Zoo - Blog Posts

The pygmy hippo is a very hard animal to study in the wild. It is very elusive and lives in inhospitable areas. There are possibly two subspecies of Pygmy hippo, however, one of them, the Nigerian Pygmy Hippo is still not recognizable as a full subspecies. The problem is that it is believed now extinct and the only remains are a couple of skulls collected in the 1800′s. What this means is that we will probably never know if it was a subspecies or not. 

The Pygmy hippo is hunting for what is called bush meat. It is said that its meat quality is as good as wild boars and unlike its giant cousins, its teeth has no value. It is an endangered species that thrive much better in zoos but still the offspring mortality rate arise up to 30%. 

I think is sad when a species vanishes form earth and we still didn’t know much about it. At some point, I found extinction to be part of the game of who can survive to natural changes. The problem is that humans taking over, we are making the game of survival way harder for many species. I’m not so optimistic that a change in perspective will come any time soon but I still have hope we can change the way we see the world.

Dwarf Hippos in Madagascar? There are proof of Dwarf Hippos (known as Malagasy hippopotamus or Malagasy pygmy hippopotamus) that inhabited the island of Madagascar less that 1000 years ago. Resembles more to a Hippopotamus that to its smaller relative the Pygmy Hippo. I decided not to put it on this catalogue because it’s extinction appears not to be related to humans. 

What is exciting is that explorers from Discovery Channel recently discovered skulls from what appears to be a recent dead of a Malagasy Hippo. This might prove the existence of the animal but I feel more investigation needs to be done. The tv program is called “Extinct or Alive”. Leave you the link: here

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Now we are moving to a small but vey charismatic family: The hippos. I think this is an animals that is loved by the majority. Looking at its massive size combined with its features is understandable why. 

However don’t get mistaken. This animal is a fierce and the one to blame for the most fatalities in Africa. it is a very territorial animal that won’t hesitate to charge if threatened or feeling its territory invaded. The biggest problem with humans happens usually at nights, when the animal leaves the rivers to graze moving various kilometers away from river basins, encountering unaware humans. Running it’s the only option but not a sure escape since despite its weight, hippos can reach up to 50km/h. 

Hippos depends on rivers because it’s skin, which is actually pink, cannot resist the sunlight and will dry fast. And despite living its majority of time in water, they are unable to swim. 

5 subspecies have been named but just three are recognized nowadays and they are still subjected to changes. 

Male hippos fights are barbaric and they mostly happen to get the best spot in the river which will attract the most females. Once a male is dethrone, the new king won’t hesitate on killing the offspring of the old king in order to began leaving its own genes. 

Hippos in Colombia? Unfortunately, yes. Not because I don’t like them (I’m Colombian) but because they have become a threat to other endemic species of the country. Hippos were brought to Colombia illegally by narco’s most famous Pablo Escobar and were put in its private zoo. When he was killed, the zoo closed but the hippos and some other animals were left in the area. While some animals died, the hippos however, flourished. Today, they occupied a vast area of the country and they begin to clash with other animals such as the inoffensive manatees. 

While they yet don’t represent a threat to humans (some attacks have been registered) because they are not as territorial as in Africa. (It is believe because they have a larger area to develop) if the quantity keeps growing, they will become as dangerous as in Africa. For now, people greeted in towns because of its natural charm and can become touristic attraction. There are some possible solutions to this issue. One will be to sterilize all males, which is kind of unthinkable because of how expensive this could be. Other will be to send them to various zoos around the world, which is still not enough and  the last one will be to kill them all. I have an opinion about it but I would love to hear yours.

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New design, Better Illustrations! I was thinking for a while in a way to improve the layout of this blog and I feel that this way is much better. I think the layout should highlight the drawings so I decided to remove many other elements that somehow stole its attention. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Thanks again for your support, likes, reblog and follows, means a lot. If you like this content it will help me a lot if you follow my Tumblr or if you share it. Also, every comment is very welcome. I am not an expert in the topic so if you have something to add, or something you thinks is incorrect, I will be more than happy to discuss it with you. Thank you! 

