Kids can pet, feed, and play with exotic animals from around the world at Nevada's largest zoo which includes more than 2000 animals of 40 different species including antelope, al...
I thought it was nice going to a small local zoo, but I didn't think the animals would be in such small cages. It's really sad to see a lion and lioness in a cage the size of my b...
**The History**The Sierra Safari Zoo was started by 3 fellows, Dale McDaniel, Jimmie Martin, and Dave Dawson. They had a collection of exotic animals as a hobby which got started with ostriches.There was no zoning in Washoe County for a zoo, so that was one of the first "Hurdles" encountered. The Washoe County Commissioners unanimously approved the proposed zoning request with a special use permit. The property where the zoo is located fit the new zoning requirements perfectly along with the location and price. They acquired the property in Jan 1989 and finally got it fenced and penned and open in August 1990. It was to be a fancy petting zoo until the many phone calls inquiring about large cats and reptiles made them aware of what people wanted to see most.The first African lion, Claude, was followed three months later by Hobbs, a male liger. Both were only 4 weeks old when they arrived at the zoo. The zoo got its first baboon, Alfie, at about the same time. He was a tiny baby and spent a lot of time with Claude and Hobbs in their first year. It made for interesting relationships. There were many people inquiring about volunteering at the zoo and, as an experiment, volunteers were trained to care for many of the animals. The volunteers did a better job than the few paid employees, so the zoo became totally volunteer staffed, and today there are approximately 50 volunteers who perform the day to day care and feeding of the 200 or so residents at the zoo.. **Meeting the Animals**The Zoo Has 3 Main Groups From the Animal Kingdom -- Mammals,Birds,and Reptiles**Reptiles** Are Egg-laying Vertebrate that Have a Tough Skin with a Covering of Scales. These Ectothermic (Cold-Blooded) Animals Cannot Generate Internal Heat.**Birds** Are the Most Accomplished of All Flying Animals. Their Ability to Fly Has Allowed Them to Spread Throughout the World,Often to Places Such As Remote Islands and Antarctica,that are Beyond the Reach of Many Other Animals. Like Mammals,Birds are Endothermic (Warm-Blooded) Vertebrates.**Mammals** Are the Largest Group Represented at Sierra Safari Zoo. They are the Most Familiar Group of Vertebrates; All Nourish Their Young on Milk Produced by the Female's Mammary Glands (The Unique Skin Structures After Which the Group is Named). Most Also Give Birth to Live Young And,with Only a Few Exceptions,Have a Covering of Hair on Their Body.Are you Interested in Helping Provide Care for a Special Anim al at the Zoo?Check Out "Adopt a Wild Child" in the **Program** Section of Our Website.Also Available are Enrichment Toys for Our Animals.