Bears, Beavers, Pandas OH MY!

I had the wonderful opportunity just a few days ago to visit the Knoxville Zoo located in Tennessee. This zoo was one of my favorite places to visit when I was just a kid and the memories there are still so clear in my mind. Since I had not visited the zoo since I was ten A LOT of things changed (for the good)!  I am so excited to share with you all some of my favorite pictures I took during my visit. ~Enjoy

The Knoxville Zoo is WORLD FAMOUS for their Red Panda breeding program. They have had more panda births than any other place in the Western Hemisphere! I was so happy to see the pandas in their brand-new exhibit called "Red Panda Village." Unfortunately Red Pandas are considered endangered and are being effected by human expansion and poaching.

If you follow me on Twitter you will know already that my absolute favorite exhibit in the WHOLE zoo was Black Bear Falls. It was visually stunning complete with waterfalls, tall trees for the bears to climb, and a pool (with underwater viewing). You get so close to the bears that you almost forget that there is a 3 inch piece of glass separating you and these magnificent animals. This bear is enjoying some browse for enrichment.

This animal is on my "Wish List!" You are looking at an Alligator Snapping Turtle. These large turtles can weigh up to 175 pounds giving them the title as the world's largest freshwater turtle! They are primarily aquatic and use their "worm like" tongue to lure in fish. Unfortunately they are disappearing in North America due to human expansion and collection for their meat and eggs.

My favorite animal by far at the zoo was this North American Beaver. You seldom see beavers in zoos and when they are on exhibit they usually are sleeping in their den. The Knoxville Zoo re-created the beavers' natural habitat complete with streams, a pond (with underwater viewing), and a den. I Loved this little guy! For more information on how you can visit the Knoxville Zoo please visit their website http://corbinmaxey.com/http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/index.htm

Jungle Island

One of the many places I had the opportunity to visit while I was in Miami was Jungle Island. To be honest I had never heard of such a place but was excited all the same. When I entered through the gates I was greeted instantly by these magnificent macaws. Jungle Island has dozens of these birds designated throughout park.

One the many park highlights include "The Tale of the Tiger." This show features tigers, a lion, a skunk, a baby gibbon and much more. What I really enjoyed about this show was how much they stressed conservation. I also enjoyed watching the audience and how they were more receptive and caring towards tiger conservation after seeing a real tiger up-close and personal.

Of course my favorite animal I visited at Jungle Island hands-down had to be their Albino Alligator. I have never seen one in person so I was ecstatic to see one in the flesh. You can tell an albino from a "white or leucistic” alligator from the color of their eyes. Albino's have pink eyes white's have dark blue or black eyes.

Jungle Island is the only place in the world where you can see a trained Cassowary. These large birds are native to Australia and kill more people than crocodiles! They have a mean kick and can use their "helemet" to ram any potentail predators. How amazing!!!

Look how big this Aldabra Tortoise is! Jungle Island is home to three of these ancient reptiles who can live to be over 100 years old!

Visiting Jungle Island was a great experience. I really enjoyed their collection of birds and reptiles. I also enjoyed their tropical plants and flowers that surrounded the whole park.

Goodbye Leno

Tonight, Friday May 29th is the very last episode of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." The animals and I have visited Jay on numerous occasions and have had the opportunity to have worked with some of the best producers in the country. Not only that but we have been able to spread our message about conservation, education, and responsible pet ownership to millions of people.

Don't you just love my "Best Buy" looking uniform? This is Jay and me right after I graduated High School during my second appearance on the show. This time the animals and I were featured with Sam Jackson! He LOVED feeding Scooter a banana.

I had to bring out this infamous image of Jay and me during my first appearance on the show at 14 years old! All I can say is that I had a "hunger" for knowledge. Since my very first  appearance on the show  so many doors have been opened for me and have given me opportunities that I dreamed of as a little kid. Thanks Jay and those on the show who have helped make my dream a reality.

See ya at 10!

Welcome to Miami!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit Miami. Miami welcomed me with giant palm trees, blue water, and this famous "Welcome to Miami Beach" sign. The animals were left back at the reserve in Meridian, Idaho as I  needed some serious R&R! Not to worry the animals are watched and taken care of 24/7 by my Animal Assistant.

The beaches were absolutely beautiful! Here I am pictured with my cousin who really showed me the "ropes" around South Beach. Some of the things included laying out in the sun, swimming in the ocean, and to never forget your sun glasses!

You can take the boy from the animals but not the animals from the boy! One of my favorite things to do in the morning was to go outside and watch the habits of the little anole lizards found all over South Beach. Watching them for hours I realized that each little lizard had his/her own territory and basking spot.

I looked like such a tourist taking pictures of the ocean! I can't help it. When you were born in raised in such a dry place like Idaho you really appreciate seeing things like water.

This picture explains it all. The true beauty of the beach. So relaxing and peaceful. My life can be such a world-wind at times. With constant appearances, daily animal care, and traveling I sometimes forget to stop and take a moment to relax and take in nature's true beauty.

Out of Africa

You know I love it when you send me your photos of animals. If they are good enough you can even expect me to post them on my blog! These pictures were sent to me from Robert who was visiting Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona. Pictured above is an African Lioness. These powerful predators are the largest of the African Cats. A fun fact is that lions sleep nearly 18-20 hours a day!

Check out this big male lion! Notice how big and beautiful his mane is. Most people don't realize that not all male lions have large manes like this. Some don't have manes at all! It depends on the region where the lions are found in Africa.

At Out of Africa there is a good chance that you will be able to get a close-up encounter with some of Africa's most famous residents including giraffes!

Out of Africa is not just home to African Wildlife...It also is home to tigers, bears, and other species found outside of the "safari continent." One of park's number one attractions includes the "Big Cat Feeding." This gives guests the opportunity to watch the park's large felines indulge!

This is a Southern White Rhino. Unfortunately these species out in the wild are disappearing due to habitat destruction and illegal poaching. Check out those horns! Rhino horns are made out of Keratin (small little compressed hairs). Keratin is also what makes up our fingernails!