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Nocturnal animals at woodland park zoo can rest a little easier (during the day of course) after the BNSF Foundation has forward with a $20,000 challenge grant to help toward the long-term care of these nocturnal animals. The zoo includes 92 acres of exhibits and public spaces and cares for

• 1,090 animal specimens
• 300 animal species
• 35 endangered and five threatened animal species
• 7,000 trees
• 50,000+ shrubs and herbs
• 1,000+ plant species

The grant comes at the end of woodlands zoo’s night exhibit featuring nocturnal animals which was shut down due to energy-inefficient nature and costs associated with such and exhibit. The grant will help provide modifications to existing areas at the zoo for the Night Exhibit animals that will remain, support their long-term care, and help toward an assessment process to determine the future of the Night Exhibit building.

the zoo will house and/or exhibit some of the animals from this exhibit in other areas at the zoo, or in off-view areas in order to continue our efforts with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan for threatened and endangered species. The remaining nocturnal animals will be moved to other zoos accredited by the AZA.

Species to be kept at Woodland Park Zoo and their new locations include the following, after appropriate exhibit modifications are completed:

• Rodrigues Island fruit bat – Adaptations Building
• Springhaas – Adaptations Building
• Tamandua – Adaptations Building
• Two-toed sloth – Tropical Rain Forest exhibit
• Armadillo – Educational programs
• Pygmy loris – Off-exhibit area
• Slow loris – Off-exhibit area

The Woodland Zoo is appreciates all the help received during these challenging economic times. Woodland Park Zoo is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and therefore you may be entitled to a donation deduction if you choose to help. More info about the woodland zoo nocturnal animal fund.

The Philippine Tarsier is an incredibly unique and interesting creature. These nocturnal animals are one of the worlds smallest primates (though not as small as the pygmy marmoset) and are believed to be about 45 million years old as a species. The Philippine Tarsier is a shy nocturnal animal that leads a mostly hidden life and are normally only active during the night to hunt for food (mainly insects). In the daytime they sleep in dark hollows or stumps close to the ground, they prefer the cover of tall thick grass or bamboo thickets.

Just like all tarsiers, the Philippine Tarsier’s eyes are fixed in its skull meaning that they cannot turn in their sockets. Instead, much like an owl, a special adaptation in the neck allows it to rotate it’s head 180 degrees. It has incredibly big eyes in relation to head and body size, which are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest eyes on any mammal. Their huge eyes provide these nocturnal animals with excellent night vision. The large membranous ears are completely mobile, appearing to be almost constantly moving, allowing the tarsier to hear any movement.

The Phillipine Tarsier is protected under the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No. 9147) that provided for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats, including the Philippine Tarsier, and its inclusion as a flagship species.

Though the Philippine Tarsier is protected their environment is still endanger due to ever encroaching development and logging, they are currently listed as “Near Threatened” (may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future).

Looking to learn about nocturnal animals in person? Well if you live near Southfield, MI then your in luck! The Organization for Bat Conservation is going to have live bats and many other nocturnal animals during an educational event titled “Animal Adaptations”, Saturday, March 27 2010 at the Lawrence Technological University.

This special presentation is focused on nocturnal animals and help people understand the amazing adaptations and abilities these creatures have developed. Information on habitat, survival and defense, producing young, finding good, and many other topics will be discussed.

This wonderful multi-media presentation will include the following noccturnal animals:

• Owl
• African Fruit Bat
• U.S. Insect-eating Bat
• Sugar glider
• Flying Squirrel

Entry is only $6 per person, $18 max per family.
Lunch is $9 per person in advance.

This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for everyone to learn a little more about nocturnal animals in person and support wildlife conservation efforts. Nocturnal animals adapt wonderfully to their environment, take the day to learn in person just how these magnificent animals do what they do from big eyes to echo location these animals all have unique traits.

Red Eyed Tree Frogs are some of the most beautifully colored frogs. These nocturnal animals are generally bright green with blue and yellow thighs and of course huge red eyes. Here are some facts about these wonderful creatures.

Red Eyed Tree Frog Facts

• Adult red eyed tree frogs may slightly alter their color depending on mood or environment.
• The red-eyed tree frog has three eyelids and sticky pads on its toes.
• Red-eyed tree frogs inhabit areas near rivers and ponds in rainforest’s from southern Mexico, through Central America, to Northern Colombia.
• These tree frogs are known to live as long as 5–10 years.
• They are arboreal animals, like their name suggests spending a majority of their life in trees, which also makes them great jumpers.
• During the day, these nocturnal animals remain still, cover their blue sides with their back legs, tuck their bright feet under their belly, and shut their red eyes becoming almost invisible to predators.
• Although not listed as endangered the Red eyed tree frog faces dangers of habitat loss due to encroaching civilization.