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| 4/29/26 A tree kangaroo and a kea in the Forest Trailhead exhibit |
Members got a preview this week of Woodland Park Zoo’s long-anticipated Forest Trailhead exhibit. The spacious, well-designed
environment is a much-improved home for Carson, the red panda (a zoo
ambassador for his endangered brethren), tree kangaroos and a kea. In an
equally spacious indoor area, nearly 20 species of fish, reptiles and
amphibians live in tanks.
On the day I visited, I focused on the outdoor exhibit (I’ll
get to the indoor part some rainy day), where I was happy to see and sketch all
three of the furry and feathered residents. (I was so eager to sketch that I
forgot to take photos! I’ll certainly do that on return visits.)
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| Carson, the red panda, a popular zoo ambassador |
As I took a walk through the rest of the zoo, I came upon
Skyanna, a North American porcupine, who is a much more active ambassador. Out
of her exhibit and on the main thoroughfare with human companions, Skyanna was
as tame and friendly as a house a cat! We all awww’d as she munched on treats
and tore up a toilet paper tube for fun.
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| Skyanna, a North American porcupine |
This is the time of year when I get my money’s worth from my
zoo membership. I’ll be back soon! |
| Skyanna munching on a treat |
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| In response to a question, Skyanna's human friend explains that porcupines don't need to run fast because they wear very sharp armor! |
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| When I arrived at opening time, the stroller set filled a long line. I sketchwaited a few minutes so that I could just walk in without standing in line. |
