Page 6 - Gateways_2019_SPRING

News Bites

The latest noteworthy news from around Brookfield Zoo and beyond the gates is right at your fingertips.

Meet an Animal About turkey vultures: Turkey vultures are native to Illinois,
PROGRAMS Ambassador so you might catch a glimpse of some of these animals outside of
Brookfield Zoo, as well. They’re an important part of the ecosystem,
Each month, we’ll introduce you to one of Brookfield as they eat decaying animals that could otherwise spread disease.
Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors! Keep your eyes peeled, Turkey vultures have some unique adaptations, including their primary
you just might run into these fascinating creatures on your next trip method of self-defense: vomiting. Their vomit is acidic enough that
to the zoo. the smell is often enough to drive away predators, or to burn their
Typical day: As she is entering her golden years, Georgette has eyes, nose, or mouth if they get too close.
also entered semi-retirement. She no longer travels to off-site events,
but will still occasionally participate in a Zoo Chat or special event
with a small group on site. She spends the rest of her time relaxing in
her habitat, where she loves to stretch out her wings and sun herself.
Fun facts: Georgette was originally named George—and then
she laid an egg, giving staff quite the surprise. A turkey vulture’s sex
cannot be determined by physical appearance (it requires a medical
examination), so they had no idea she was actually a female.

AyBmpeLrDrawbeoWoriSnoaAeigoenkSesgtrglxsi:pfgtdagieah:see,mM:hdplcaFdotoai4:in:efecrZn0dmGestApoi:,o(ehorambrTfoToaloaMsarheegusutigbinsrritbeso,ankcete4usameteeAptenepynsr5dnsothhiviiuni½aencnumGnhgscwltfd—tieeabhecuaseheleiksrtote(aA)sseAwjnprumbnpiasgteiybthtmgea1bianastirslnttaiehdndogar. y!)

6 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES