Posted By Staff report on Wed, Feb 26, 2020 at 2:33 PM

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Raise a glass in support of animal conservation at Reid Park Zoo’s fourth annual Wine Gone Wild, which returns to town Saturday, April 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The wine tasting and food pairing event benefits the zoo’s operations and will help “provide quality animal care through innovative medicine and enrichment and to inspire the next generation through conservation and educational programs.”

Wines and spirits will be provided by local and international wineries, distilleries and distributors, and will be paired with finger food from local eateries.

Other activities include wine glass painting, meeting ambassador animals and plenty of live music.

Pre-sale tickets are $65 per person and $60 for Zoo members. Designated drivers get in for $25. VIP Packages are $125 per person (only 30 VIP tickets available). Day-of event regular admission tickets will be sold at the door for $75 per person and $70 for Zoo members. Buy tickets online at https://reidparkzoo.org/event/wine-gone-wild-2020/.

The VIP “Winos for Rhinos” package will include an opportunity to meet one of the zoo’s white rhinos and a special T-shirt and bottle of wine. VIP guests also start the night at 5:30 p.m.

Guests at Wine Gone Wild must be 21 and older only with valid photo ID.

Tags: Reid Park Zoo , wine , Wine Gone Wild , fundraisers , animals , zoo , rhinos , Image

Posted By Staff report on Tue, Feb 25, 2020 at 3:19 PM

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Courtesy photo

The newest tamandua pup at Reid Park Zoo.

The Reid Park Zoo is tending to a baby tamandua after the male pup began to grow sluggish and lose more weight than is normal post-birth.

The pup was born on Dec. 21, 2019 and is the third pup Xochi the tamandua has given birth to.

Though he was born healthy and active in his first few days of life, several days later his health began to decline. Animal care staff stepped in to provide extra feedings for the baby tamandua and continue to administer care to the young animal. Several times a day, the team bring the pup into the Zoo’s Health Center for a feeding. He's weighed before and after each feeding, and veterinarian Dr. Roth performs a physical exam to make sure the pup's health is good.

The pup, who has not been named by staff yet, is currently at a normal weight and continues to improve. The animal care team will keep providing him extra food and nutrients.

Tamanduas are a member of the anteater genus and are often, unfortunately, taken illegally from their habitats and sold as exotic pets.

The Reid Park Zoo views their tamanduas, who live behind the scenes at the zoo, as animal ambassadors, serving as a reminder of the plight of tamanduas in the illegal exotic pet trade.

Sometimes the zoo features tamanduas during animal presentations at the Conservation Learning Center, education programs and behind-the-scenes tours at the Zoo.

For more information on the Reid Park Zoo, visit www.reidparkzoo.org.

Tags: Reid PArk Zoo , tamanduas , zooborns , animals , animal care , exotic pet trade , Image

Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Feb 24, 2020 at 11:27 AM

“Meow! My name is Maurine and I’m am easy, low energy girl who will talk your ear off! I love people, and I love attention. I just want to be pet and loved on all the time. I came to HSSA as a stray, but all my paws are declawed so I need to be an indoor cat only. HSSA thinks I’m about 8 years old. I will sit in your lap and purr all day if you let me! Come meet me at 635 W. Roger Rd or call for more information at (520) 327-6088 ext 173.”

Tags: Pets , animals , cats , Humane Society of Southern Arizona , adoptions , community , Image

Posted By Tucson Weekly Staff on Wed, Feb 19, 2020 at 9:30 AM

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief is offering a $1,500 reward for any information leading to an arrest after a javelina was stoned to death at Tanque Verde Elementary school last Friday night.

The remains were found surrounded by landscaping rocks covered with blood in the courtyard of the school. According to Game and Fish, the javelina died from blunt force trauma, and other physical evidence was found at the scene.

“This was a malicious act, that of a criminal, a person without regard for the state’s most precious resource, its wildlife,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson, in a statement. “The javelina suffered an especially cruel death. In addition, this happened at an elementary school, which could have had a negative impact on young children were it not for the prompt response of sheriff’s deputies.”

Those with information about the case are urged to contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline at 800-352-0700 and reference OGT #20-000302, anonymously if need be.

