SNN (ScrollingNetworkNews) ✿ ✿ Our Mel and Sydney returned to their nesting box with plenty of bonding occurring..but after 2.5 months of Sydney in the box from Dec 2013 to mid Feb 2014, the lack of prey gifts from Mel ( perhaps due to the severe and historic drought underway in California)and they have forgone the nesting process this year as many other raptors ✿ Compared to other owls of similar size, the Barn Owl has a much higher metabolic rate, requiring relatively more food. Pound for pound, Barn Owls consume more rodents – often regarded as pests by humans – than possibly any other creature. ✿ We remind viewers that sometimes owlets may not survive - the parents will dispose of things in "The Owl Way" -viewer discretion is advised, this is nature and the "Owl way". ✿ ~ ✿ “Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.” ― Gary Kowalski, The Souls of Animals ✿ Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." ~ E.O. Wilson

Thursday, January 10, 2013

It's a whole New World

We've been waiting to learn when our adorable panda cub, Xiao Liwu, would  make his public debut.
Well, wonder no more!
The official date was yesterday at 9:30 a.m. PST

Many of us have wondered why Xiao Liwu has not been seen much on Panda Cam these days. That’s because his mother, Bai Yun, has led him out into what they call the north exhibit for a few weeks now, out of our camera’s view.
Now, the Panda Team feels our five-month-old cub has become confident enough to navigate around this large habitat while being admired by his adoring fans! They've installed a new HD camera in the north exhibit, so those not able to see him “in the fur” can continue watching his progress via Panda Cam.


During his practice outings, they have discovered that Xiao Liwu’s favorite place to nap is in the moat. They covered the bottom of the moat with hay to act as a cushion in case of a panda spill; sure enough, Xiao Liwu made his way down there and decided that it is the perfect place for a snooze after a play session.

If only he knew that he has so many admirers waiting to see him in the fur!