Exotic creatures: Myths Debunked
Exotic creatures: Myths Debunked By LISA WOLF Valley Press Staff Writer
A
ccording to rumors, elephants have incredible memories, an intense fear of mice and a love for peanuts. While it may be true that an elephant never forgets, the other two statements have been proven false. Here are a few facts about elephants to trample any other myths about these exotic animals. � Elephants have a life expectancy of about 60 years. � Asian elephants are found in forests and grasslands of India, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Borneo, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. � Though they have many unique qualities, Asian elephants are easily distinguishable from African
L.A. Zoo exhibit aims to house elephants in style, educate visitors
elephants due to their small ears. � African elephants live in countries all across the continent, including Angola, Botswana, Comeroon, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Nimibia and Zimbabwe. � It is estimated that there are about 470,000 African elephants and less than 35,000 Asian elephants left in the wild. Scientists predict these endangered species could both be extinct as early as 2020. � Elephants sleep standing up. � An elephant’s trunk is an extension of its nose and upper lip and can hold up to two gallons of water. It is used for breathing, smelling, bringing food and water into the mouth, spraying water or dust over the body, scratching, trumpeting and moving objects. See CREATURES on Page 21
TRUNK SHOW — Tina interacts with a zookeeper. She and the exhibit’s other female elephant, Jewel, are on loan from the San Diego Zoo and have lived together for more than 30 years.
Animal parks, aquariums offer walk on wild side Tad Motoyama photos HOME SWEET HOME — At left, Elephant Plaza, with lifesize metal statues, is part of the Elephants of Asia exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo. At right, exhibit resident Tina feeds from an enrichment log. By LISA WOLF Valley Press Staff Writer
“They are two former circus elephants who were confiscated by government agencies and tanding 11 feet tall and weighing in at sent to the San Diego Zoo.” After being rescued from the circus, Tina nearly 13,000 pounds, Billy, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ 25- and Jewel were nursed back to health by the year-old Asian elephant, is one of the biggest staff at the San Diego Zoo. The two female elephants, who have lived animals housed in the park. Born in Malaysia, Billy was welcomed to the together for nearly 30 years, arrived at the L.A. zoo in 1989. For the past 21 years, he has seen Zoo Nov. 11 to join Billy in the new exhibit. “We were able to offer them a home. it all, including the construction of the new $42-million Elephants of Asia exhibit which They’re on loan from the San Diego Zoo, (but) opened to the public Dec. 16. we imagine they’ll stay here for a long time,” Billy has also made two new friends. Jacobs said. “They’re a well-bonded pair of “For this exhibit we received Tina and females ... and very vocal.” Jewel,” said Jason Jacobs, zoo spokesman. Each elephant has their own personality, which makes them easier to spot for visitors. According to zoo staff, Billy enjoys bathing in the pool and standing under the waterfall in his new habitat. Tina can often be found swimming on hot days and Jewel loves to be hosed off, just so she can make a muddy mess with the water. In the wild, Asian elephants live on a diet of grasses, shrubs, fruits, vegetables and bark. Billy’s daily menu includes one bale of Sudan grass, 50 pounds of carrots, 40 pounds of raw yams, six heads of romaine lettuce, six ears of corn, three heads of celery, three honeydew melons, 10 pounds of apples, 10 pounds of bananas, five scoops of bran, one scoop of elephant supplement and fresh grass, which he grazes on throughout the day. The Elephants of Asia exhibit features many new additions that will spark excitement in zoo visitors and the elephants who live there. Construction of the habitat was spurred by IT’S GOT LEGS — Also in the exhibit is the Sarus animal rights activists who claimed the old excrane, the world’s tallest species of flying bird. hibit, which was about 3 acres, was too small
January 7-13, 2011/Antelope Valley Press, Showcase
S
14
o catch a glimpse of rarely seen wild animals, you don’t need to venture too far. Along with the Los Angeles Zoo, these parks and aquariums offer an upclose view, close to home.
