Up Close and Personal with Red Pandas IndianapolisZoo 2026-09-18 | Up Close and Personal with Red Pandas
Plant Conservation Planning IndianapolisZoo 2022-10-31 | Learn how to produce conservation plans for plants. *This is a recording of an October 28, 2022 webinar discussing the challenges, opportunities and success stories in plant conservation.
An SSC Specialist Group Guide to Engaging with CITES IndianapolisZoo 2022-10-31 | Learn more about the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and how IUCN Species Survival Commission members can participate and engage in the process.*This is a recording of an October 6, 2022 webinar.
Aphids! Honeydew! Wasps! IndianapolisZoo 2022-10-26 | Aphids! Honeydew! Wasps! Aphids suck nutrients from plants and then excrete a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew. Honeydew attracts nectar-loving insects, such as wasps, bees, flies and even ants. When we captured this video in early October 2022, mild autumn temperatures and a dry spell that lasted more than a week created the perfect opportunity for a large number of aphids to gather on a tree between our alligator and crocodile habitats. We're thankful to the incredible animal care staff at the Indianapolis Zoo for noticing this interesting behavior and inviting us to take a closer look. Our keepers love all species, including the wild ones that share habitats with the animals directly in their care.
CPSG Webinar: Ex situ Conservation Assessment as Part of the One Plan Approach IndianapolisZoo 2022-10-21 | Ex situ Conservation Assessment as Part of the One Plan ApproachIn 2014, the Conservation Planning Action Group led the development of the IUCN/SSC Guidelines on the Use of Ex Situ Management for Species Conservation. These guidelines outline a five-step decision process for evaluating the potential role(s) and feasibility of ex situ activities as part of species conservation strategy. In this webinar, CPSG looks further into this process, including detailing the diversity of ex situ conservation roles, providing guidance on single and multi-species ex situ evaluation processes, and emphasizing the critical roles of both in situ and ex situ experts in ex situ conservation assessments.CPSG Webinar Leads: Kathy Traylor-Holzer (Senior Program Officer) and Kristin Leus (CPSG Europe Convenor)Background Reading: Traylor-Holzer, K., Leus, K. and Byers, O. 2019. Ex situ management for conservation. W. Leal Filho et al. (eds.), Life on Land, Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Springer Nature, Switzerland. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71065-5_102-1
Global Handwashing Day by the Indianapolis Zoo IndianapolisZoo 2022-10-15 | The Indianapolis Zoo is reminding guests the importance of washing or sanitizing hands while visiting. In this video, we demonstrate proper technique to stay healthy for Global Handwashing Day.
Indianapolis Zoo ZooBoo 2022 TV Promo :30 IndianapolisZoo 2022-10-06 | ZooBoo 2022 returns to the Indianapolis Zoo Wednesday, Oct 5 and runs every Wed-Sun through to Halloween.
ZooBoo Setup Preview IndianapolisZoo 2022-09-27 | The setup for ZooBoo 2022 is currently underway here at the Indianapolis Zoo! The fall favorite event is returning with new attractions, characters and 21 days of spooktacular fun. Here's a look at what's to come on October 5, 2022!
Mambo, Gloria and Spike Participate in Rhino Health Study IndianapolisZoo 2022-09-22 | For World Rhino Day - The Indianapolis Zoo has partnered with the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) to conduct a yearlong study into the health and well-being of our rhinos. Our rhino care team and researchers attached anklet trackers around the rhinos leg to help track their physical health, activity levels, resting periods etc. This is phase 1 of the study - the other parts of this project will focus on fertility/breeding, behavioral wellness, and environmental impact.
