Animals
The Florida Scrub-Jay: A Species in Peril
O f the hundreds of bird species living in Florida, only one, the
Florida scrub-jay, is found nowhere else. This habitat specialist
found only in the oak scrub, the most endangered ecosystem type
in the state; as a result, scrub-jay populations have declined as
much as 90% in the last 100 years, and the species is federally listed
as threatened.
In 2007, the Zoo was solicited by the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service and other agencies to undertake and oversee the
translocation (capture, transport and release or reintroduction
from one location to another) of scrub-jays from marginal urban
environments to restored and managed public lands in Brevard
County. Our methodology includes the translocation of entire family
units, consisting of breeding male and female and any “helpers.”
This spring, we were alerted to a pair of scrub-jays living on a parcel
of land slated for development in Palm Bay. Considered suboptimal
scrub habitat,
we were
surprised to
find the birds
had successfully
reared a chick; this complicated
the translocation process for a few week’s due to the
juvenile’s elusive nature. On August 1, the scrub-jays were captured
one at a time and moved to a preserve in Malabar.
The birds were examined by our veterinarian and banded by a
local ecologist, then placed in a “hack enclosure” for 24 hours
while they adjusted to their new environment. Food and water
was made available while the scrub-jays learned where to find
food. We will monitor the scrub-jays on a regular basis to ensure
they are thriving.
Chip, Jameson and Philly Move to Memphis
wellness exams by our veterinary team to ensure they were in
overall excellent condition. Additionally, much time and effort
was spent by their caregivers in strengthening and maintaining
crate training behaviors so that the animals would voluntarily
go into their transport crates when asked. These behaviors had
to be extremely strong given the 13-hour drive to Memphis. The
hard work paid off as all three animals crated immediately.
The curators departed at 3 a.m. to arrive at Memphis Zoo before
most of their staff left for the day. Two humans, two meerkats
and a jaguar traveling in a vehicle may seem like a dangerous
and stressful situation, but the trip went off without a hitch
thanks to our experienced staff.
O n July 31, curators Lauren Hinson
and Dave Quavillon transported
meerkats Chip and Jameson and
jaguar Philly to their new homes at
Memphis Zoo in Tennessee. Both
meerkats and the jaguar were selected to breed
with other animals there through the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan because their genetics
are needed to increase the populations of their species at AZA-
accredited facilities. While our animal care team was sad to say
goodbye to these individuals, it is appreciated and understood
that they will play a very important part in securing a future for
their species.
An animal transport of this length involves a lot of planning
and preparation. Prior to leaving, all three animals were given
10
A transport van provided by Mercedes Benz of Melbourne as part
of the 2017 Give from the Heart fundraising initiative allowed for
a smooth ride with proper temperature control. The crates were
arranged in a way that the meerkats could be next to each other
and unaware of Philly’s presence. Philly was comfortable enough
in her crate that she slept through most of the journey, while the
meerkats chatted amongst each other periodically.
Lauren and Dave worked with Memphis Zoo staff to safely unload
the animals and returned the next morning to explain the nuances
of working with each individual. Prior to the trip, we shared a lot of
information regarding the types of food and enrichment items that
each of these animals preferred. This made the transition easier,
as Memphis Zoo had already acquired these items and had them
readily available. The curators were relieved to see that Philly had
already chosen an enrichment ball to play with, as she had moved
it into her den box in her holding area and left reassured she will
acclimate to her new home in competent, caring hands.