Pennsylvania Zoo Helps Save a Critically Endangered Species
It’s always a heartwarming story when people can help keep an endangered species alive. Now, a Pennsylvania Zoo is helping save a critically endangered species and celebrating the first birth of this species at the zoo in 15 years.
Pennsylvania Zoo Doing Its Part to Keep a Critically Endangered Species Alive
The Philadelphia Zoo has announced the birth of a critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. Sugi was born on June 26 to the Zoo’s 31-year-old female Tua and 28-year-old male. According to the Zoo, things are going well, and “the infant continues to look strong, and Tua continues to be an excellent mother, nursing and holding the baby at all times.” The Zoo says the sex of the infant has not been determined. The baby hasn’t been given a name yet, either. While you can’t view the baby right now, the Philadelphia Zoo is planning to do a public debut of the new baby in mid-August, with details pending.
Sugi’s birth is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program to help the “survival of Sumatran orangutans and maintain a genetically diverse population.” According to the Zoo, Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They have a population of only 14,000 left on the island of Sumatra. Their main threats for existence are deforestation and population fragmentation.
“It is a joy to be able to share this wonderful news with the greater Philadelphia region and the world,” vice president of animal well-being and conservation Rachel Metz said in a statement. “This critically endangered species is rapidly losing habitat largely due to deforestation as a result of an increased demand for logging, palm oil, and other natural resources located in their habitats. Working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to maintain a genetically healthy population in human care is vital to the survival of this species.”
“This successful outcome is a testament to the animal care, nutrition and veterinary teams that have worked with Tua to greatly improve her health over the last eight years,” director of animal health Dr. Donna Ialeggio added. “Finding practical strategies to both maintain a healthy weight and treat her chronic Orangutan Respiratory Disease Syndrome with twice daily nebulization therapies are a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our staff.” Going to the Philadelphia Zoo is a fun staycation idea, and you’ll find more staycation ideas below.
Fun and Affordable Staycation Ideas
Netflix and Chill
Have a vacation in your living room or bedroom. Make it a movie-watching marathon. Watch a string of your favorite guilty-pleasure movies or binge-watch a brand new series. Either way, it’ll be cozy and comfy.
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Visit a Local or National Park
If you have a state or national park nearby, use your vacation time to go adventuring. Being at a local park can offer some breathtaking scenery, especially in the summer. Have a picnic out there, too. If you don’t have a state or national park close by, try a local park.
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Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery
Nearly every town has a local museum or art gallery. Perhaps you’ve never really had the time to visit your local museum or art spot. Use your vacation time to explore those local spots, and you might find a new favorite place.
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Stay at a Local Hotel, Airbnb or Bed-and-Breakfast
If you’ve driven by that new hotel for a while and wondered what it’s like inside, why not book it for a night? You don’t have to be traveling to say at a hotel, Airbnb or local bed-and-breakfast. It can make for an exciting adventure right in your backyard.
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Have a Party
Using vacation time to plan a big party for friends is a good use of that time. Instead of traveling around the world, bring to world to you. Invite lots of your good friends, and spend some of the cash you would have on a vacation for your party. It’ll be the party of the year. Make that decade.
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Have a Spa Day
Pamper yourself. Maybe you think having a spa day is too much of a luxury, but if you’re saving money by not taking a big trip, why not use that money for a spa day? It’s not just for ladies, either. Guys can book a spa day for a variety of services. It’ll make for a day of bliss.
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