Fungal Conservation IndianapolisZoo 2022-09-16 | "What Do the First 597 Global Fungal Red List Assessments Tell Us about the Threat Status of Fungi?" Fungal species are not immune to the threats facing animals and plants and are thus also prone to extinction. Yet, until 2015, fungi were nearly absent on the IUCN Red List. Recent efforts to identify fungal species under threat have significantly increased the number of published fungal assessments. The 597 species of fungi published in the 2022-1 IUCN Red List update (21 July 2022) are the basis for the first global review of the extinction risk of fungi and the threats they face. Nearly 50% of the assessed species are threatened, with 10% NT and 9% DD. For regions with a larger number of assessments (i.e., Europe, North America, and South America), subanalyses are provided. Data for lichenized and nonlichenized fungi are also summarized separately. Habitat loss/degradation followed by climate change, invasive species, and pollution are the primary identified threats. Bias in the data is discussed along with knowledge gaps. Suggested actions to address these gaps are provided along with a discussion of the use of assessments to facilitate on-the-ground conservation efforts. A research agenda for conservation mycology to assist in the assessment process and implementation of effective species/habitat management is presented.*This video serves as a graphical abstract for a publication in Diversity, which is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal on the science of biodiversity. Diversity is published monthly online by MDPI. The video was produced by Kelly Griese, Public Relations Specialist at the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, and narrated by Dr. Greg Mueller, Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Cite: Mueller GM, Cunha KM, May TW, Allen JL, Westrip JRS, Canteiro C, Costa-Rezende DH, Drechsler-Santos ER, Vasco-Palacios AM, Ainsworth AM, Alves-Silva G, Bungartz F, Chandler A, Gonçalves SC, Krisai-Greilhuber I, Iršėnaitė R, Jordal JB, Kosmann T, Lendemer J, McMullin RT, Mešić A, Motato-Vásquez V, Ohmura Y, Næsborg RR, Perini C, Saar I, Simijaca D, Yahr R, Dahlberg A. What Do the First 597 Global Fungal Red List Assessments Tell Us about the Threat Status of Fungi? Diversity. 2022; 14(9):736. doi.org/10.3390/d14090736
Gar Rescue IndianapolisZoo 2022-08-24 | Several members of the Global Center for Species Survival team and a member of the Indianapolis Zoo interpretation team took a trip along the Driftwood River on August 20, 2022. We encountered a gar tangled in trash. Watch the rescue!The fish in the video is a longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus). Their long jaws form needle-like snouts, which are lined with small, sharp, cone-shaped teeth that they use to hunt small fish and invertebrates.The gar we rescued likely hadn't been tangled in trash for very long. It had plenty of strength and appeared to be healthy. If not for our team members being in the right place at the right time, it would have died.This video illustrates why it is so important to keep our waterways free of litter. To protect our natural world, it's critical that we properly dispose of trash and recycle whenever possible.
CPSG Webinar: Assessing to Plan - Multi-Species Planning Pathways IndianapolisZoo 2022-07-25 | In this third webinar, the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group digs deeper into the Assess-to-Plan process, designed to facilitate the shift from assessment to planning by identifying the most appropriate planning pathways for different species/species groups. The process is particularly helpful for more specious taxonomic groups of flora and fauna. During the webinar, participants will hear from Specialist Group members who have experience of using the process and some of the practical implications involved.CPSG Webinar Leads: Caroline Lees (Senior Program Officer)Background Reading: Here are three recent Assess-to-Plan workshop reports to provide an idea of what the process can produce.Planning Conservation Action for Kenya's Threatened Treesindianapoliszoo.com/gcss/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/KenyaTrees_ConsActionPlan2020_FINAL.pdfAssessing to Plan: Next Steps Towards Conservation Action for Threatened Snakes & Lizards of Mainland South Asiaindianapoliszoo.com/gcss/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/A2P_next-steps-for-conservation-action-for-threatened-snakes-and-lizards-of-mainalnd-South-Asia_FINAL_MAY-2021.pdf Assessing to Plan: Next Steps Towards Conservation Action for Threatened Fishes of the Sunda Regionindianapoliszoo.com/gcss/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/A2P_next-steps-for-conservation-action-for-threatened-freshwater-fishes-of-the-Sunda-region_FINAL-REPORT_1-May-2020.pdf
A Tribute to our Animal Keepers for National Zookeeper Week IndianapolisZoo 2022-07-20 | All of us here at the Indianapolis Zoo are shining a spotlight on our amazing staff of animal keepers for National Zookeeper Week! Words cannot describe how appreciative we are for their passion, kindness, dedication and love for our animals and our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. ❤️
CUTE ALERT! Fun Video of New Macaque Babies! IndianapolisZoo 2022-07-20 | We have some new and cute faces here at the Indianapolis Zoo! Say hello to our four new long-tailed macaque babies Bea, Mae, Gemma and Emerald or "Emmie" for short. They are having fun exploring and jumping around, before running back to their moms close by. Check out the fun and cute adventures of our newest members of the Zoo family!
