SHARE:  
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube  TikTok

November 2022

THANK YOU TO OUR FALL FESTIVAL SCARECROW SPONSORS!

Girl Scout Troop 748

Best Brains Learning

Center - Algonquin

Girl Scout Junior Troop 227

THE AGE OF MAMMALS

Last month, we took a look at reptiles and what makes them so unique. In this month’s letter, we will focus on the furry and hairy creatures of our world, the mammals.


WHAT MAKES A MAMMAL A MAMMAL?

Many people think that an animal is a mammal if it is covered in fur or hair. Yes, this is true that all mammals do either have fur or hair but the true determining characteristic is how mammals feed their young. All mammals when they are born, drink milk from their mothers before they go onto different foods. 

Animal Spotlight

Meet Buddy, the blind opossum. Buddy is our year and a half old chunky boy who thoroughly enjoys sleeping and eating.

Buddy came to us in April from an animal rehabilitation center due to his condition and has lived his best life ever since.

You will often see Buddy doing his afternoon stroll around the zoo with Kath Ellinghausen. Come on out and see this handsome boy!

WHAT ARE THE OTHER CHARACTERTICS THAT ALL MAMMALS SHARE?

Besides hair or fur covering their bodies for warmth/protection and drinking milk, all mammals are warm blooded. Unlike reptiles, amphibians, and fish who are cold blooded, all mammals have regulated body temperatures. This is why you see polar bears thriving in the North Pole versus crocodiles for example. Mammals in general are the most complex animals in the world in terms of intelligence and reproduction.

HOW MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF MAMMALS ARE THERE?

There is an estimate of 5,000 to 5,500 different mammal species in this world. In terms of reproduction, there are three types of mammals: monotremes, marsupials, and placental mammals. Evolution wise, monotremes evolved first of all mammals. Unlike marsupial and placental mammals, monotremes are actually not born live; they hatch out of an egg. There are only five species that belong to the monotreme group, the duck-billed platypus and four species of echidna. Monotreme mammals are only found in Australia and New Guinea. 

WHAT IS A MARSUPIAL THEN?

All of us know of kangaroos and wallabies but do we truly know how they are born? Marsupials are also unique in how their young is born. Instead of an egg, a baby is born live and about the size of a jelly bean. From there, the baby must climb into its mother’s pouch where it further develops, drinking milk and growing.

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)


Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

IN TODAY'S NEWS

 Have you met our baby woodchuck Cedar yet? He is slowing down for the season to go through hibernation and can be seen in the barn sleeping in the funniest positions. He either will be sprawled out on his back, belly, or look like a little bowling ball with his head tucked into his belly. If you need a good laugh or want to see an adorable oversized looking squirrel, stop by Cedar's enclosure and check him out!

WHAT ARE PLACENTAL MAMMALS?

Speaking in evolutionary terms, placental mammals are the most evolved, complex animals in the world. Yes, this means humans are placental mammals. These mammals have a longer gestation period, the time a mother carries her baby, allowing the fetus to develop better and is nourished by a special organ called the placenta. 

ZOOKEEPER SPOTLIGHT


Meet Emily Stapay. Emily started working at the zoo back at the beginning of the season and has proven to be an important member of the team. She is one of the most hardworking workers at the zoo and is a true team player. We are fortunate to have her with us this year. Thank you Emily for all that you do! 

Visit our website
1180 N Randall Rd. | West Dundee, Illinois | 60118