Dolce (DOB: Jan 23, 1998) and Palino (DOB: Jun 16, 1997)
FCZS: 2009-2010 Educational Exhibit

Llamas are one of four main species of New World camels (camelids.) The other three species are alpaca, guanaco and vicuna. The Incan Indians of South America were highly dependent on llamas and alpacas for food and fiber. With the collapse of the Incan culture, llamas were nearly pushed to extinction. The last 25 years have seen a resurgence of llamas, especially in the United States.

Llamas are intelligent, easily maintained animals with low-key temperaments. They are in high demand for wilderness packing because of their durability and adaptability to this climate. They are also sometimes used as guards for domestic flocks of goats and sheep.

They are 40" to 50" high at the withers and should weigh 250-300 pounds at maturity. Average life span is 20-25 years. Newborn llamas (crias) struggle to their feet within minutes of delivery. The mother with nuzzle and "hum" to the cria.

We would like to recognize Tom and Doris Smeltzer for sponsoring this exhibit

Rosarita (DOB: April 26, 2009) and Spicy Jalapena (DOB: April 12, 2009)
FCZS: 2009-2010 Educational Exhibit

Miniature Donkeys originated in the Mediterranean area of Northern Africa in ancient times and more recently from the island of Sicily and Sardinia.

The Miniature Donkey is a compact, well-proportioned animal with a sweet, sociable disposition. Donkeys are foremost pets and companions, but at maturity (3 years), they are able to pull carts or carry packs as they did in their native land. Average height is 32"-34" at the withers and their life span can exceed 35 years.

Males are called Jacks and females are called Jennets. Being herd animals, they are most content living with other donkeys or stable mate.

We would like to recognize Mossy Oak Miniature Donkeys for sponsoring this exhibit

Wilbur and Templeton are the beautiful color of hand rubbed red mahogany, when they are not covered in mud! As with all pigs they are intelligent, compact and sturdy, moving through the world on their pointed cloven hoofed trotters. They came to the zoo from the California Department of Fish and Game. Pigs are endowed with many talents, not the least of which is the ability to dig big holes using their sturdy snouts, rooting out tubers and insects and other good things to eat. Unfortunately, if this big hole involves landscaped or farmed areas, it may be considered depredation and the pigs might be removed. So it was with the mother and siblings of Templeton and Wilbur.

Resident horse Gus gets company each year when the foals arrive each Fall. The foals are rescued from a Premarin foal auction in Canada. These horses are born to horses that are used in the manufacturing of estrogen Premarin - pregnant mare urine.

You will see the Barbados-cross sheep Princess and Maggie, and pygmy goat Tammy in the field where the horses live. These field animals love the pasture grass and the hay delivered to them by zoo staff.