'Thousands of less charismatic species are competing for scarce resources in the United States, with as many as a million facing extinction around the world, according to the United Nations.' #HellbenderSeptember

npr.org/2022/09/12/111…

Our eyelash viper is named quite appropriately with scales that protrude just above their eyes that look just like long, gorgeous eyelashes. Scientists believe these scales may aid in camouflage, but we think it makes them look adorable 🐍✨

Be aware!

It’s National Iguana Awareness Day!

If you weren’t already aware, we are here to announce that we have a beautiful Rhinoceros Iguana in our forests building. We recommend planning extra time to take in all her marvel 🦎✨ #iguana #rhinocerosiguana

Fennec Foxes are from deserts in North Africa. Deserts have wide-ranging temperatures, and Fennec Foxes are well adapted. They have large ears to vent out body heat and keep them cool, and thick hair that insulates on cold nights and protects from the sun. #desertdweller #cute

Betsy the anteater at the @chattanoogazoo instagram.com/p/CiN4ehxOkd_/…

Our Aldabra Giant Tortoises here to celebrate #TortoiseTuesday ! These gentle giants can be found on islands in the Indian Ocean. They can live up to 150 years! Don't miss our creep of Aldabra Giant Tortoises as you enter the zoo 🐢

For this #monkeymonday , we present: A Story in 4 Parts, starring our Golden Lion Tamarins

#SpeedySunday brought to you by, Tonka, the three-banded armadillo! He is so fast, despite having plenty of photos of him, these are the only ones not completely blurred out! Did you know that three-banded armadillos are the only armadillos who can curl completely into a ball?

Shhhh- it's #SleepySaturday for our Gila Monster, Popeye. They are diurnal, but mostly active in the mornings. So if you visit him in the Deserts Building, he will most likely be sleeping 💤

For #FavoriteFriday , Willa and Avi present: snuggles!
Our Red Pandas love a good nap, but Willa is of the opinion that naps are better with a friend. 🐾❤

More Capybara content, and of course they are back in the water. They have partially webbed toes and their pig-shaped bodies are adapted to keep them moving in the water. Noreena and Buttercup also have duck friends, and they don't mind sharing their pond 🦆

Our Environmental Science merit badge class is on September 10th, 9-4pm! Enjoy animal meet-n-greets, fun experiments, a guided zoo tour, and completion of your Environmental Science merit badge! #TNGASCOUTS For more information and to register, visit chattzoo.org/education/scou…

Have you ever heard a camel drinking water before? It really sounds like they have a built in straw! Sound on! 🔊 #HumpDay

Look at this gorgeous fella!

For #tortoisetuesday , we happily present the Spider Tortoise! One of the world's smallest tortoises, they max out around 7 inches. They're the smallest of four tortoises that live on the island of Madagascar. No hard data proves this, but they are said to live up to 70 years!

It's #MonkeyMonday : what is the difference in a Marmoset and a Tamarin? At Chattanooga Zoo we have Geoffrey's Marmosets. Scientists believe they have evolved to an insect diet, making them smaller. They also have V-shaped faces while tamarins have rounded, U-shaped faces.

RED PANDAS AREN’T RELATED TO GIANT PANDAS THEY HAVE NO LIVING RELATIVES BUT MOST CLOSELY RELATED TO RACCOONS/WEASELS BC THEY SHARED A RELATIVE FIVE MILLION YEARS AGO BUT ARE NOT CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE IN THE SAME FAMILY AND THEY ARE CARNIVORES BUT BAMBOO MAKES UP 60% OF THEIR DIET B-

It's #caturday and at Chattanooga Zoo we have lots of cats! However, Swiper, the small-spotted genet, is NOT a cat!🤯

Genets are actually more closely related to civets and mongooses than cats. They are found throughout Africa, but are sadly hunted and killed as 'pests.' #genet

Zeiti and Zahri are typically cuddled up to nap during the day. Fennec foxes are nocturnal, and can be found throughout the Sahara Desert. They are well adapted to desert life with large ears to keep them cool and extra furry paws that protect from extreme heat. #fennecfox