A visit to the Phoenix Zoo is always an amazing adventure. Among many other things, we’ve enjoyed a birthday party for the Painted Dog sisters (better known as the Spice Girls), Pelicans in the lagoon monitoring Zoo Lights at Christmastime from atop illuminated columns, the unmistakably vocal Gibbons performing gymnastics on ropes and Palm trees, and just last year, Howie the White Rhino’s first foray outdoors.
Howie – Phoenix Zoo White Rhino
Howie arrived at the Phoenix Zoo from Florida a little more than a year ago. By that time Lulu was well established as the darling of the Rhino habitat, but it was evident that she was in need of a sidekick. We think Howie was clearly the right choice.
While Lulu is still a bit uncertain about sharing her digs, zoo staff tells us that Howie has been “a perfect gentleman”. We were fortunate to witness this for ourselves this week during one of our frequent pop-ins at the Phoenix zoo.
Rhino Quiet Zone, Phoenix Zoo
Noticing the caution tape and warning signs for ‘quiet’ surrounding the Rhino habitat, we stopped to speak with one of the zoo’s always-informative attendants. She revealed that if we were patient we might have the opportunity to observe a little meet-and-greet between the zoos male and female Rhinos.
Pacing next to the gate, Howie seemed impatient to escape his limited territory, but LuLu, having enjoyed her own space for four years, was noticeably more anxious.
Lulu & Howie – Phoenix Zoo White Rhinos
We were astonished to see that when the male Rhino confidently entered the habitat, and LuLu backed away, Howie noticed! He stopped, turned toward the wall and chilled for a minute or two before attempted to move in LuLu’s direction a second time. When met with LuLu’s uneasiness yet again, Howie simply returned to his own enclosure.
It was and eye-opening experience to realize that an animal so impressive and powerful, could display apparent sensitivity and something akin to understanding. This encounter, like so many others at the Phoenix Zoo, will stick with us… it’s an amazing place!
If you’re traveling to the Phoenix area, moving here, or even if you live here and haven’t taken a trip to the zoo in a while, be sure to set aside a few hours to explore the Phoenix Zoo. The trails and walking paths are well maintained and wind through mature trees and beautiful vegetation. The refurbished elephant habitat is awesome, and with a few more donations (the zoo is a non-profit), we’re told that the Africa Trail is soon to be improved and expanded.
For more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952
eMail: golfarizona@cox.net
Bill Salvatore / Arizona Elite Properties
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