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The poster of the Camelidae family. What I like from this work is that I can see the improvement of my illustration. From the time that I began to now, I have put more attention to detail an accuracy keeping in mind that subspecies differences are often very small. I love what I am doing and I love to share it with all of you.

If you want to have this nice piece hanging in your wall, just follow the link below. They come in different sizes, prices and mediums. It will help me a lot. Also a like would be nice. Thank you all for your support. PD. On my instagram I will post the animals but as well part of the illustration process.

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Vicuña The last species of the family and the smallest too. And like many small things it is also the most precious treasure. The wool of the vicuña is among the most expensive textiles worldwide. A meter square can reach an impressive $3000 US. being mostly exclusive for the most prestigious high couture brands in the world. 

In a move that I found very smart from the governments where the animal can be found, is that the exportation of these animals is strictly prohibited making these countries the only ones who can manage the vicuña’s wool business. Good for them!

Once widespread in millions, it was vastly hunted when the conquerors discovered America (A repeated story), until 1950 where its numbers plumped to mere 10.000. Today is heavily protected and its situation is stable. However,  Scientist state that its stable population depends of the different laws of protection. If those laws would be lifted, the animal will be at the brick of extinction in just five years.

The next family is a very grumpy cute looking giant. 

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I’ve been improving the illustrations of the animals making it more realistic in order for the information to be clearer. Can you tell the difference of these ones compare to the previous ones?

Thanks again for your support, likes, reblog and follows, means a lot to me. Don’t forget that if you want to buy some of the posters of the previous families of animals you can find them here: Poster of Species   On my Instagram account, I’m planning to post part of the illustration process. Don’t miss it:  Species of the World See you next time.

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Alpaca The beginnings of the Alpaca is more related to the Vicuña but it has been recently breed with Llamas. It’s domestication is been happening for thousand years and contrary to the Llama who was domesticated as a working animal and wool provider, the Alpaca is been domesticated exclusively for its wool, which can be used extensively.

As common as it is now, the Alpaca was at the brick of the extinction in the 1500′s when the Spanish discovered America. They decimated the species at the point that it was believed extinct. However, the animal move to higher altitudes, where later, in the XIX century was rediscovered. As a domestic animal, today can be seen everywhere in the world. It’s domestication and maintenance is not difficult.

The differences between the two breeds are remarkably visible.

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Unlike the horses, this time is different. If Asia has camels as war machines, South America has its equivalent: The Llama.

I don’t think there is any other animal that involves cultural symbolism, evolution of a civilization and an inexhaustible source as the Lama for the Inca culture. This animal was vital in the bloomed of Inca’s civilization.

Its wool made them capable to conquer highs that were unthinkable in any other way, not just because its endurance but because its wool that protect Incas from the freezing temperatures. 

Regarded also as a noble symbol, Incas were often buried with llamas and one of it’s Gods, Urcuchillay, was depicted as a Llama. 

Probably it’s only enemy are the pumas, making this animal, as the camel, an infalible machine against nature. Studying this family made think of how hard can be for life to thrive in certain conditions. It makes feel as is nature is really testing its inhabitants in a fearfully battle for survival, where the loser, the one that cannot adapt will be invariably, extinct.

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Thanks for the support and for taking the time to read and follow my post. If you like the content just follow me for more curiosities from the animal kingdom.

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Let me introduce you to one of the strongest family, the Camelidus.  I still remember vividly the first time I saw a camel in my life. I was no more than ten years old and I couldn’t believe my eyes how massive this animals are. Somehow I got amazed. How awkward it feels by its long extremities that seem they don’t have full control. Or the unmanageable long neck that is crowned for a head that I’m sure was the idea for many monsters of Star Wars. At first glance, it look like if many mistakes came together to create this animal. 

However, how wrong I was. If there is an animal that defy nature in its extremes conditions, it will be the camel and its relatives. They can live literally everywhere. From the coldest to the hottest, and can flourish even when abundance is limited. Excellent distance devourers and the best administrating water. Their sight is exceptional and can run at a formidable speed. Their bodies are made to take the best from the worst the environment can provide. 

