programs are led by expert advisors who cooperatively work together to maximize genetic diversity, appropriately manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of TAG recommended Animal Programs within AZA member institutions."
Visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums website for more information.
Day 16 - Giraffe Key Terms:
Ossciones - are horn or antler like structures protruding from a giraffes head. They are different from antlers and horns because ossciones are made of bone. The word ossicone actually mean "boney cone".
Prehensile - capable of grasping.
Cognitive Enrichment - Cognitive enrichment aims to focus on the specific cognitive skills or problem solving skills known for a species/individual, and how best to stimulate the expression of these skills
Ossciones - are horn or antler like structures protruding from a giraffes head. They are different from antlers and horns because ossciones are made of bone. The word ossicone actually mean "boney cone".
Prehensile - capable of grasping.
Cognitive Enrichment - Cognitive enrichment aims to focus on the specific cognitive skills or problem solving skills known for a species/individual, and how best to stimulate the expression of these skills
Day 15 - Amur Leopard Key Terms
Rosettes - A rosette is a rose-like marking or formation found on the fur and skin of some animals, particularly cats. Rosettes are used to camouflage the animal, either as a defense mechanism or as a stalking tool.
Denticles - a small tooth or tooth-like projection.On cats these denticles can be found on their tongue and are used to scrap meat from bone. Even your cat's at home have them!
Rosettes - A rosette is a rose-like marking or formation found on the fur and skin of some animals, particularly cats. Rosettes are used to camouflage the animal, either as a defense mechanism or as a stalking tool.
Denticles - a small tooth or tooth-like projection.On cats these denticles can be found on their tongue and are used to scrap meat from bone. Even your cat's at home have them!
Day 14 - Red Panda Key Terms:
Habitat Fragmentation - Habitat fragmentation is when a large habitat is broken down into smaller patches and are usually isolated from each other by non-original habitats (like human settlement).
Fun Fact: Red Pandas are in a family all by themselves: Alluridae. Their closest living relative is actually a raccoon!
Habitat Fragmentation - Habitat fragmentation is when a large habitat is broken down into smaller patches and are usually isolated from each other by non-original habitats (like human settlement).
Fun Fact: Red Pandas are in a family all by themselves: Alluridae. Their closest living relative is actually a raccoon!
Day 13 Tamarin Row Key Terms:
Callatrichidae - a family of New World monkeys, including marmosets, tamarins and lion tamarins.
Gumivore - an animal that specializes in eating tree gum (sap and other resin materials found in plants).
Critically Endangered - considered to be facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild (IUCN Redlist)
Callatrichidae - a family of New World monkeys, including marmosets, tamarins and lion tamarins.
Gumivore - an animal that specializes in eating tree gum (sap and other resin materials found in plants).
Critically Endangered - considered to be facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild (IUCN Redlist)
Day 12 Red-Necked Wallaby Key Terms:
Mob - a group of kangaroos or wallabies.
Marsupial - an order or mammals that are born very underdeveloped and spend more time developing and suckling inside of a pouch.
Macropod - a plant-eating marsupial mammal of an Australasian family that comprises the kangaroos and wallabies.
Dentition - Teeth
Mob - a group of kangaroos or wallabies.
Marsupial - an order or mammals that are born very underdeveloped and spend more time developing and suckling inside of a pouch.
Macropod - a plant-eating marsupial mammal of an Australasian family that comprises the kangaroos and wallabies.
Dentition - Teeth
Day 11 - Red-Tailed Boa Key Terms:
Counter Shading - protective coloration animals in which parts normally in shadow are light and those exposed to the sky are dark.
Cold-Blooded - Also called is having a body temperature varying with that of the environment. Reptiles are also known as Ectotherms.
Constrictor - a snake that kills by coiling around its prey and asphyxiating it.
Counter Shading - protective coloration animals in which parts normally in shadow are light and those exposed to the sky are dark.
Cold-Blooded - Also called is having a body temperature varying with that of the environment. Reptiles are also known as Ectotherms.
Constrictor - a snake that kills by coiling around its prey and asphyxiating it.
Day 10 The Reptile House Key Terms:
Poison-a substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when ingested or absorbed.
Venom- substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions and typically injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging.
Aposematic- Colors or markings that are used to warn or repel predators (like the poison dart frog.)
Aboreal- an animal that spends its life predominantly off the ground i.e. the trees.
*Indicator species* - Frogs and amphibians are well known indicator species. An indicator species is an organism whose presence, absence or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition
Poison-a substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when ingested or absorbed.
Venom- substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions and typically injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging.
Aposematic- Colors or markings that are used to warn or repel predators (like the poison dart frog.)
Aboreal- an animal that spends its life predominantly off the ground i.e. the trees.
*Indicator species* - Frogs and amphibians are well known indicator species. An indicator species is an organism whose presence, absence or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition
Day 9 - American Black Bear Key Terms:
Opportunistic - an animal that eats whatever food is available.
Kermode Bear - A rare white (non-albino) species of American black bear found only in British Columbia, Canada.
Subspecies - a subspecies is a population of a certain species living in a different area or having different morphology (color, size, pattern, etc..)