CPSG Webinar: Species Conservation Planning Steps IndianapolisZoo 2022-07-11 | In this second webinar, the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) looks at the generic, practical steps involved in developing species conservation plans with reference to a range of taxonomic case studies. CPSG introduces a suite of planning tools and processes available to suit different planning contexts, such as those requiring multi-species planning, ex situ assessment or disease risk analyses. Finally, CPSG touches on the role of Population Viability Analysis (PVA) within species conservation planning and signpost to further exploration of the subject.CPSG Webinar Leads: Jamie Copsey (Director of Training) and Phil Miller (Senior Program Officer)Background Reading: CPSG. (2020). Species Conservation Planning Principles & Steps, Ver. 1.0. IUCN/SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN. indianapoliszoo.com/gcss/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/CPSG-Principles-Steps_English.pdf
CPSG Webinar: Principles of Species Conservation Planning IndianapolisZoo 2022-06-27 | In this first webinar, the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) presents the seven core CPSG principles of species conservation planning, drawing on different case studies to illustrate their relevance. They reflect on some of the challenges of applying these principles (e.g. related to the need for neutrality) and how conservationists can put them into practice for the benefit of the species being planned for and the development of effective, implemented plans. CPSG also touches on the evaluation of collaborative planning approaches and how they have contributed to the stabilization and recovery of threatened species.CPSG Webinar Leads: Jamie Copsey (Director of Training) and Caroline Lees (Senior Program Officer)Background Reading: CPSG. (2020). Species Conservation Planning Principles & Steps, Ver. 1.0. IUCN/SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN. indianapoliszoo.com/gcss/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/CPSG-Principles-Steps_English.pdf
Re:wild Lost Species IndianapolisZoo 2022-06-03 | Dr. Sérgio Henriques, the Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator at the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, has partnered with Re:wild's "Lost Species" program. Sérgio is searching for evidence that Fagilde's trapdoor spider still exists, after being lost to science for nearly 100 years. In this Instagram Live interview with Devin Murphy from Re:wild, Sérgio provides an update on his search.Learn more about Lost Species: rewild.org/lost-species Learn more about the Global Center: http://globalcenterforspeciessurvival.org
Sustainable Plant Use IndianapolisZoo 2022-04-19 | In an interview with the Global Center for Species Survival, Anastasiya Timoshyna from TRAFFIC International talks with Plants & Fungi Conservation Coordinator Cátia Canteiro about the sustainable use of plant materials. TRAFFIC is a leading NGO working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.TRAFFIC: traffic.orgWild at Home: traffic.org/what-we-do/projects-and-approaches/promoting-sustainable-trade/wild-at-home Fair Wild: fairwild.org#IFoundWild: fairwild.org/ifoundwild
World Rhino Day 2021 IndianapolisZoo 2022-02-28 | "She'll be in your heart forever." Chris Whitlatch from the International Rhino Foundation sums it up nicely - rhinos are charismatic creatures. Unfortunately, they're also in crisis. All five species of rhino are threatened with extinction. Chris explains what's awesome about rhinos and what conservation challenges they face. #WorldRhinoDay #KeepTheFiveAlive
Meet the Tigers at the Indianapolis Zoo IndianapolisZoo 2022-02-01 | The three Amur tigers at the Indianapolis Zoo all have their own amazing personalities. Watch as Zookeeper Jill shares more about Zoya, Pavel and Maxim. Plus find out what makes these beautiful big cats so unique.