If the horse was crucial in human evolution, the taming of the camel I’d like to think was rather smart. A living tank where locomotive transportation wasn’t even a coarse sketch, that provides more than the indispensable to survive in the worst conditions. ___

Wild Bactrian Camels where thought to be just feral Camels that escaped to the wild. However, further genetic studies proved that is a different species that diverged from the Bactrian Camel more than a million years ago. 

It is critically endangered and is recognized as the eighth most endangered large mammal in the world, remaining no more than 1400 specimens in the wild. Illegal hunting, habitat destruction, hybridization with domestic camels, and the competence for resources with domestic stock are some of the main threats for this animal.

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I hope you are enjoying this content. it will help me a lot if you follow my Tumblr or if you share my post. Every comment is very welcome. I am not an expert in the topic so if you have something to add, or something you thinks is incorrect, I will be more than happy to discuss it with you. And if you want to support me even more, there are some nice posters you can buy in my store in the link below. Thank you!!

Posters in my store: Here 
 Follow my Instagram: Species of the World

This post took me some time. Here some nice posters with all the equines.

The first one has all of them, including species and subspecies. Because they are so many I felt that need it a more stiff design so is easy to understand the family and on the genus and subgenus that belong to the family. It is very complete, name, scientific name and also conservation status. 

On the next poster, I just focus in showing the species and named the subspecies. Because they were less to show, gave me some room to play with the design and sizes so the illustrations can be appreciated better.

The last poster is for the zebras. I felt that such an iconic animal deserves a poster. All then subspecies with the scientific names and the conservation status.

If you want to have this nice posters hanging in your wall, just follow the link below. They come in different sizes, prices and mediums. It will help me a lot as well if you throw me a like or reblog any of my post. Thank you all for your support.

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Mountain Zebras

The last species of zebras and the last as well of the equidae family. This ones are very distinctive because of the skin that hangs below their neck. They inhabit in very small spots of the south of Africa and are relatively safe regarding its conservation status.

At some point the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra was believed to be a new species but genetic evidence disregard this thesis in 2005.

The next family is a very interesting one. With extravagant and varied shapes that are in many cases very impressive. A human companion since the beginning and probably as important as the horse in the evolution of the human kind.  _________ If you like this content it will help me a lot if you follow my Tumblr or if you share the content. Also, every comment is very welcome. I am not an expert in the topic so if you have something to add, or something you thinks is incorrect, I will be more than happy to discuss it with you. Thank you! and don’t forget to check out my posters in my store in the link below. Posters: Here 
 Follow my Instagram: Species of the World

Plain Zebras Plain zebras are composed by seven subspecies. It is a very iconic animal, recognizable by all and many times take it as granted, therefore we think, no action had to be taken. While some of the subspecies are not facing any significant risk of extinction, some others are, or sadly disappear already. Let’s see some of this equines in detail. Burchell’s Zebra Believed extinct at some point in history, it was later proved that the subspecies status is actually stable. It is now a very common subspecies that is legally farmed for human consumption. Very common to see in zoos and even a small population of 70 to 100 specimens survive in a ranch in California.

Quagga It is the only subspecies of zebra that is extinct. By the end of the 1800′s the animal was very popular in the zoo’s of Europe and by 1883 the last specimen died in a Zoo in Amsterdam. Zoos requested more animals, discovering that they were impossible to find, finally declaring the animal extinct by 1900. It was regarded as a common animal and so close to humans that domestication was believed possible. When extinction came, humans didn’t realize and it was far to late to do something. Spotted Zebras? Black Zebras? White Zebras? Indeed. Zebra’s patterns are unique in each individuals and sometimes some of them present really amazing and rare patterns. Probably one of the most famous nowadays are the baby zebra that was spotted recently with a very particular kind of stripes. Although incredible, this kind of pattern do not represent any other new subspecies. Have a look on the link below and be amazed again by nature. Strange Zebra Patterns If you like this content it will help me a lot if you follow my Tumblr or if you share it. Also, every comment is very welcome. I am not an expert in the topic so if you have something to add, or something you thinks is incorrect, I will be more than happy to discuss it with you. Thank you! Posters in my store: Here 
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The last species of the Equidae family, The zebras! Zebras have three distinctive species and 10 subspecies. It is probably the most beloved of the equines, (apart from the horses of course) and it is indeed a very particular animal. 

On the other hand, to solve the mystery of the color of the zebras once and for all (if they are white with black stripes, or black with withe stripes), I can assure that these ones are black with white stripes.

Grevy’s Zebra or Imperial Zebra: The largest and the most threatened. Its population has declined from 15000 to 3000 since the 70′s. Although since 2008 it’s population has been stable. It differs in behavior from the other species because it doesn’t form big harems. It has narrower stripes and bigger size. Its main problem was hunting since its skin was highly appreciated in the market. Today the Grevy’s Zebra is protected in Ethiopia and Kenya making a decline in the hunting. However, habitat loss and competing for natural resources with livestock became its main issue. Posters in my store: Here 
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Kiang:

This is a complete new one for me, I never heard of this animal before. It is the largest of the wild asses and it used to be counted as a subspecies of the Onager. However, further studies demonstrated that is a different species. It can be also named as Tibetan Wild Ass, Khyang, or Gorkhar.

There is a different approach to the association of this animal compared to the other asses and is the way that is seen by the people who coexists with them. Never been tamed, this ass is not seen as a stupid animal like other in cultures tend to portray asses. Instead, it is seen as an imposing and graceful animal more likely as a horse, that pasturing gracefully on the Tibetan Plateau. Some travelers even say that the Kiang served as an inspiration for the mythical unicorn.

It can be crossbreed with horses, other asses, donkeys and even zebras, but its offspring will be sterile as mules.

They move in small herds and males are usually solitaries. Sometimes they can group in herds of a several hundreds individuals. This herds don’t last longer and are basically consisting in young males, females and theirs calfs. The only enemy, besides humans, might be the Himalayan Wolf who dare to attack Kiangs if are found alone.

Eastern Kiang: It is the largest of the three subspecies. Inhabits in Qinghai, southeastern Xinjiang,

Southern Kiang: It is the smallest

Western Kiang: It has a darker coat and is slightly smaller than the Eastern Kiang.

There is still missing information to validate the existence of the three subspecies.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation.

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Onager is the ass of Asia. However, the biggest difference from the African Wild Ass is that the Asian Ass could never be tamed. They are considerable bigger that its African cousins at about 290 kilos in weight. They are also among the fastest mammals on planet, being able to reach up to 70 Km/h.

The two species, (African and Asian Ass) shared the same ancestor: The Kiang, which will be described later, and which was considered a subspecies of the Onager. Nonetheless, further studies acknowledge as a distinct species.

Five subspecies are recognized. Two of them are close to extinction, other two are threatened and one, unfortunately, is extinct. There is the possibility of another subspecies, The Gobi Khulan but there is still debate on it.

Mongolian Wild Ass: It is the most widespread from all subspecies but has lost about %50 of its former distribution range in just 70 years. It’s main threat is poaching and competition for grassland with livestock.

Turkmenian Kulan: Also called Transcaspian Wild Ass or simply Kulan, the animal has slowly decline in former distribution ranges but its population has increase where it’s been re-introduced such as in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine where they used to inhabit. Also in Israel where th subspecies is making hybrids with Persian wild Onagers.

Persian Onager: Also called the Persian Zebra or Gur, The Persian Onager has been close to extinction. It is highly protected and hunting it is strictly forbidden. Breeding programs in different zoos associations in Europe and North America are keeping hope on this animal. That various spring born in captivity has been returned to its natural environment. Some other new borns in Khar Turan National Park, in Iran (it’s native environment) has been reported.

Indian Wild Ass: Also called Ghudkhur, Khur or Indian Onager. Form barely 300 animals in 1960, strong seizures of protection and adding better resources to its environment such as water holes, by 2004 its population increased to almost 4000. The most recent census in 2015 stated that its population is close to 5000. When you want you can.

Syrian Wild Ass: Known also as Hemippe, Achdari or the Mesopotamian Onager, he couldn’t make it to today. Huge herds used to be seen in the 15th and 16th centuries but its number began to drop precipitously during the next centuries due to overhunting by Europeans. Its existence became uncertain during the World War I (Nothing god from wars) and its last specimen was fatally shot in 1927 near Azraq Oasis in Jordan. The last specimen died the same year, in Vienna.

