Did you know that opossums have prehensile tails, and help keep tick populations under control? Or that kestrels are the smallest falcon species?

On Friday, April 21, the Staten Island Zoo visited Liberty Science Center to help us celebrate Conservation Weekend. They brought along several animal species including a large Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor, a Savannah Monitor Lizard, an American Kestrel, and a Virginia Opossum. A crowd favorite was their giant Flemish Rabbit, who the guests could get a closer look at after the program. These rabbits can weigh over 20 pounds!

Guests learned all about these animals, their unique adaptations, and conservation issues that affect their wild populations. The presenters also talked about how zoos play a critical role in conservation efforts through education and breeding programs, like the Species Survival Program. The Species Survival Program is an initiative of the National Association of Zoos and Aquariums to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species population. Here at LSC, our Cotton-Top Tamarins are part of the Species Survival Program too.

Although the Staten Island Zoo was only here for one day, you can always view our collection of animals in our Eat and Be Eaten gallery on the 3rd floor. Stop by any of our live animal programs throughout the day to learn more about how you can help conserve wildlife.