T
Animal Care Center, which offers an inside look at aquatic medicine. Along with behind-the-scenes tours, visitors can enjoy marine animals in the wild through the aquarium’s Harbor Cruise, Grey Whale Watch and World Port and Sealife Cruise.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Monterey Bay Aquarium
9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Cost: $12.95-$24.95 (565) 590-3100 www.aquariumofpacific.org
10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily 886 Cannery Row, Monterey Cost: $19.95-$29.95 (831) 648-4800 www.montereybayaquarium.org
Experience aquatic life at the Aquarium of the Pacific, featuring the Shark Lagoon, where visitors can gently interact with reef sharks, and the Lorikeet Forest, where guests are allowed to feed lorikeet birds. The aquarium’s newest exhibits include the BP Otter Habitat, home to rescued otters, including 2-year-old Maggie, and the Molina
Featuring flamingos, penguins, seahorses, jelly fish, sea otters, a Giant Pacific Octopus and more, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers at glimpse of aquatic animals from across the globe. The aquarium also features a variety of live programs for guests, including “Mysteries of the Deep,” “Project White Shark” and feeding sessions with otters and penguins. Guided tours, family sleepovers, sailing adventures and scuba diving opportunities are also available.
San Diego Safari Park 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily 15550 San Pascual Valley Road, Escondido Cost: $30-$40 (760) 747-8702 www.sandiegozoo.org
LONER — Among the other species in the Elephants of Asia exhibit is a Chinese water deer, a shy and solitary animal found in only one other zoo in the United States.
for the elephants. Though the new exhibit is double in size, some activists continue to protest, claiming the small space is abusive to the elephants, who are used to roaming 10 to 15 miles a day in the wild. The new six-acre exhibit offers the elephants several bathing pools and a waterfall to play in, hills covered in river sand, which Jacobs said is comfortable and soft on the elephants’ feet, and enrichment opportunities, such as toys and games, to keep the animals occupied. A high-tech, 16,600-square-foot barn has also been added to help the zookeepers better care for the elephants.
The barn is equipped with medical necessities such as a specialized ultrasound unit and a walk-through articulated sling squeeze to ensure that the keepers and animals are safe during veterinary examinations. It also features bedrooms for the animals with the capacity to hold 11 adult elephants. With four themed areas, the habitat allows visitors to explore the role elephants have played throughout Asian history and culture. “It is the story of elephants in four Asian countries: China, Cambodia, Thailand and India,” Jacobs said. See PACHYDERM on Page 21
UNDER THE SEA — Jellyfish swim at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
San Diego’s newly named Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park) gives its visitors a safari experience they would otherwise only get in the African savanna. An African Tram Safari takes tourists into the large field exhibit filled with zebras, giraffes, ostriches, antelope, rhinos and more. The park also features exhibits like the Lion Camp, Elephant Overlook, Condor Ridge and Lorikeet Landing, along with activities including a soaring flightline and veterinary medical center tour. A trip on the flightline and tour of the veterinary medical center each cost $70 per person. Private safaris are available for $40
RUBBERNECK — A giraffe greets visitors at the San Diego Safari Park, formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
per person.
San Diego Zoo 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego Cost: $30-$40 (619) 231-1515 www.sandiegozoo.org
The San Diego Zoo is one of four facilities in the United States to offer visitors the chance to see the critically endangered giant panda in the Panda Canyon exhibit.
Polar bears are also housed at the park in the icy Polar Rim habitat. The zoo recently renovated its elephant exhibit, introducing visitors to the Elephant Odyssey, featuring Asian and African elephants, lions, jaguars, tapirs, camels, sloths and more. Behind-the-scenes tours, animal interactions, education programs and sleepovers are also available for an additional price. See PARKS on Page 21
January 7-13, 2011/Antelope Valley Press, Showcase
By LISA WOLF Valley Press Staff Writer
15
HOLLYWOOD
�
� Clothing line Urban Behavior
on 145th Street East and Avenue Q, in Lake Los Angeles. Also on Dec. 15, a small production crew for Victory Motorcycles used a Mini Cooper to shoot two bikes driving in the Valyermo area, on roads including Valyermo, Fort Tejon, Longview, Bob’s Gap and Big Pines. � M Marketing set up a photo shoot Dec. 19 at Lake L.A. film set Club Ed. Club Ed also hosted a Japanese crew taking photos for an unnamed company on Dec. 18. The film set was the site of a photo shoot for Galeries Lafayette on Dec. 17. No other details were available, but Galeries Lafayette is the name of a department store in Paris, France.