I had a nice discussion a few day back about subspecies. My friend was arguing that subspecies is silly because some of the differences are just molecular, dental, and barely hard to see. Me, on the other hand, I think subspecies is the first step for a new species to come. The subspecies of one species are found in environments that usually has small variables in between but somehow force the animal to change in order to survive.

These adaptations are what make the animal a subspecies, small changes. However, we all know that the environment is not still and it will eventually change, probably a lot. And if the animal wants to survive that environment, it also has to change, a lot as well. To the point that it might become a new species. So I think subspecies is something very subtle but can be the beginning of a new animal. Interesting isn’t it? Anyway, is just my thoughts from the little I know about the subject. If someone have another approach I’d love to hear it.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation. 

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 Follow my Instagram: Species of the World

Now it’s the time for the less glamorous horse’s cousins, the Ass. An animal that shockingly is doing way worst than horses in terms of conservation and yet this really have had to do the dirty job. While the horse is exhibit proudly as a man companion and sometimes an extension of human’s soul, the Ass, on the other hand is like the one that is better not to be shown and the one in charge of the hardest and dirtiest jobs. Incredibly this obvious disparagement is reflected as well in its quantity due that from the four subspecies that exist, one is extinct and the other two are close to suffer the same fate.

Nonetheless, ass as regarded as stupid animals and are usually portrayed as such, nonetheless is an animal that is close in intelligence to the horse, if not the same. Besides, they are excellent mothers and can defend their offspring furiously. An animal to keep an eye on, to care and value as another really important animal that was crucial in the evolution of humanity. More love for this misunderstood animals, please.

Nubian Wild Ass: Believed extinct in the wild, some estudies of DNA were done to a feral population living in the Caribbean island of Bonaire (Keep in mind that this animal is from Africa) The DNA results were positive as a nearly pure DNA of the believed extinct Actual Nubian Wild Ass. Although further studies need to be done, give a little of hope to the survival of this animal. Somali Wild Ass: The fate of this animal was saved by a project in the Zoo of Basel in Switzerland, that has been able to keep the captive animals in a robust number.

Atlas Wild Ass: Extinct in 300 AD, this animal was used in the roman circus and hunting. It is estrange that many animals with the name “Atlas” on it, has been extinct as we will see further.

Donkey: A new friend to take care of and be grateful.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation. Thanks! Also, happy new year, more posters in my store: Here 
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Przewalski's Horse:

The Przewalski Horse is the only truly wild horse that remains. Extinct at some point for more than 30 years, it was the zoos who actually brought them back. By 1940′s its number began to decline rapidly and by 1969 after a fruitless search, only one individual was spotted in the wild. Only a handful of this animals were surviving in some of the zoos of Europe.

A breeding program began in the Netherlands by 1977. By 1979 the program was able to maximize the genetic diversity from the almost 400 individuals spread in 16th different facilities. By early 1900s, the number of horses increased by over 1500. The horse is now reintroduced to its natural habitat and today it’s numbers remain stable. 

Zoos are controversial but I personally think they are crucial at the conservation of the species (I’m talking about zoos that are actually working on precede the life of many species, not the ones that are created just for our own selfish enjoyment). There is of course room for improvement but a zoo is not what it used to be 40 years ago. There is a better understanding of the behavior of the animals today and this allow us to make better enclosures that are a more friendly space for the animals inside. 

On the other hand, we are making the world an uncertain place. Many of the habitats are being vanished from earth and many species have seen their numbers drastically reduced because of this. Maybe the zoos are the new futuristic Noah’s Arc. A place for recovery, where endanger animals can survive in this uncertain times. Then, we can have more time to learn how to live on earth without destroying it and put them back where they belong once everything is safe again.

If is not for zoos, the Przewalski Horse would have vanished from earth many years ago.

PD. I change a little the layout. What do you think?

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“Zwierzyniec“ (pl “zoo”, “bestiary”)

Just a little thing I did for a drawing contest

Santa Barbara Zoo

i always pass my local zoo on my walk to school and usually i don't remember because it normally doesn't smell like, yk...a zoo- but today? oh boy i definitely remembered today