There are approximately 30
species (kinds) of mammals, 40 species of birds, 15 species of reptiles
and 20 species of fish currently housed at the Guyana Zoo. Some exciting
representatives of these groups include the following species:
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Mammals: jaguars, pumas, tapirs, giant otter, white
faced saki monkeys, capuchin monkeys, a tayra, a family of two-toed sloths,
and manatees.
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Birds: eagles and hawks (raptors), parrots, toucans
and owls.
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Reptiles: rattlesnakes, spectacled caiman, anacondas,
matamata turtle, and emerald tree boa.
Some endangered species (animals with low population
numbers in the wild) can also be found at the zoo. For example, we have
seven harpy eagles, three jaguars, a giant otter and West Indian manatees. |
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'Petals' has been with us at the Guyana Zoo since she was a baby. |
The
Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest cat found in the Americas.
In Guyana we have five other wild cats. They are : Cougar or Puma,
Jaguanindi, Ocelot, Margay and the Oncilla.
Jaguars are opportunistic, solitary, hunters feeding
on just about anything they can catch!. This list includes: Agouti, Deer,
wild Pigs and other medium sized mammals.
Jaguars are able to crack open a Turtle's shell with
their powerful jaws.
They are also excellent swimmers and climbers.
The presence of a Jaguar is a sign of a healthy rainforest
ecosystem.
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Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) creates a niche in the bird world
by staking claim at being the largest, strongest and most powerful raptor
in the world. It is a formidable predator, attacking, killing and eating
at least 19 species of birds and mammals such as macaws, sloths, monkeys,
armadillos and even snakes. As a forest eagle, these spectacular raptors
are highly endangered due to habitat loss through deforestation. The Guyana
Zoo is home to some of these majestic birds. |
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The
Giant Otter (Ptenura braziliensis) is the largest of all the
world's otter species. It reaches a length of between 6 and 8 feet and
weighs between 40 and 75 pounds. While all other otter species are solitary,
the giant otter lives in social groups of between 5 and 20 individuals.
Giant otters are highly endangered; it is estimated that there are only
approximately 1000 individuals remaining in Guyana. There is a representative
of this species currently housed at the Guyana Zoo. She is an adolescent
female named 'Sushi'. Sushi is an active, entertaining resident of our
zoo who offers hours of fun for visitors who take the time to visit her. |
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West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Manatees are the world's only truly herbivorous,
aquatic mammals. At the moment the Zoo has loaned four Manatees to Den
Amstel Water Users Association and the Guyana Sewerage and Water Commission
(G.S & W.C) for similar purposes. In this way, Manatees, rather than
manual human labour, maintains a clear water source. On the weekends, visitors
can come and help feed these massive vegetarians.
Did you know: In the past, manatees
were placed in irrigation canals in and around Georgetown to help keep
the waterways clear of vegetation. At the moment, the zoo has loaned two
manatees in a similar waterway clean-up scheme. Den Amstel Water Users
Association on the West Coast of the Demerara River uses manatees rather
than manual human labour to maintain a clear water source. What a great
way to put the manatee's sizable feeding capacity to good use!! |
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