Abilene Zoo Welcomes Prairie Dog Pups, 2 New Birds
By: News Release
Updated: April 27, 2012
"Though sometimes it's hard to catch these guys above ground, it's worth waiting for," says Zoo Director Bill Gersonde. "They're miniatures of the adults and very cute." said Gersonde.
The babies were born in a maternity den chamber located in the burrow and the pups emerge at approximately six weeks.
A new pair of black-necked swans is now on display in the Wetlands of the Americas exhibit.
The swans inhabit fresh water marshes and lakes and are native to southern South America. Their body is white and neck black with a bright red knob behind the bill.
"These beautiful birds are a great addition to our bird collection" says Zoo Director Bill Gersonde. "Folks are really going to enjoy watching them glide gracefully across the pond".
Black-necked swans are among the fastest of the eight species of swans, clocked flying at speeds of nearly 50 miles per hour.