was the subject of a still photo shoot Dec. 14 and 15 at the Four Aces. � Peacock Productions reportedly filmed re-enacted scenes from an infamous Antelope Valley murder case Dec. 15 and 16 at a park and ride lot on East Avenue S in Palmdale. A small crew shot footage late into the night related to the 2000 slaying of 18-year-old Michelle O’Keefe, for which former parking lot security guard Raymond Jennings was convicted in 2009. Peacock Productions is the nonfiction production arm of NBC. The film shoot was reportedly for the pilot episode of a potential series featuring a real-life detective who solves crimes.
From Page 20
Greystone Park & Mansion 18-acre public park surrounding Doheny Mansion features formal gardens, fountain, pool, inner courtyard. Location has been featured in films, including “Indecent Proposal” and “Ghostbusters II.” HOURS: 10 a.m-6 p.m. daily, April through September; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, October through March. ADMISSION: Call for details. LOCATION: 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills. DETAILS: (310) 550-4796 or www.greystonemansion. org
[email protected]
Hannah Carter Japanese Garden at UCLA
Jason Jacobs BIG BOY — Billy the elephant walks the walk in his habitat at the L.A. Zoo.
From Page 14
PARKS From Page 15
SeaWorld San Diego 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego Cost: $61.99-$69.99 (800) 257-4268 www.seaworld.com
Aquatic animals from all bodies of water are available for visitors to see at SeaWorld San Diego. The Wild Arctic habitat is home to polar bears, beluga whales and walruses from the Arctic Ocean, while the Wonders of the River
exhibit displays a variety of freshwater fish, including colossal catfish and the enormous alligator gar fish. Visitors can observe Shamu from an underwater view and even get in the tank with dolphins and beluga whales as part of the animal encounter program. Penguins, sharks, seals, flamingos, sting rays and more also call this aquatic park home. The animal encounter program costs an additional $190. Dolphin interactions are available for $45. [email protected]
CREATURES From Page 15
� Asian elephants can grow to be 11 feet tall and weigh up to 13,000 pounds. � African elephants can reach a height of 13 feet and weigh nearly 14,000 pounds. � Elephants can run up to 24 miles per hour for short distances. � Adult elephants eat over 300 pounds of food every day. � Elephants have a gestation period of about 22 months. � Baby elephants can weigh 200
Chavez Ravine Arboretum
PACHYDERM
SeaWorld San Diego
pounds when they are born and stand at three feet tall. � Baby elephants often suck on their trunks, similar to the way human babies suck on their thumbs. � Elephants mature around 9 to 14 years of age. Male elephants often leave the herd around 12 to 15 years of age to pursue a solitary life, but return for breeding once a year. � Female elephants stay with the herd for life and lead the calves in the male elephants’ absence. [email protected]
The exhibit is split into different viewing sections, each representative of one of the four countries. Zoo visitors will get to enjoy the elephants in their habitat while learning about their origins and the struggles they are facing in the wild. In Thailand, visitors will learn about working elephants who are unemployed due to the development of construction equipment. The Indian section of the exhibit will teach about fractured forests, which are hurting the endangered species’ numbers. In China, guests will get an inside look at the unique, respectful relationship the Dai people have with Asian elephants. Despite their love of the animal, it is estimated that there are only 250 elephants left in China. The section of the exhibit dedicated to Cambodia will open visitors’ eyes to the challenges Asian elephants face in the Cardamon Mountains. Visitors will also get a chance to donate to “Billy’s Bank,” depositing a coin and hearing a unique elephant sound in exchange. Proceeds from “Billy’s Bank” benefit the zoo’s elephants and conservation efforts for wild elephants and their natural habitat. For many years, the zoo has worked with Fauna & Flora International on their conservation efforts. Elephants are hunted illegally for