Hibernate - an animal that spends the winter in a dormant (sleeping/unmoving) state.
Opportunistic - an animal that eats whatever food is available.
Kermode Bear - A rare white (non-albino) species of American black bear found only in British Columbia, Canada.
Subspecies - a subspecies is a population of a certain species living in a different area or having different morphology (color, size, pattern, etc..)
Hibernate - an animal that spends the winter in a dormant (sleeping/unmoving) state.
Day 8 - Snow Leopard Key Terms:
Endangered- considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. (ref. IUCN Redlist criteria)
Crepuscular - an animal that is predominately active and awake at dawn and dusk.
Endangered- considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. (ref. IUCN Redlist criteria)
Crepuscular - an animal that is predominately active and awake at dawn and dusk.
Day 7 - Bobcat Key Terms:
Bergmann's Rule -in zoology, is a principle that looks at environmental temperature and compares it to body size and weight in warm-blooded animals. Birds and mammals in cold regions have been observed to be bulkier than individuals of the same species in warm regions.
Carnivore - an animal that specializes in eating meat.
Sensory Enrichment - enrichment that stimulates the different senses such as olfactory (smell), auditory (sounds), tactile (touch), visual and also taste.
Solitary - an animal that predominantly lives on their own.
Bergmann's Rule -in zoology, is a principle that looks at environmental temperature and compares it to body size and weight in warm-blooded animals. Birds and mammals in cold regions have been observed to be bulkier than individuals of the same species in warm regions.
Carnivore - an animal that specializes in eating meat.
Sensory Enrichment - enrichment that stimulates the different senses such as olfactory (smell), auditory (sounds), tactile (touch), visual and also taste.
Solitary - an animal that predominantly lives on their own.
Day 6 - African Crested Porcupine Key Term
Nocturnal - when an animal is primarily active and awake at night.
Porcupette - a baby porcupine.
Keratin - fibrous protein that makes up hair and nails/claws.
Nocturnal - when an animal is primarily active and awake at night.
Porcupette - a baby porcupine.
Keratin - fibrous protein that makes up hair and nails/claws.
Day 5 - Patagonian Mara Key Terms:
Near Threatened - criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future (Please See Note). (ref. IUCN Red List Criteria)
Browse - vegetation, such as twigs, branches and young shoots, eaten by animals.
Near Threatened - criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future (Please See Note). (ref. IUCN Red List Criteria)
Browse - vegetation, such as twigs, branches and young shoots, eaten by animals.
*The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies globally threatened species (plant and animal) into nine categories: Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild and Extinct.*
Day 4- Jilly the Cow Key Terms:
Herbivore- an animal that specializes in eating plant matter
Incisor- a narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, adapted for cutting.
Molars- a grinding tooth at the back of a mammal's mouth.
Grazer- a grazer is an herbivore that feeds on plants such as grass and other low-lying vegetation.
Ruminant- an animal that has a large four chambered stomach called a Rumen. The Rumen consists of the reticulum, rumen, omasum and abomasum.
Fermentation- is a process that converts and breaks down ingested food into energy sources.
Prey Species- an animal that gets preyed upon or eaten by predators.
Day 3 - North American River Otters Key Terms:
Nictitating Membrane - a whitish or translucent membrane that forms an inner eyelid in birds, reptiles, and some mammals. It can be drawn across the eye to protect it from dust and keep it moist.
Adaptation - An adaptation is something makes it possible for an animal to survive in a particular place and in a particular way. It may be a physical adaptation, or the way the animal behaves.
Target - A target is a tool used by animal trainers, usually a stick with a ball on the end, the goal is to teach an animal to touch a predetermined body part to the ball at the end of the stick.
Enrichment - Is anything we give to our animals that allows them to perform natural behaviors, permits them to be more active and increases the animals' control over their environment. Enrichment helps satisfy both the physical and psychological needs of animals and allows them to make choices. Enrichment can be: Cognitive, Social, Food, Physical, Habitat, Sensory
Day 2 - Silver Fox Key Terms:
Husbandry - General care and rearing of animals.
Training - Using positive reinforcement and shaping techniques to teach animal certain behaviors that may display natural abilities and assist with husbandry/veterinary care.
Bridge - A bridge in training is a sound or signal that communicates to an animal that they performed the correct behavior.
Camouflage - Variations in color, fur, and patterns that help conceal or disguise an animal.
Cache - a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or inaccessible place.
Kit - Baby Fox
Husbandry - General care and rearing of animals.
Training - Using positive reinforcement and shaping techniques to teach animal certain behaviors that may display natural abilities and assist with husbandry/veterinary care.
Bridge - A bridge in training is a sound or signal that communicates to an animal that they performed the correct behavior.
Camouflage - Variations in color, fur, and patterns that help conceal or disguise an animal.
Cache - a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or inaccessible place.
Kit - Baby Fox
Day 1 - Primate Point Key Terms:
Brachiate - move by using the arms to swing from branch to branch.
Frugivore - an animal that specializes in eating fruit.
Folivore - an animal that specializes in eating leaves.
Ape - Human like primate with no tail.
Forage - to search for food.
Terrestrial - An animal that lives primarily on the ground.
PPE - An acronym that stands for Personal Protective Gear.