Zoo Miami / November 10, 2010

In the Parking Area

[B]

Floss Silk Tree

The Floss Silk Tree (Ceiba speciosa), formerly Chorisia speciosa, is a deciduous tropical native to Brazil and Argentina but cultivated in many tropical areas. It is well known for the large spikes protecting the trunk and limbs. Silk Floss blooms in early fall in South Florida with abandon. The older the tree, the better the flower display.

Floss Silk Tree

The Floss Silk Tree (Ceiba speciosa), formerly Chorisia speciosa, is a deciduous tropical native to Brazil and Argentina but cultivated in many tropical areas. It is well known for the large spikes protecting the trunk and limbs. Silk Floss blooms in early fall in South Florida with abandon. The older the tree, the better the flower display.

Hibiscus in Front of the Waterfall - Near the Entrance

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Zoo Miami

[B]

In Front of the Flamingo Exhibit

[B]

In Front of the Flamingo Exhibit

[B]

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami [B]

Plush-crested Jay

The Plush-crested Jay (Cyanocorax chrysops) is an elegant medium-sized bird, dark plumaged with a cream-yellow breast; the bulky tail is also cream colored, top and underneath, for the lower half.

Plush-crested Jay

The Plush-crested Jay (Cyanocorax chrysops) is an elegant medium-sized bird, dark plumaged with a cream-yellow breast; the bulky tail is also cream colored, top and underneath, for the lower half.

Green Aracari

The Green Aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) is the smallest Aracari in its range and among the smallest members of the toucan family. It is the only member of its genus that is sexually dimorphic with the female having a bright chestnut head and neck.

Green Aracari

The Green Aracari (Pteroglossus viridis) is the smallest Aracari in its range and among the smallest members of the toucan family. It is the only member of its genus that is sexually dimorphic with the female having a bright chestnut head and neck.

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Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami

Bengal Tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Bengal Tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Bengal Tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Bengal Tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Bengal Tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Siamang

The Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) (SEE-uh-mang) belong to the family Hylobatidae, which includes all 11 gibbon (or lesser ape) species. It is the largest of the lesser apes. Siamangs are native to the island of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Siamangs sing so loudly that it can be heard for up to 3 miles (4.8 km). To produce this loud call, Siamangs have a hairless, reddish-brown or gray throat (laryngeal) pouch which acts as a resonator to enhance the carrying of their call. When not in use, the pouch is hidden under their long, shaggy, jet-black fur. When inflated, the pouch is about the size of a Siamang's head, and amplifies its hooting and barking to ear-splitting levels. Usually involving the adult pair, the male and female sing different but coordinated parts; songs have a definite beginning, middle and end. Each elaborate duet begins slowly, then accelerates in speed. A song lasts about 18 seconds and is repeated for about 15 minutes. The Siamang is the largest of the lesser apes. Siamangs and gibbons are the only anthropoid apes that habitually walk erect like humans. In their treetop habitat, they will walk along a vine as if on a tightrope with their hands held high for balance. The Siamang is distinctive for two reasons. The first is that two fingers on each hand are fused together (hence the name "syndactylus"). The second is the large "gular sac" (found in the male of the species), which is a throat pouch that can be inflated to the size of its head, allowing the Siamang to make loud resonating calls or songs. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Sumatran Orangutan

The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) is almost exclusively arboreal, living among the trees of tropical rainforests. Females virtually never travel on the ground and adult males do so rarely. The word orangutan translates as "Person of the Forest" in Malay and Bahasa Indonesian. Orangutans are very similar to humans; they share 96.4% of our genes. The Great Apes are humankind's closest living relatives. Pongo abelii is endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is generally restricted to the north of the island, north of the Batang Toru river on the west coast of North Sumatra province. Orangutans are frugivores and play a vital role in the dispersal of seeds over a huge area. If Orangutans were to disappear, so would several tree species, especially those with larger seeds.I had to hurry and take the photos . . . he was hurrying off to his "hiding spot." Status: Critically Endangered --> It is in grave danger of extinction. --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Sumatran Orangutan

Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) - Orangutans are large, red-haired animals with four hands. They are members of a group called the Great Apes. Unlike monkeys, they have no tail. The word orangutan translates as "Person of the Forest" in Malay and Bahasa Indonesian. Orangutans are very similar to humans. They share 96.4% of our genes. The Great Apes are humankind's closest living relatives. Pongo abelii is endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is generally restricted to the north of the island, north of the Batang Toru river on the west coast of North Sumatra province (Wich et al. 2003). The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) differs genetically and physically from the Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus and the population is smaller. Orangutans breed more slowly than any other primate, with the female producing a baby on average only once every 7-8 years. This makes the population extra-vulnerable to loss and accelerates the decline in numbers. Status: Critically Endangered --> It is in grave danger of extinction. --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Sumatran Orangutan

Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) - Orangutans are large, red-haired animals with four hands. They are members of a group called the Great Apes. Unlike monkeys, they have no tail. The word orangutan translates as "Person of the Forest" in Malay and Bahasa Indonesian. Orangutans are very similar to humans. They share 96.4% of our genes. The Great Apes are humankind's closest living relatives. Pongo abelii is endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is generally restricted to the north of the island, north of the Batang Toru river on the west coast of North Sumatra province (Wich et al. 2003). The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) differs genetically and physically from the Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus and the population is smaller. Orangutans breed more slowly than any other primate, with the female producing a baby on average only once every 7-8 years. This makes the population extra-vulnerable to loss and accelerates the decline in numbers. Status: Critically Endangered --> It is in grave danger of extinction. --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [B]

Sumatran Orangutan

Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) - Orangutans are large, red-haired animals with four hands. They are members of a group called the Great Apes. Unlike monkeys, they have no tail. The word orangutan translates as "Person of the Forest" in Malay and Bahasa Indonesian. Orangutans are very similar to humans. They share 96.4% of our genes. The Great Apes are humankind's closest living relatives. Pongo abelii is endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is generally restricted to the north of the island, north of the Batang Toru river on the west coast of North Sumatra province (Wich et al. 2003). The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) differs genetically and physically from the Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus and the population is smaller. Orangutans breed more slowly than any other primate, with the female producing a baby on average only once every 7-8 years. This makes the population extra-vulnerable to loss and accelerates the decline in numbers. Status: Critically Endangered --> It is in grave danger of extinction. --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Double-wattled Cassowary

It is so hard to get a photo of this beauty. He doesn't stop moving!! The Double-wattled Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), found in New Guinea and northern Australia, is one of the largest birds in the world. Weighing as much as 128 pounds, only the ostrich is heavier. Flightless birds, Cassowaries are covered in coarse black feathers, with the exception of the skin on the head and throat which is brightly colored red and blue. One of the Cassowary's most distinguishing features is the large protuberance on the top of its head called the casque. It is believed that the casque assists the Cassowary in pushing through the dense tropical forest vegetation, and may also provide some sort of protection. In captivity, Cassowaries have been observed using their casques like a shovel to search for food on the ground. It is believed that the size of the casque may indicate dominance and age, since the casque continues to grow throughout the life of the bird. Another distinguishing feature of the Cassowaries is their wattles. Wattles are present in two of the three species of Cassowary. These brilliantly colored folds of skin hang from the bird's neck, and may act as social signals in the dark forest.Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: The site indicates that this bird is Least Concern; however, further down on the page, it shows it still as Vulnerable as of 2017.]

Double-wattled Cassowary

Look at those "toes" . . . The Double-wattled Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), found in New Guinea and northern Australia, is one of the largest birds in the world. Weighing as much as 128 pounds, only the ostrich is heavier. Flightless birds, Cassowaries are covered in coarse black feathers, with the exception of the skin on the head and throat which is brightly colored red and blue. One of the Cassowary's most distinguishing features is the large protuberance on the top of its head called the casque. It is believed that the casque assists the Cassowary in pushing through the dense tropical forest vegetation, and may also provide some sort of protection. In captivity, Cassowaries have been observed using their casques like a shovel to search for food on the ground. It is believed that the size of the casque may indicate dominance and age, since the casque continues to grow throughout the life of the bird. Another distinguishing feature of the Cassowaries is their wattles. Wattles are present in two of the three species of Cassowary. These brilliantly colored folds of skin hang from the bird's neck, and may act as social signals in the dark forest.Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: The site indicates that this bird is Least Concern; however, further down on the page, it shows it still as Vulnerable as of 2017.]

