Hi Guys, Bob here, the most handsome Gelada baboon in the group. And have I got something to celebrate today! DZG’s Finance Team has done the maths and discovered our visitor numbers are UP – how fantastic is that. Of course, I know there’s a very simple explanation for the increase – you’ve all come … Continue reading Our visitor numbers are up!

The birth of 19 boa constrictors surprised reptile keepers who thought mum had merely put on weight! Curator Matt Lewis said that although the well fed female boa had been a bit subdued, her pregnancy had not been obvious and her ‘baby bump’ went unnoticed. Common boas do not lay eggs, but give birth to … Continue reading Surprise at birth of 19 boas

DZG’s six-month-old Brazilian tapir, Tallulah, has lost her camouflage stripes and spots – but it’s nothing to worry about. Keeper Jay Haywood explained:?”Baby tapirs are at risk of predators, particularly jaguars, and are unable to run away so they have a pattern of spots and stripes which mimics the dappled effect of sun shining through … Continue reading Tallulah loses her spots

Squirrel monkey, Mrs Elvis, has found a new game to satisfy her inquisitive nature. The dominant small primate has developed a passion for a special boomer ball, an enrichment toy filled with tasty treats including mealworms and locusts. Keeper Laura Robbins, explained: “Mrs Elvis is a very cheeky and inquisitive monkey who loves to play and interact … Continue reading Monkey business for Mrs Elvis

Surprise sunshine brought more than 4,300 visitors to DZG over the weekend – and prompted zoo bosses to extend opening hours! As temperatures hit the high twenties staff made a decision to revert to summer hours so visitors had extra time on site. Chief Executive Peter Suddock said:?”The mini heatwave was just glorious and visitors … Continue reading Sunshine brings crowds

Jack Kershaw, of Halesowen, couldn’t believe his luck when he came face to face with red panda, Yasmin, during a recent visit. The eight-year-old Bromsgrove Prep School pupil has adored the species since he was a toddler and is a long-term adopter at DZG. He said:?”I love animals and know lots about wildlife, but red … Continue reading Jack’s panda adventure

Head Keeper Graham Chilton set a record when he retired from DZG after 45 years – as the longest serving employee in the Zoo’s 74-year history! Sixty-one-year-old Graham started work at Dudley Zoo in September 1966 and over the past four-and-a-half decades has worked on most animal sections within the organisation, including big cats, primates and reptiles. He said:?”It’s been an amazing … Continue reading 45 years? What a record!

Hi everyone, it’s been a day of check-ups for me today. Firstly, keepers had a good long look at my teeth to make sure they’re clean and the gums are good, then they made me hop on the scales to check my weight. No worries there – a healthy diet of fresh fish and lots … Continue reading Teeth and scales for Orry

A?new arrival prompted primate keepers to pile up the fruit and veg baskets to mark British Food Fortnight (Sept 17 to Oct 2). Nineteen-year-old Bornean orang utan, Jazz, gave birth to Sprout at the end of March, and staff have made sure she has all the nutrients necessary for a first-time nursing mum. And as … Continue reading British Food Fortnight Fun

Our Little Keeper Days are proving more popular than ever with youngsters across the country. The day-long event offers an opportunity to get really close to exotic and endangered animals and learn all about your favourite species with a hands-on experience you’ll never forget. We asked eight year olds Georgina Westwood of Kingswinford and Annie Jones of Ipswich, … Continue reading Little keepers join DZG