Chattanooga Zoo welcomes new arrivals
expanded by six goats, which includes three different breeds. The Chattanooga Zoo has acquired two male Nigerian dwarf goats, two female Saanen goats, and two female Nubian goats. These goats are 5 months old, except for the two Nigerian goats which are 4 months old. After a 30 day quarantine period, the goats will be exhibited in the petting area of the Warner Park Ranch exhibit, where they will interact with guests.
In addition to the animal acquisitions, the Chattanooga Zoo has also strengthened its conservation initiatives through the hatching of two spotted turtles. The two turtles, Freckles and Speckles, hatched on July 6 to first time parents, Spot and Dot. Spotted turtles are native to the east coast of North America from Quebec, Ontario, and Maine down to the eastern US and Florida. Spotted turtles are classified by the IUCN as “Endangered.” The Zoo plans to have them on-exhibit in the Forests of the World building soon.
“We are thrilled to share these new zoo residents with our visitors through our engaging exhibits and educational offerings. The Zoo is constantly seeking to expand its collection and engage in conservation programming, and we are very excited about our recent growth and honored to be such a community asset and continue to share our mission,” says Darde Long, CEO of the Chattanooga Zoo.
The 14-acre Chattanooga Zoo (historically referred to as the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park) is accredited by the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is dedicated to its mission of engaging and inspiring all citizens of the community to better understand and preserve wildlife by creating meaningful connections between people and animals. With its intimate, innovative exhibits, wide-ranging education offerings and commitment to conservation, the Chattanooga Zoo fills a unique niche within the community.
The Chattanooga Zoo invites the community to visit and interact with these new additions. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit www.chattzoo.org.