Bonus Scenes: HBOs Hard Knocks Comes to the Zoo IndianapolisZoo 2022-01-05 | The cameras were rolling for all the wild moments when Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and his family visited the Zoo this fall. Watch these never-before-seen scenes from NFL Films and HBO's Hard Knocks.
Lots to Love About Walrus IndianapolisZoo 2021-12-23 | Walrus are such unique animals! Listen as the Indianapolis Zoo's Marine Mammal Trainers share more about our two youngsters, Aku and Ginger, as well as a few things that makes this species so lovable
A Favorite Fruit For Orangutans — Durian IndianapolisZoo 2021-08-18 | Durian is a favorite food for orangutans in the wild, and it's a special treat for Azy, one of the great apes at the Indianapolis Zoo. But this spiky fruit is unfamiliar to most people outside of Southeast Asia where it grows. Our President and CEO Dr. Rob Shumaker introduces us to durian, its unique flavor and its importance to orangutans in the wild.
Top Reasons to Be a Zookeeper IndianapolisZoo 2021-07-21 | Zookeeping is more than a career, it's a calling! These dedicated professionals work tirelessly in all conditions to provide incredible care to the plants and animals they love. Hear the top reasons to be a zookeeper, straight from the incredible members of our animal care team!
The Reptile Rhyme IndianapolisZoo 2021-07-15 | Learn about the ancient crew that's new at the Indianapolis Zoo — American alligators and Orinoco crocodiles! Plan your visit at IndianapolisZoo.com to come meet these remarkable reptiles.
Baby Giraffes First Day Out IndianapolisZoo 2021-03-10 | As warmer weather arrives in Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Zoo's giraffe herd is starting to venture outdoors again. Kendi, who was born in late fall 2020, is enjoying his first day out in our giraffe habitat. Watch as this curious "little" 4-month-old explores the yard with his mother Kita, aunt A.J. and the rest of our herd.
Meet a Snake, its Cool! IndianapolisZoo 2021-02-02 | SIZE, SPEED AND VENOM, SNAKES HAVE IT ALL! Watch and see the transformation of a group of people who got to meet a snake. They went from not so sure about snakes, to SOLD on snakes! They're cool!
The Dolphins Night Before Christmas IndianapolisZoo 2020-12-24 | Christmas stories are a holiday tradition and there are none more famous than T'was the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy this reimagined telling of the festive tale with the Marine Mammal trainers and the whole dolphin pod at the Indianapolis Zoo.
How Big is a Walrus? IndianapolisZoo 2020-12-04 | Aku and Ginger, the two young Pacific walrus at the Indianapolis Zoo, are growing fast! Watch how Trainer Erika takes Aku's measurements to track the progress our marine mammal is making.
Up-Close Cuteness With Rock Hyrax IndianapolisZoo 2020-10-01 | They're the cutest little mammals you've never seen! Native to Africa's arid deserts, rock hyrax love to hide out during the day to stay cool and avoid predators. At the Indianapolis Zoo, our rock hyrax will often head for shelter as guests enter our African Aviary, but we're giving you an up-close look as Keeper Cami shares more about these adorable animals and their amazing adaptations.
Jumping Monkeys IndianapolisZoo 2020-08-07 | Take a look at that tail technique! Macaques can leap great distances — up to 16 ft — using their long tail for balance. Of course, each monkey has its own style for jumping. Watch the action with the Indianapolis Zoo's troop of long-tailed macaques.Music credit: Marty Gots A Plan by Kevin MacLeodLink: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4992-marty-gots-a-planLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lemurs Meet Tortoise IndianapolisZoo 2020-07-17 | At the Indianapolis Zoo, we’re bringing two species native to Madagascar together here for the first time. Watch as some of our radiated tortoises join the ring-tailed lemurs during warm summer days.
Adorable Animal Boops IndianapolisZoo 2020-07-17 | Investigating new and interesting objects is a very enriching activity for the curious animals at the Indianapolis Zoo. And when that object is a camera, the results are lots of funny & adorable boops!
