Biology: Ecology and Evolution
College Park Scholars-Science and Global Change Program


Some of the Zoo residents

Email: mkuipers@terpmail.umd.edu

Reptile Discovery Center:

One of my favorite animals in the National Zoo's reptile house is the Japanese giant salamander. This salamander is the second-largest salamander in the world! The information listed for this species included its scientific name, its habitat type and range, and its status as endangered. The plaque also included information about how the male salamanders dig and guard dens where their eggs and hatchlings reside which helps visitors view this giant creature in a positive light despite its intimidating size. Another one of my favorites, the western hognose snake, was also on exhibit. The information presented for the western hognose snake included the snake’s scientific name, its habitat type, and its range. The plaque also included information about the hognose snake's defense mechanisms(hissing and playing dead) and its ability to dig with its shovel-like snout. One of the largest animals living in the reptile discovery center is the Komodo Dragon. The Komodo Dragon’s display included its scientific name, its habitat types, and its habitat range. The plaque also included a section focusing on the dragon's incredible sense of smell. The Komodo dragon is able to detect carrion located more than two miles away. In addition to the animals on exhibit the building featured a display comparing the internal anatomy of reptiles to that of human beings. There was even a replica of a snake's internal organs showing how they are arranged inside the snake's long body. I found these displays to be both informative and interesting as they made me curious about the evolution of snakes and lizards. These displays were affected as I saw non-SGC visitors interact with them. While the visual aspects of the display are informative to those in elementary school the text on the display is written in paragraphs that may be more appropriate for middle school students and above.

Small Mammal House:

The Small Mammal House is home to a menagerie of fun-sized critters. One of these critters was the fun-loving dwarf mongoose. The mongoose exhibit features information about the animal's scientific name, diet, habitat type, and natural range. The plaque also contained information about how mongoose families raise their young and the role that young female “babysitters” have. Another resident of the Small Mammal House is the acrobatic red ruffed lemur. The plaque outside of the lemur enclosure contains its scientific name and information about the lemur's diet, habitat type, range, and its status as an endangered species. The sign also states information about lemur alarm calls which are used to warn other lemurs of predators including boa constrictors and birds of prey. The naked mole rats have long been residents of the National Zoo’s small mammal house. Their exhibit features information about their adaptations including their independently moving teeth and their hairless bodies. The plaque also lists their scientific name, diet, habitat type, and range. A fourth animal that can be found in the Small Mammal House is the sand cat. The sand cat looks like a normal house cat, but the plaque on its inclosure describes its ability to survive extreme temperatures and walk on sand without leaving any prints. The plaque also contains information about the sand cat’s scientific name, habitat, diet, and range.

Education at the Zoo:

Other than simple plaques and drawings on the walls, the zoo has other ways of teaching visitors about animals and their ecosystems. One example is the 3D statues of animals that can be seen throughout the zoo which allow visitors with visual impairments to “see” the animals through touch. Another example is the Conservation Nation classroom which is located in the birdhouse. This room is used to teach children about the conservation of our native birds. During my visit, I was also able to see displays and obtain learning materials from members of the United States Geological Survey who were partnering with the zoo for Amphibian Week. Partnering with these organizations allows the zoo to teach visitors about other organizations dedicated to conservation and how visitors can support them.

Animal Mental/Emotional Welfare:

There were multiple examples of enrichment and comfort items at the zoo. For example, nearly all of the exhibits contained hiding places and dens for the animals where they could have a private place to rest. A plaque outside the sloth bear enclosure provided information about how keepers hide food in the rocks for bears to forage in a way that mimics wild behavior. Another example of enrichment was seen in the small mammal house where some animals were provided exercise wheels to play on and others were given paper shavings so that they could build nests. To provide comfort to the nocturnal animals while still allowing visitors to view them, red light was used to simulate nighttime light levels. Lastly, rainbow-themed items including paper bags, boxes, tubes, hanging ornaments, and rubber ducks could be seen in all animal displays to celebrate International Family Equality Day.