Daily Animal Facts

On August 3, 1913, ornithologist Howard H. Cleaves successfully banded an Osprey chick on Gardiner's Island, New York. This marked one of the earliest documented instances of bird banding focused on Ospreys in North America, initiating a century-long effort to understand their migration patterns and lifespan. This particular chick, had it lived an average Osprey lifespan of 25 years, could have potentially migrated approximately 12,500 miles (20,117 kilometers) annually during migration, for a grand total of 312,500 miles (502,890 kilometers) across its lifetime!

On August 2, 2021, Lun Lun, a giant panda at Zoo Atlanta, gave birth to a healthy female cub. This marked Lun Lun's seventh successful birth, contributing significantly to the conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. The cub, initially weighing approximately 100 grams (0.22 pounds), represented a 14.3% addition to the total number of giant pandas (49) living in zoos across the USA during 2021.

On August 1, 2000, Mei Xiang, a giant panda at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington D.C., gave birth to a male cub named Tai Shan. His arrival marked a momentous occasion in panda conservation efforts. Tai Shan weighed approximately 4 ounces (113 grams) at birth, representing roughly 0.02% of his mother's weight, which is a great sign of health!

On July 31, 2014, Tawala, a beloved Western Lowland Gorilla at the Fort Worth Zoo, celebrated her 50th birthday! This was a significant milestone, as gorillas in captivity typically live to around 35-40 years. Tawala's remarkable lifespan highlighted the excellent care she received and her contribution to gorilla conservation efforts through breeding programs. At 50 years old, she was equivalent to 18,262 days of enrichment, care, and banana treats!

On July 30, 1941, the Akhal-Teke horse, known for its metallic sheen and incredible endurance, was officially recognized as a distinct breed in the Soviet Union. This recognition solidified the Akhal-Teke's unique status and pedigree, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Considering the Akhal-Teke breed's history likely dates back approximately 3,000 years, the official recognition happened after approximately 1,095,000 days of existence as a genetic bloodline, a testament to its enduring qualities!

On July 29, 2015, Zoo Atlanta joyfully celebrated the 100th day of life for its giant panda twins, Mei Lun and Mei Huan! Reaching this milestone was a testament to the dedicated care provided by the zoo staff and a positive sign for the survival of these vulnerable creatures. At 100 days old, these cubs had surpassed a critical period in their development, signifying a major victory for panda conservation efforts. The survival rate of giant panda cubs improves significantly after reaching this age.

On July 28, 2020, Shuan Shuan, the oldest giant panda living in captivity in Mexico, celebrated his 33rd birthday at the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City. Born in 1987, Shuan Shuan's longevity is a testament to the zoo's dedication to panda care. His 33 years represent approximately 10,950 days (33 years * 365 days/year + leap years) of contributing to research, education, and conservation efforts surrounding this beloved species.