The maximum penalty for the crime of illegally taking wildlife is six months in jail and a $750 fine. Civil penalties may also apply.

Tags: Game and Fish , crimes , hotline , javelina , animal , Tanque Verde Elementary , Image

Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Feb 17, 2020 at 10:03 AM

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“Hey I’m Collins and I’m 3 years old and have SO much energy! I LOVE treats and I LOVE to play! I’m a bouncy boy who loves to jump around, and I still have a lot to learn about manners. Bring your other dogs to meet me today and bring me home with you! Come meet me at 635 W Roger Rd or call (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information.”

Tags: Dogs , animals , treats , pets , Humane Society , adoptions , Image

Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Feb 10, 2020 at 9:37 AM

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Courtesy Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Shadow

“Hi, I’m Shadow, a gorgeous 11 year old cat who wants to live out my golden years with you. I’m a really nice boy who just needs a fresh start in life. I was originally adopted from HSSA in 2008, but came back when my owner could no longer care for me. Come meet me at 635 W. Roger Rd or give HSSA a call at (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information.”

Tags: pets , animals , cats , adoptable pets , Humane Society of Southern Arizona , Image

Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Tue, Feb 4, 2020 at 8:58 AM

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"Hello! I'm Athena! I was adopted from HSSA several months back but was recently returned because my owners couldn't care for me anymore. I'm a little sad, but the awesome people here at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona have assured me that I am a VERY good girl who is going to find a new family soon! I'm 3 years old and very smart, affectionate, and sweet. I would love for you to come meet me!"

Meet Athena at 635 W. Roger Rd or give us a call at (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information.

Tags: dogs , animals , pets , adoptions , Humane Society of Southern Arizona , Image

Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Jan 27, 2020 at 12:16 PM

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HSSA

“Hi, I’m Cyclops and I bet you can guess why they named me that! I’m only 10 months old and can be a bit shy at first, but I love being pet, brushed, and having my head scratched. I like to play with my toys, and really want a nice, comfy, warm bed to relax on! You can meet me at HSSA’s Main Campus at 635 W Roger Rd. Or give our adoptions counselors a call at (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information. “

Tags: pets , adoptions , Humane Society , animals , cats , kittens , strays , Image

Posted By Jeff Gardner on Tue, Jan 21, 2020 at 1:21 PM

BBC America's new documentary mini-series Seven Worlds, One Planet examines each of Earth's seven continents and how each area shapes animal behavior and biodiversity. The series, featuring obligatory narration from Sir David Attenborough, marks the first time the BBC Studio’s Natural History Unit has explored all seven continents for a single series. 

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Courtesy BBC America

The new episode, "North America"  which premieres this Saturday, Jan. 25, features animals in Florida, Canada and right here in Tucson. The Tucson segment, filmed between May and June of 2017 and 2018, focuses on the greater roadrunner, only found in the deserts of North America.

According to Chadden Hunter, producer for the North America episode, the documentary crew filmed roadrunners in Saguaro National Park and on private ranch land around Tucson.

Also on the North America episode, camera crews achieved a first in their filming, using "low light technology and cable dollies with a motion control tracking time-lapse camera" to glide cameras through the forests of Mississippi and Ohio for slow-mo firefly shots.

Each episode of Seven Worlds, One Planet focuses on a different continent. The next airing episode is "North America" which premieres Saturday, Jan. 25 on BBC AMERICA, AMC, IFC and SundanceTV.

Watch the trailer here:

Tags: docs , Seven Worlds One Planet , trailer , BBC , roadrunners , Tucson , Image

Posted By Monique Conway, HSSA on Mon, Jan 20, 2020 at 10:13 AM

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“Hey there! I’m Max! Are you my new best friend? I’m looking for a special person who I can give all of my love and loyalty to. I’m 3 years old, and incredibly clever! The staff here at HSSA have taught me lots of tricks, and I’m still eager to learn more! I have lots of energy and would prefer to be your only dog.”

Meet Max at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd or give our adoptions counselors a call at (520) 327-6088 ext 173 for more information.

Tags: pets , animals , dogs , max , Humane Society of Southern Arizona , Image