Kyoto-style garden showcases antique carvings, structures including main gate, tea house, five-tiered pagoda, moon-viewing deck, family shrine, bridges. HOURS: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Reservations required. An online tour is available. ADMISSION: Free. LOCATION: 10619 Bellagio Road, West Los Angeles. DETAILS: (310) 794-0320 or www.japanesegarden.ucla .edu/
their ivory tusks and their habitat is quickly diminishing, leaving less than an estimated 35,000 Asian elephants in the wild. FFI has more than 100 conservation projects in 40 countries around the world, including Cambodia, where they are fighting to protect the Asian elephant and its natural habitat. The L.A. Zoo is also home to other endangered animals such as the Sumatran tiger, snow leopard, western lowland gorilla, giant otter and Grevy’s zebra. One important aspect of the zoo’s new elephant exhibit is the possibility of breeding and developing a new herd at the zoo. “Right now Billy can see (Tina and Jewel), they can smell each other, but as far as introducing them ... that’s up to the elephants,” Jacobs said. “We feel Tina and Jewel will be a good fit for breeding, (but) we can’t rush them.” The exhibit aims to educate the public about the harsh reality elephants face in the wild while giving visitors a chance to experience their majestic beauty and little known playfulness. “Really the reward for many of us at the zoo is the public coming in to see the exhibit,” Jacobs said. “This is something that our visitors wanted to see and learn about.” [email protected]
One of California’s first and oldest arboretums featuring more then 100 different kinds of trees. HOURS: 7 a.m.-sunset. ADMISSION: Free. LOCATION: Elysian Park is off the 5 or 110 freeways. The Chavez Ravine Arboretum is on the west side of Stadium Way near the Grace E. Simon Lodge. DETAILS: (213) 485-5054.
Exposition Park Rose Garden The rose garden offers a display of beds of roses arranged in a grassgirded oval around a water fountain. HOURS: 9 a.m.-sunset daily. Closes from Jan. 1March 15 for maintenance. ADMISSION: Call for details. LOCATION: 701 State Drive, Los Angeles. DETAILS: (213) 763-0114.
Sepulveda Garden Center The 16-acre property is a community garden containing 420 plots. HOURS: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily. Also open one evening a week during summer. Closed holidays. ADMISSION: Call for details. LOCATION: 16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino. DETAILS: (818) 784-5180.
January 7-13, 2011/Antelope Valley Press, Showcase
From Page 4
GARDENS
21
A
ccording to rumors, elephants have incredible memories, an intense fear of mice and a love for peanuts. While it may be true that an elephant never forgets, the other two statements have been proven false. Here are a few facts about elephants to trample any other myths about these exotic animals. � Elephants have a life expectancy of about 60 years. � Asian elephants are found in forests and grasslands of India, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Borneo, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. � Though they have many unique qualities, Asian elephants are easily distinguishable from African
L.A. Zoo exhibit aims to house elephants in style, educate visitors
elephants due to their small ears. � African elephants live in countries all across the continent, including Angola, Botswana, Comeroon, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Nimibia and Zimbabwe. � It is estimated that there are about 470,000 African elephants and less than 35,000 Asian elephants left in the wild. Scientists predict these endangered species could both be extinct as early as 2020. � Elephants sleep standing up. � An elephant’s trunk is an extension of its nose and upper lip and can hold up to two gallons of water. It is used for breathing, smelling, bringing food and water into the mouth, spraying water or dust over the body, scratching, trumpeting and moving objects. See CREATURES on Page 21
TRUNK SHOW — Tina interacts with a zookeeper. She and the exhibit’s other female elephant, Jewel, are on loan from the San Diego Zoo and have lived together for more than 30 years.