Sloths Meet Orangutans IndianapolisZoo 2020-06-19 | Tree-dwellers from different continents, orangutans and sloths would never cross paths in the wild. So what happens the Indianapolis Zoo's apes Katy, Knobi and Max meet sloths Sammy and Dolce up close for the first time? It's total cuteness and curiosity. Watch!
Feeding Hellbenders IndianapolisZoo 2020-06-10 | Some people call them snot otters! At the Indianapolis Zoo, we know them as eastern hellbenders — North America's largest salamanders. Though they typically like to hide, Area Manager Lewis is enticing them out with some juicy worms to give us a closer look at these interesting aquatic animals that are also endangered in Indiana.
Bathing Sophi IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-29 | Imagine bathing a 9,000-pound elephant! It isn't easy, but our trainers do it daily. Watch as Sophi, the largest animal at the Indianapolis Zoo and the matriarch of our African elephant herd, receives her bath. Plus, Trainer Niki shares how this important task strengthens the bonds between our animals and their caretakers.
Frisbee Basics with the All-Stars IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-27 | With extra time at home, there's no better opportunity to teach your canine some incredible new behaviors. Watch as Trainers Bryan and Kara with our All-Star Dog Challenge break down the basics of Frisbee catch with Spice.
Meet our Meerkat Mob IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-21 | It’s a mob — that’s the name for a group of meerkats. Learn more about these unique desert animals and how we care for them at the Indianapolis Zoo from Keeper Will. A member of the mongoose family, meerkats are highly social animals that work together for everything from finding food to digging burrows to avoiding predators.
Macaws in Training IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-21 | Our three flocks of Magnificent Macaws are practicing their flights to the Bicentennial Pavilion, where we'll host our presentations all summer long! Learn more about the Indianapolis Zoo's beautiful birds from Area Manager Meagan.
Kedar vs. the Swivel Log IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-20 | Male elephants love to spar and test their strength. Hear Elephant Area Manager Jill explain the importance of our 4,000 pound swivel log to male elephant Kedar. Watch how he tosses it around like a big stick!
Snake Chat IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-18 | Mercury is a very special ambassador animal at the Indianapolis Zoo! Get to know our Madagascar giant hognose snake, as Casey explains how the unique fangs of this mildly venomous species are perfect for capturing prey yet harmless to humans.
Meet our Zebras IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-18 | Every zebra has a totally unique pattern of stripes That's how Indianapolis Zoo Keepers tell our mother-daughter duo, Maravi & Nadira, apart from one another. Hear more from Keeper Holly about how we care for our Grant's zebras.
Spectacular Animals Sounds IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-15 | The animals at the Indianapolis Zoo are very vocal! Turn the sound up and listed to everything from walrus grunts to red panda squeals to flamingo squawks and more — even a few you've probably never heard before.
Feeding the Eels IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-14 | Dive in for a unique, underwater look at the green moray eels at the Indianapolis Zoo. With their large, gaping mouths and two sets of sharp teeth, eels are impressive predators. But they’re not always in the mood to eat. Aquarist Tony shares more about our eels and their eating habits.
Warthogs Enjoy their New Digs! IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-13 | Big changes have been happening recently in the Plains area at the Indianapolis Zoo! And the warthogs are really digging their new space. While Kazi and Lily explore, listen as Keeper Kyle shares more about these unique animals.
Get To Know Our Gibbons IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-11 | If you’ve visited the Indianapolis Zoo on warmer days, you’ve undoubtedly heard our white-handed gibbons singing as they swing through their habitat in Forests. Now, meet Elliot, Koko and Kavi up close. Plus, Primates Keeper Heather shares more about how we care for our adorable ape family.
Play Time for Brown Bears IndianapolisZoo 2020-05-05 | Our Alaskan brown bears, Kiak and Mi-kal have very different personalities. One is sassy. One is goofy. And they're both very playful! Get to know the bears at the Indianapolis Zoo, and find out more about this incredible species from Keeper Jill.
