Being a keeper employs a variety of tools; some of the most important ones are used in the husbandry of our two venomous snakes, the Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), and the Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). We work entirely hands off with these two snakes, and have a very strict safety protocol. Two keepers always work together, and extra tools are near the door in case help is needed. The first of these tools is the radio (walkie-talkie) on our belt. BeforeRead more
Posts tagged: #animals
Big Word: King Phillip loves spaghetti!
Biologists group organisms based on shared characteristics and historical relationships. This practice, known as taxonomy, uses a series of increasingly specific groups to organize the elaborate tree of life. Unfortunately, the terms used in biological taxonomy can be a challenge to the novice because they are often based on Latin and Greek. In this month’s Big Word feature we will discuss some common terminology related to the classification of animals that live here at the museum. The most common taxonomicRead more
Another trip to the grocery store
Kristen wrote about stocking the animal department Kitchen in October. She is our weekly produce shopper, but with her out of town, it was my turn to go. I grabbed the super-size cart, the one that two kids could sit in, and hoped everything would fit. I loaded 35 bananas in the cart: it made me think of what Wendy our woodchuck would do if she came across this goldmine! When I put the cauliflower in the cart, I chuckledRead more
Water Conservation
A kind person pointed out to me that in my last post, Do as I say, not as I do, I not only had a hard day, but also wasted water. Of all the things that happened to me on Christmas, overflowing the muskrat pool was devastating to me. With that said, I cannot take back what happened, but I can share with you the changes we have made in our procedures over the past few months to help saveRead more
Do as I say, not as I do
Let me first say: everything is fine. With that said, let me next say: I give everyone off for Christmas and I work. And finally: last week I reminded the Keepers to be extra careful during the next two weeks given the fact that many people were on vacation and we would be down some staff every day. This is where we get to “do as I say, not as I do”, and let me remind you that everything isRead more
Red Wolf #1389 update
It’s been quite a few weeks for #1389 and the Keepers who care for him. You can read about him and see a photo of our veterinarian “working on his leg” in an earlier post. After his physical in November, this wolf stopped putting weight on his back right leg. Radiographs (x-rays) were taken. Surgeons at the NCSU Vet School reviewed the information and determined that this wolf has a torn ligament, some other damage, and arthritis to boot. WeRead more