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ouR new Zoo ResIdents continued
The Swamp
Clouded Leopard Rain Forest Arrival at Zoo flAmBoyAnce
Four eggs were laid and hatched at Brookfield Zoo
HoMe’S
last summer; their parents are in Reptiles and Birds.
Why you should visit
HIngebAck This rare species hasn’t hatched at Brookfield Zoo since of flAmingos
Phoenicopterus ruber
1985. These hatchlings owe their lives to the amazing
work of our dedicated veterinary and animal care
toRtoIses staff who nursed their parents back to health after they
were illegally trafficked and confiscated at a California
airport by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Kinixys homeana Geographic range
Coastal regions and tropical rain forests in the
western African countries of Nigeria, Cameroon,
Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin
Habitat type
Forest floors that are moist, shady, and humid
Physical description
Adults range in size from 5.5 to nearly 12 inches long.
They are named for a “hinge” in the rear of their
carapace, or upper shell, which lets them completely
close themselves up in the shell to avoid predators.
Social structure/behavior
Solitary, except when courting and mating
Ecosystem role
Unlike other species of tortoise that are
herbivores, this species is omnivorous. Much of
their diet consists of insects. They may also
eat small amphibians, fish, and carrion.
Conservation status
Critically endangered due to
habitat loss and capture
for their meat and the
international pet trade
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