Lowland Anoa

The Lowland Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), the smallest of all wild cattle, is a miniature water buffalo, a type of wild cattle, similar in appearance to a deer, weighing 150 - 300 kg (330 - 660 lbs.). It is a forest animal requiring dense vegetation. It lives in undisturbed forest and eats grass, herbs, leaves, fruit and marsh and aquatic plants. The anoa feeds in the morning and rests in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. One young is born at a time. Anoas live alone or in pairs, rather than herds, except when the cows are about to give birth. "Anoa" is the Celebes word for "buffalo." The Lowland Anoa is endemic to Indonesia. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The Entrance to the Wings of Asia Aviary

[B]

Florida Softshell Turtle

The Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) is the largest of the New World softshell turtles (which are all believed to have originated in the Old World) and has the most Old World characteristics such as: relatively large size, tolerance for brackish water, and longitudinally wrinkled carapace. These turtles look like big leathery pancakes. The adults are brownish-green or tan with blotches on their skin. Their shells are covered with skin, and are soft around the edges. Their noses are long and round. When they swim, they stay underwater and stick their nose up to breathe, like a snorkel. Their feet are webbed and their necks are quite long. The females are much bigger than the males. Females may reach up to 24 inches (61 cm) long and males usually grow to only 12 inches (30 cm). Softshell turtles can be very aggressive, and they sometimes bite each other and turtles of other species spontaneously or when feeding. Turtles with reduced shells or soft shells tend to be more aggressive than their more protected relatives. [The genus name of North American soft-shells has "changed" from Trionyx to Apalone (Amyda has also been used).] [B]

Giant Gourami

Giant Gourami (Osphronemus goramy)

Zoo Miami

White-cheeked Bulbul

White-cheeked Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)

White-cheeked Bulbul

White-cheeked Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)

White-cheeked Bulbul

White-cheeked Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) [B]

Great Indian Hornbill Wire Sculpture

Great Indian Hornbill Wire Sculpture by Peter Busby

Inside the Wings of Asia Aviary

[B]

Plumed Whistling-Duck

The Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) is one of two whistling or tree ducks found in Australia. It is also known as Grass Whistle Duck, Eyton's Plumed, Red-legged or Whistling Tree-duck, Grass, Grey or Red-legged Whistler, and the Monkey Duck. [B]

Purple Swamphen

The Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is a large rail. For such a bulky bird, the Swamphen is an accomplished flier and will readily take to the air to escape danger. In flight, the long legs and elongated toes trail behind or hang underneath the body. Purple Swamphens are proficient swimmers, but prefer to wander on the edges of the water, among reeds and on floating vegetation. The species has a very loud explosive call described as a "raucous high-pitched screech, with a subdued musical tuk-tuk". It is particularly noisy during the breeding season. The Purple Swamphen was introduced to North America in the late 1990s due to avicultural escapes in the Pembroke Pines, Florida area. The birds multiplied and can now be found in many areas of southern Florida. Ornithological authorities consider it likely that the swamphen will become an established part of Florida's avifauna. The Florida birds are mostly or entirely of the gray-headed race poliocephalus, native to the area around the Caspian Sea. The most common call from the Florida birds is a loud, high-pitched "creek," often doubled. [B]

Pink-necked Green Pigeon [female]

The male Pink-necked Green Pigeon(Treron vernans) is far more colorful than the female. [B]

Jambu Fruit Dove [male]

The Jambu Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus jambu) inhabits mangrove swamps and lowland rain forests up to 1,500 m and is also found in second growth woodland. The male holds a breeding territory, advertised by raising its wings, bobbing its body and cooing. It will defend its territory with a quick peck if the territorial display fails. The female builds a flimsy nest of twigs, roots and grasses, which are collected by her mate, in a tree and lays one or sometimes two white eggs which are incubated for about 20 days to hatching, with a further 12 or more days to fledging. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [B]

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria), a very distinctive looking pigeon, is one of the largest in the world. They are easily distinguished from other pigeons by their dark blue-grey plumage and large fan-like crest feathers tipped with white and purple. Males and females look almost identical, with males sometimes a little larger than the females. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, seeds and invertebrates. The female usually lays a single white egg. The name commemorates the British monarch, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria), a very distinctive looking pigeon, is one of the largest in the world. They are easily distinguished from other pigeons by their dark blue-grey plumage and large fan-like crest feathers tipped with white and purple. Males and females look almost identical, with males sometimes a little larger than the females. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, seeds and invertebrates. The female usually lays a single white egg. The name commemorates the British monarch, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria), a very distinctive looking pigeon, is one of the largest in the world. They are easily distinguished from other pigeons by their dark blue-grey plumage and large fan-like crest feathers tipped with white and purple. Males and females look almost identical, with males sometimes a little larger than the females. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, seeds and invertebrates. The female usually lays a single white egg. The name commemorates the British monarch, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species