Baby Gorillas, New Years, and Moving Blogs

It's a new year and things are bound to change. Over the past few months, I've been working towards migrating this blog to my new professional website, amandacorlies.com. I've been wondering what I should post as my last official blog here at this sight. It felt like I needed something worthy, since I've been posting for over five years.

When a friend sent me a lovely video from the NC Zoo about their gorilla program, the births of their two youngsters last year, the loss of their silverback, Nick, and the outreach conservation programs they are a part of in Africa, I realized I'd found my final blog. (Thanks Friend!) It was good to see some old friends and meet some new ones smiling out of the camera at me, both human and otherwise.

So, here you have it folks. My final blog  here at the Keeper of the Zoo site. For those wonderful and faithful readers who have been following me here, don't fret, the blogging will continue over at Amanda Corlies, and links to this archive will remain very much alive. So, come on over to my new location, after you've watched the video, of course. Happy 2014! May the changes in your lives make them richer and fill you with joy!

Love and a Kiss on the Head

Sending out love and peace and a kiss on the head this Valentines Day. 

Hope you all have a happy and safe holiday! As always, thanks for reading. =D

Baby Booms and Backing Baboons

There are a plethora of babies at the NC Zoo this season. And no, I am not going to show you more of Juma the giraffe, though I admit to being tempted. You can see her here if you missed my earlier posts. Instead, I thought you might like a catch a glimpse of Nori who is turning two this year. If you've been following along, you got to see her infant pictures here. I'm told she's exactly the way a baby chimp should be, rambunctious and a bit spoiled. She has that cute vibe going for her, that's for sure.

Photo courtesy of Tom Gillespie

Also, my friend over at the NC Zoo sent me a fantastic photo of one of the baby kudus out exploring brave new worlds. It's not often you get to see the babies out and about. They hide a lot. This is one of three baby kudus born at the zoo in the last two months, along with two baby fringe-eared oryx. The African Plains exhibit is booming this year, so if you visit the zoo make sure you spend extra time at the overlooks in case you are lucky enough to catch a baby up and nursing or exploring.

Photo courtesy of Tom Gillespie

And in other news, I am very sad to report the death of Rita Miljo, the founder of Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (CARE) in Phalaborwa, South Africa. She passed away in a fire that also consumed the sanctuary headquarters, offices, and clinic. Miljo founded the clinic in 1989 and dedicated her life to rehabilitating orphaned and injured baboons and reintroducing troups back into protected areas of South Africa. Several people I know who worked with her directly speak very highly of Miljo and of the conservation center. CARE currently houses 400 chamca baboons who are in desperate need of help in rebuilding their home. If you are able, please consider making the jump to CARE's website to make a donation, no matter how small. Every penny will be most appreciated.

Many thanks to Frank Valadez and Jodi Wiley for passing this information on to me.

And last, but certainly not least, if you like science fiction and fantasy, don't miss out on The Ravens Crossing. Season 1 stories are all posted here. They are written by three authors, Amanda Corlies (me), Andi Lea, and West Thornhill. Each author's stories stand alone, but they all work together in the same universe, as well. Season 2 will begin on Monday. Flash fiction segments of our story post six days a week. You can read every bit of it for free.

Welcome Baby Giraffe! Congrats Jamili!

Congratulation to Jamili, the giraffe at the North Carolina Zoo, and to her keepers on the birth of their new baby yesterday morning. What a beautiful way to start the day! Several friends sent me pictures right after the event, which left me with a little extra pep in my step all day. And since one of my dearest friends takes care of these beauties, I am left feeling like a proud aunt. I cannot wait to go meet the little tyke in person. Okay, the not so little tyke. The baby is around six feet tall. The post several weeks ago about Jamili's pending birth turned out to be early contractions. But, you might want to go read the blog about birthing a six foot baby. If you haven't already.

Also, it's an excellent time, while I am announcing momentous occasions, to say that this little old blog just surpassed 10,000 page views. Not something I ever aspired to, but it seems like something I should celebrate. So, thanks to all you page viewers. I appreciate you popping round and giving me a read. I hope you are staying cool in this heat.

Remembering Those We've Lost

Here I am feeding Moja treats.

Here I am with Isabeau

Memorial Day is about honoring those who have and still do serve
our country. It's an important day in my family and always has been, since so many of my family have served in the armed forces. In fact, I blogged about my grandfather over at amandacorlies.com. But, I also find myself thinking about some of the many animals I've loved and lost today. So, I thought I'd share some images I found of them. I hope you enjoy a lovely holiday with friends and family, today. Thanks so much to all those who have and still do serve our country!

Nita and Teela

I have a tattoo of Grady the leopard on my ankle

Tonto letting me hand feed him browse.

Forest Gump the Puffin who didn't like to swim.

My angel of Mercy, pictured here with Cinco

Sting the Blue-Crowned Hanging Parrot. His partner was Roxanne.

Bambesa, my favorite Okapi and her calf.

Moms and Their Cute Kids

For all you moms out there who rush around 24/7 looking after your cute kids, I salute you. Thanks for all you do. Here are some other moms and their cute kids just for you. Happy Mother's Day!

Baby Baboon Born at the NC Zoo

Courtesy of Jody Wiley

The birds, the bees, and the baboons are doing that thing they do over at the North Carolina Zoo. On January 21st, 2012, a new Hamadryas baboon was born at the zoo. This little girl has quite a family as the newest member of one of the largest troops in the United States. She now lives among the eighteen other baboons housed at the zoo's African Pavilion. According to the reports the new baby is being cared for by the mother.

Special thanks to my friend and former coworker Tom Gillespie who provided me with this fantastic photo taken by Jody Wiley.

Check out this Zoo Files video about the baby born last August. It shows the mother, Rhea, protecting her baby from an overzealous would be mother, plus you get to see the zoo staff giving an ultrasound.

Congratulations to the baboons and their keepers at the NC Zoo on their latest addition.