Exhibit Spotlight: Elephant Encounter

One of my favorite destinations that I have visited ever since I was a kid is Utah’s Hogle Zoo. This 42 acre zoological park is home to some of the world’s most incredible creatures. During a recent visit I was really impressed with their Elephant Encounter exhibit which is home to the zoo’s African Elephants and White Rhinos.

The Elephant Encounter exhibit is made up into four distinct yards. Each one of these yards provides the elephants and rhinos positive stimulus and enrichment. Elephants (whom are some of the most intelligent animals on earth) require constant activities to keep them happy and healthy.

This picture was taken by my phone. Check out how close you can get to the zoo’s gorgeous rhinos! It’s amazing how big these creatures truly are when you are merely a few feet away. Unfortunately their horn is causing their demise. Thousands upon thousands of rhinos have been poached for their ivory.

My favorite feature of the Elephant Encounter exhibit is the 110,000 gallon pool that provides a swimming hole for the zoo’s three elephants.  Just looking at the crystal clear blue water makes me want to jump right in!

Here’s a look at the training yard where visitors can watch the elephant’s exhibit behaviors for their keepers. Utah’s Hogle Zoo is one of the many zoos that work with elephants under protected contact. That means that the keepers and elephants are always separated by a barrier for safety.

If you want more information on how you can visit the Elephant Encounter at Utah’s Hogle Zoo please visit www.hoglezoo.org.

Where I come from

I just recently visited my old home in Robie Creek, Idaho. It’s amazing how much growing up in this small community influenced my passion for animals and how I decided to dedicate my life to them.

Behind me is the cabin my family and I lived in for nearly five years. The majority of my childhood was always spent up here in the mountains. Since I didn’t have any close friends for miles away I was always surrounded by all sorts of wildlife. I kept chickens, pigeons, ducks, pheasants, doves, a pot belly pig, and small lizards. I even would put on small “wildlife” shows for my family with the bugs and frogs I used to catch.

This is a picture of me and my Aunt Joyce back in the early 90’s with my first pet lizard named Booger. Booger was a Green Iguana I had for several years. I eventually found out Booger was a “she” when she laid eggs!

My family bought our small Cabin for weekend get-a-ways but eventually we fell in love with place and moved in full-time in less than a year after we bought it. Now the cabin finish has faded and the trees are all overgrown. The pond we used to play in as kids has dried up. Although very strangely looking at it for that moment, it seemed like time stood still. All of my cherished childhood memories came back.

I wouldn’t change my childhood for anything. If I never lived in such an amazing place surrounded by all sorts of animals I do not think that I would have followed in the career path I am now pursuing. Looking at this picture of Booger on top of my head I can’t help but be thankful for so many of the wonderful memories I have made and that are down that long road ahead.

5 facts about the Spotted Hyena

One of my absolute favorite animals is the Spotted Hyena. These mysterious African creatures have been puzzling scientists and researchers for years. I recently found out five amazing facts about these mammals that I would like to share!  

Number 5

Did you know that the Spotted Hyena is more closely related to a cat than a dog?

Number 4

Female Spotted Hyenas are larger than the males AND lead a matriarchal society (dominated by females). Females are also a lot more aggressive and assertive.

Number 3

Their bite is the strongest in the animal kingdom! Unlike most predators they prefer eating the bones and skin over meat. The only things they can’t digest are horns and fur BUT they still eat them. They regurgitate them up in pellets later.

Number 2

Although they look fierce and intimidating Spotted Hyenas do not hunt humans. Unfortunately they are often shot on site due to fear and their frightening appearance.

Number 1

They can make over 11 different sounds including their famous laugh. The laugh is only used when the hyenas are excited our expressing submission to a dominant member of their clan.

Your pics!!!

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE taking pictures of animals. That's why I asked YOU to send me some of your favorite pics. I received tons of e-mails containing pictures that have been taken all over the world! It was so hard to choose just 5 for today's blog but rest assured...If your picture didn't make it don't worry...I will start posting new pics my readers send me weekly so there is a chance it still might show up!

The picture above was sent by Krissy Poderzwinski in San Diego, CA. It was taken at the world famous San Diego Zoo's Tiger River Exhibit. LOVE the pic Krissy! Thanks for sending it in~

"Hi Corbin- Just received your tweet about wanting our animal pics...well here you go! I'm actually visiting Sea World today with my daughter! We are watching this live dolphin show as I send this...They are SOOOOOO CUTE!!!"  - Marliyan James      Charlotte, SC

"Greetings Corbin from Timesquare in NYC!!! Check out this monster's teeth....AHHHHH!" - Jon Choy  NY

"Maxey- I've lived in Portland for over 30 years and have never visited our zoo. After reading your blog about how wonderful the Oregon Zoo truly is I decided to check it out. It is truly incredible and I want to thank you for putting our zoo in the spotlight"    - Beth Johnson Portland, Oregon

"Corbin- Look how neat this star fish is! I could actually feel him slowly sticking to my hand. It's so wonderful that aquariums like the one in Newport allow hands-on interactions. It teaches people how wonderful sea creatures truly are"       Nick Kolbert       Seattle, WA

Thank you all for sending in your wonderful pics!!!!

- Corbin              

My Gorgeous Birds!

We just finished filming a segment with my three gorgeous emus Cosmo, Ernie, and Napoleon. It was the first time that my emus have EVER seen a camera crew and what can I say? It was an incredible experience! A lot of people know that I love my three birds to death…but what a lot of people DON’T know is that I have had a long history with my emus that started many years ago at an early age.

Ever since I can remember I have always been fascinated with emus. They always reminded me of “modern day dinosaurs.” The way they walk, the way they move, and the shape of their feet all resemble ancient creatures that once roamed this earth. Here at fifteen years old, I am pictured with Cosmo. He was just a little chick when we received him in June of 2005.

Emus are born with stripes. This serves as disruptive camouflage similar to zebras. It confuses any potential predators that would want to make them a snack. Pictured above are Cosmo, Ernie, and Napoleon as chicks. I remember that for several months they were very skittish. It took AT least a year before they gained my trust and became friendly.

Here is Napoleon pictured as a juvenile. Emus lose their stripes after several months and start developing their shaggy feathers. They are naturally found in Australia and can withstand the continents hot dry weather and cool nights. That makes them perfectly adaptable to Idaho’s extreme temperatures.

The first pair of emus brought into Idaho cost a farmer $65,000. People were convinced that the emu would take over the cattle industry. They were used for their meat, eggs, feathers, and oil. The demand was not met and these days you do not see too many around in captivity. Popular or not I still love my birds the same and can expect them to live into their twenties in complete harmony.