Animal parks, aquariums offer walk on wild side Tad Motoyama photos HOME SWEET HOME — At left, Elephant Plaza, with lifesize metal statues, is part of the Elephants of Asia exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo. At right, exhibit resident Tina feeds from an enrichment log. By LISA WOLF Valley Press Staff Writer
“They are two former circus elephants who were confiscated by government agencies and tanding 11 feet tall and weighing in at sent to the San Diego Zoo.” After being rescued from the circus, Tina nearly 13,000 pounds, Billy, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ 25- and Jewel were nursed back to health by the year-old Asian elephant, is one of the biggest staff at the San Diego Zoo. The two female elephants, who have lived animals housed in the park. Born in Malaysia, Billy was welcomed to the together for nearly 30 years, arrived at the L.A. zoo in 1989. For the past 21 years, he has seen Zoo Nov. 11 to join Billy in the new exhibit. “We were able to offer them a home. it all, including the construction of the new $42-million Elephants of Asia exhibit which They’re on loan from the San Diego Zoo, (but) opened to the public Dec. 16. we imagine they’ll stay here for a long time,” Billy has also made two new friends. Jacobs said. “They’re a well-bonded pair of “For this exhibit we received Tina and females ... and very vocal.” Jewel,” said Jason Jacobs, zoo spokesman. Each elephant has their own personality, which makes them easier to spot for visitors. According to zoo staff, Billy enjoys bathing in the pool and standing under the waterfall in his new habitat. Tina can often be found swimming on hot days and Jewel loves to be hosed off, just so she can make a muddy mess with the water. In the wild, Asian elephants live on a diet of grasses, shrubs, fruits, vegetables and bark. Billy’s daily menu includes one bale of Sudan grass, 50 pounds of carrots, 40 pounds of raw yams, six heads of romaine lettuce, six ears of corn, three heads of celery, three honeydew melons, 10 pounds of apples, 10 pounds of bananas, five scoops of bran, one scoop of elephant supplement and fresh grass, which he grazes on throughout the day. The Elephants of Asia exhibit features many new additions that will spark excitement in zoo visitors and the elephants who live there. Construction of the habitat was spurred by IT’S GOT LEGS — Also in the exhibit is the Sarus animal rights activists who claimed the old excrane, the world’s tallest species of flying bird. hibit, which was about 3 acres, was too small
January 7-13, 2011/Antelope Valley Press, Showcase
S
14
o catch a glimpse of rarely seen wild animals, you don’t need to venture too far. Along with the Los Angeles Zoo, these parks and aquariums offer an upclose view, close to home.
T
Animal Care Center, which offers an inside look at aquatic medicine. Along with behind-the-scenes tours, visitors can enjoy marine animals in the wild through the aquarium’s Harbor Cruise, Grey Whale Watch and World Port and Sealife Cruise.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Monterey Bay Aquarium
9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Cost: $12.95-$24.95 (565) 590-3100 www.aquariumofpacific.org
10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily 886 Cannery Row, Monterey Cost: $19.95-$29.95 (831) 648-4800 www.montereybayaquarium.org
Experience aquatic life at the Aquarium of the Pacific, featuring the Shark Lagoon, where visitors can gently interact with reef sharks, and the Lorikeet Forest, where guests are allowed to feed lorikeet birds. The aquarium’s newest exhibits include the BP Otter Habitat, home to rescued otters, including 2-year-old Maggie, and the Molina
Featuring flamingos, penguins, seahorses, jelly fish, sea otters, a Giant Pacific Octopus and more, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers at glimpse of aquatic animals from across the globe. The aquarium also features a variety of live programs for guests, including “Mysteries of the Deep,” “Project White Shark” and feeding sessions with otters and penguins. Guided tours, family sleepovers, sailing adventures and scuba diving opportunities are also available.
San Diego Safari Park 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily 15550 San Pascual Valley Road, Escondido Cost: $30-$40 (760) 747-8702 www.sandiegozoo.org
LONER — Among the other species in the Elephants of Asia exhibit is a Chinese water deer, a shy and solitary animal found in only one other zoo in the United States.
for the elephants. Though the new exhibit is double in size, some activists continue to protest, claiming the small space is abusive to the elephants, who are used to roaming 10 to 15 miles a day in the wild. The new six-acre exhibit offers the elephants several bathing pools and a waterfall to play in, hills covered in river sand, which Jacobs said is comfortable and soft on the elephants’ feet, and enrichment opportunities, such as toys and games, to keep the animals occupied. A high-tech, 16,600-square-foot barn has also been added to help the zookeepers better care for the elephants.
