Did you hear there’s one new animal at Brights Zoo that is really special? Why is it special you may ask? It is a baby female giraffe that has no spots or patterns. The baby giraffe was born on July 31 in Limestone, Tennessee.

This is the first spotless giraffe born in the United States. The spotless giraffe is unique because the last time this happened was in 1972 in Tokyo, Japan. The baby giraffe is healthy. It is six feet tall. The giraffe’s mom is named Sheena.

Are you looking to learn about the Sonoran Desert animals of Arizona? I reviewed Julie Bonner’s Desert Dwellers Flashcards. Bonner is a local painter and graphic designer who created alphabet flashcards about Southwest desert animals. Each card contains an acrylic painting of the animal and a story.

Picture this: A huge shark is hoisted onto a research boat. Three people rush to secure her—to stop her from thrashing around and getting hurt. Who are these people? Why have they brought a shark on deck? Are they… sitting on her?

Two of the participants in this crazy scene are Brooke Anderson and Beckah Campbell. These brave scientists conduct research at the Sulikowski Shark and Fish Research Lab at ASU in Glendale. Wait. People research sharks in the desert? Yes!

The Phoenix Zoo is a great place to learn about close to 400 different animal species and their habitats. In the Tropics Trail, you will find the orangutans. Orangutans are a great ape in the genus of pongo . There are three species of an orangutan—Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli—and all come from Indonesia.

Do you like working with people and learning about animals? Are you in high school? You should try working in Reid Park Zoo’s Zoo Crew! I’ve been in Zoo Crew for a little over six months, and I’m going to tell you about it.

A big cat makes a big scat. Mountain lions weigh up to 220 pounds, and their poop or scat can be 15 inches in length. Mountain lion scat is a communication tool, and scientists study it to learn about the health and behavior of Arizona’s big cats.

 Recently my family visited the Plum Creek Alpaca Farm in Prescott Valley. When we entered the farm, the farm dogs walked along with us as we visited the different pens. They housed a variety of groups of alpacas. Some areas were for the females or males and there was even an area for the nursery.

 I love lizards and other reptiles! In October my family and I attended the Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show at the Tucson Expo Center. Going to the reptile show is a family tradition. We have been going every year since I was 2 years old, and now I am 9.

 Koalas are marsupials that live in Australia’s forests. Koalas also stay up in trees to keep cool in hot weather. Read on for more about their appearance, habitat, diet and other interesting facts.

Most people think koalas are bears, but they are actually marsupials! Koalas have silvery gray fur and sharp claws. They also have a thin body, small eyes, and a cushioned bottom to sit on rough branches.

 Have you ever had or wanted a pet chicken? During this crazy year my family and I were building a chicken coop and on Easter morning we became the owners of ten chicks. Since Easter, we have learned a great deal about raising chickens, like the fact that they try to peck at things on you when you sit with them, including your clothes, watch and face. We have also learned that each chick has a unique personality just like people, some of our chicks are shy, some are curious, and some are born leaders. Our chicks are getting bigger every day and as they get bigger, they get more active.