The barn is equipped with medical necessities such as a specialized ultrasound unit and a walk-through articulated sling squeeze to ensure that the keepers and animals are safe during veterinary examinations. It also features bedrooms for the animals with the capacity to hold 11 adult elephants. With four themed areas, the habitat allows visitors to explore the role elephants have played throughout Asian history and culture. “It is the story of elephants in four Asian countries: China, Cambodia, Thailand and India,” Jacobs said. See PACHYDERM on Page 21
UNDER THE SEA — Jellyfish swim at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
San Diego’s newly named Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park) gives its visitors a safari experience they would otherwise only get in the African savanna. An African Tram Safari takes tourists into the large field exhibit filled with zebras, giraffes, ostriches, antelope, rhinos and more. The park also features exhibits like the Lion Camp, Elephant Overlook, Condor Ridge and Lorikeet Landing, along with activities including a soaring flightline and veterinary medical center tour. A trip on the flightline and tour of the veterinary medical center each cost $70 per person. Private safaris are available for $40
RUBBERNECK — A giraffe greets visitors at the San Diego Safari Park, formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
per person.
San Diego Zoo 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego Cost: $30-$40 (619) 231-1515 www.sandiegozoo.org
The San Diego Zoo is one of four facilities in the United States to offer visitors the chance to see the critically endangered giant panda in the Panda Canyon exhibit.
Polar bears are also housed at the park in the icy Polar Rim habitat. The zoo recently renovated its elephant exhibit, introducing visitors to the Elephant Odyssey, featuring Asian and African elephants, lions, jaguars, tapirs, camels, sloths and more. Behind-the-scenes tours, animal interactions, education programs and sleepovers are also available for an additional price. See PARKS on Page 21
January 7-13, 2011/Antelope Valley Press, Showcase
By LISA WOLF Valley Press Staff Writer
15
HOLLYWOOD
�
� Clothing line Urban Behavior
on 145th Street East and Avenue Q, in Lake Los Angeles. Also on Dec. 15, a small production crew for Victory Motorcycles used a Mini Cooper to shoot two bikes driving in the Valyermo area, on roads including Valyermo, Fort Tejon, Longview, Bob’s Gap and Big Pines. � M Marketing set up a photo shoot Dec. 19 at Lake L.A. film set Club Ed. Club Ed also hosted a Japanese crew taking photos for an unnamed company on Dec. 18. The film set was the site of a photo shoot for Galeries Lafayette on Dec. 17. No other details were available, but Galeries Lafayette is the name of a department store in Paris, France.
was the subject of a still photo shoot Dec. 14 and 15 at the Four Aces. � Peacock Productions reportedly filmed re-enacted scenes from an infamous Antelope Valley murder case Dec. 15 and 16 at a park and ride lot on East Avenue S in Palmdale. A small crew shot footage late into the night related to the 2000 slaying of 18-year-old Michelle O’Keefe, for which former parking lot security guard Raymond Jennings was convicted in 2009. Peacock Productions is the nonfiction production arm of NBC. The film shoot was reportedly for the pilot episode of a potential series featuring a real-life detective who solves crimes.
From Page 20
Greystone Park & Mansion 18-acre public park surrounding Doheny Mansion features formal gardens, fountain, pool, inner courtyard. Location has been featured in films, including “Indecent Proposal” and “Ghostbusters II.” HOURS: 10 a.m-6 p.m. daily, April through September; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, October through March. ADMISSION: Call for details. LOCATION: 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills. DETAILS: (310) 550-4796 or www.greystonemansion. org
[email protected]
Hannah Carter Japanese Garden at UCLA
Jason Jacobs BIG BOY — Billy the elephant walks the walk in his habitat at the L.A. Zoo.
From Page 14
PARKS From Page 15
SeaWorld San Diego 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego Cost: $61.99-$69.99 (800) 257-4268 www.seaworld.com
Aquatic animals from all bodies of water are available for visitors to see at SeaWorld San Diego. The Wild Arctic habitat is home to polar bears, beluga whales and walruses from the Arctic Ocean, while the Wonders of the River
exhibit displays a variety of freshwater fish, including colossal catfish and the enormous alligator gar fish. Visitors can observe Shamu from an underwater view and even get in the tank with dolphins and beluga whales as part of the animal encounter program. Penguins, sharks, seals, flamingos, sting rays and more also call this aquatic park home. The animal encounter program costs an additional $190. Dolphin interactions are available for $45. [email protected]
CREATURES From Page 15
� Asian elephants can grow to be 11 feet tall and weigh up to 13,000 pounds. � African elephants can reach a height of 13 feet and weigh nearly 14,000 pounds. � Elephants can run up to 24 miles per hour for short distances. � Adult elephants eat over 300 pounds of food every day. � Elephants have a gestation period of about 22 months. � Baby elephants can weigh 200
Chavez Ravine Arboretum
PACHYDERM
SeaWorld San Diego
pounds when they are born and stand at three feet tall. � Baby elephants often suck on their trunks, similar to the way human babies suck on their thumbs. � Elephants mature around 9 to 14 years of age. Male elephants often leave the herd around 12 to 15 years of age to pursue a solitary life, but return for breeding once a year. � Female elephants stay with the herd for life and lead the calves in the male elephants’ absence. [email protected]
The exhibit is split into different viewing sections, each representative of one of the four countries. Zoo visitors will get to enjoy the elephants in their habitat while learning about their origins and the struggles they are facing in the wild. In Thailand, visitors will learn about working elephants who are unemployed due to the development of construction equipment. The Indian section of the exhibit will teach about fractured forests, which are hurting the endangered species’ numbers. In China, guests will get an inside look at the unique, respectful relationship the Dai people have with Asian elephants. Despite their love of the animal, it is estimated that there are only 250 elephants left in China. The section of the exhibit dedicated to Cambodia will open visitors’ eyes to the challenges Asian elephants face in the Cardamon Mountains. Visitors will also get a chance to donate to “Billy’s Bank,” depositing a coin and hearing a unique elephant sound in exchange. Proceeds from “Billy’s Bank” benefit the zoo’s elephants and conservation efforts for wild elephants and their natural habitat. For many years, the zoo has worked with Fauna & Flora International on their conservation efforts. Elephants are hunted illegally for
Kyoto-style garden showcases antique carvings, structures including main gate, tea house, five-tiered pagoda, moon-viewing deck, family shrine, bridges. HOURS: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Reservations required. An online tour is available. ADMISSION: Free. LOCATION: 10619 Bellagio Road, West Los Angeles. DETAILS: (310) 794-0320 or www.japanesegarden.ucla .edu/
their ivory tusks and their habitat is quickly diminishing, leaving less than an estimated 35,000 Asian elephants in the wild. FFI has more than 100 conservation projects in 40 countries around the world, including Cambodia, where they are fighting to protect the Asian elephant and its natural habitat. The L.A. Zoo is also home to other endangered animals such as the Sumatran tiger, snow leopard, western lowland gorilla, giant otter and Grevy’s zebra. One important aspect of the zoo’s new elephant exhibit is the possibility of breeding and developing a new herd at the zoo. “Right now Billy can see (Tina and Jewel), they can smell each other, but as far as introducing them ... that’s up to the elephants,” Jacobs said. “We feel Tina and Jewel will be a good fit for breeding, (but) we can’t rush them.” The exhibit aims to educate the public about the harsh reality elephants face in the wild while giving visitors a chance to experience their majestic beauty and little known playfulness. “Really the reward for many of us at the zoo is the public coming in to see the exhibit,” Jacobs said. “This is something that our visitors wanted to see and learn about.” [email protected]
One of California’s first and oldest arboretums featuring more then 100 different kinds of trees. HOURS: 7 a.m.-sunset. ADMISSION: Free. LOCATION: Elysian Park is off the 5 or 110 freeways. The Chavez Ravine Arboretum is on the west side of Stadium Way near the Grace E. Simon Lodge. DETAILS: (213) 485-5054.
Exposition Park Rose Garden The rose garden offers a display of beds of roses arranged in a grassgirded oval around a water fountain. HOURS: 9 a.m.-sunset daily. Closes from Jan. 1March 15 for maintenance. ADMISSION: Call for details. LOCATION: 701 State Drive, Los Angeles. DETAILS: (213) 763-0114.
Sepulveda Garden Center The 16-acre property is a community garden containing 420 plots. HOURS: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily. Also open one evening a week during summer. Closed holidays. ADMISSION: Call for details. LOCATION: 16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino. DETAILS: (818) 784-5180.
January 7-13, 2011/Antelope Valley Press, Showcase
From Page 4
GARDENS
21
