ARIZONA NEWS

Endangered black-footed ferrets born at Phoenix Zoo’s conservation center

Aug 6, 2022, 6:30 AM

(Phoenix Zoo photo)...

(Phoenix Zoo photo)

(Phoenix Zoo photo)

PHOENIX — Twenty-one endangered black-footed ferrets were born at the Phoenix Zoo this breeding season in an effort to reintroduce the animals to the wild, the zoo and the Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center announced this week.

The Phoenix Zoo is working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Black-Footed Ferret Species Survival Plan as one of six facilities breeding the ferrets for release to the wild, according to a press release.

Black-footed ferrets are one of the most endangered species in North America at an estimated 300 wild-born or released animals.

There were as many as five million ferrets in the United States during the early 1900s, according to the Nature Conservancy. However, the sylvatic plague, extermination due to agriculture concerns and habitat loss have contributed to the population plummeting.

They were listed as endangered in 1967 and ruled extinct in 1979, but reintroduction efforts have contributed to their survival.

“We are thrilled to have another successful black-footed ferret breeding season and excited for these little kits to grow up and contribute to the recovery of their species,” Dr. Tara Harris, director of conservation and science at the Phoenix Zoo, said in a statement.

The Phoenix Zoo has produced over 500 black-footed ferrets over the last 30 years with the breeding program. many of which were introduced to the wild in Arizona prairies and grasslands, according to the release.

Thirteen kits (baby ferrets) born in Phoenix last year have been set in the wild in Colorado.

The young kits are being raised with their mothers in a specially designed dens.

“The ferret moms are doing a fantastic job of caring for the new kits,” Harris said. “The kits will stay with their mothers for the next few months. Some will likely be destined for release to the wild whereas others will be retained for the breeding program.”

The Johnson Conservation Center at the zoo also breeds cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls, narrow-headed gartersnakes and Chiricahua leopard frogs and other Arizona species of survival concern.

The Phoenix Zoo is asking the public for help naming a litter of four kits, which are one month old.

The name choices are:

• Kyoshi, Toph, Suki, and Azula (characters from Avatar the Last Air Bender)
• Freya, Eisa, Idunn, and Senua (Norse mythology names)
• Espeon, Umbreon, Flareon, and Jolteon (Pokémon characters)
• Maple, Acacia, Cedar, Willow

Voting runs through Aug. 16 and can be done on the zoo’s social media channels and zNews, the Zoo’s email newsletter.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Karrin Taylor Robson...

Kevin Stone

Karrin Taylor Robson announces 2nd run for governor of Arizona

Karrin Taylor Robson, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, announced Wednesday she is running again in 2026.

1 hour ago

Phoenix police officers shot and killed a suspect near Williams Field and and Higley roads in Gilbe...

KTAR.com

Man killed in overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert

A man was killed in an overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert, authorities said Wednesday morning.

2 hours ago

A Scottsdale estate with a Jordan shoe display and a full basketball gym was listed for $23.5 milli...

Kevin Stone

Furnished Scottsdale estate with basketball gym, Jordan sneaker display listed for $23.5M

A basketball lover’s dream home is on the market in north Scottsdale, but you better have plenty of space under your salary cap if you want to buy it.

3 hours ago

Uranium mining...

Kevin Stone

Arizona GOP leader wants Trump administration to remove uranium mining restrictions

Arizona's Republican Senate president is hoping the Trump administration will undo actions by former presidents that curtail uranium mining in the state.

3 hours ago

56 trees growing into power lines to be removed in 2 cities...

Serena O'Sullivan

SRP to remove 56 trees growing too close to power lines in Chandler, Apache Junction

The Salt River Project (SRP) is teaming up with the cities of Chandler and Apache Junction to remove 56 trees growing into power lines.

4 hours ago

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approv...

David Veenstra

2 state employees convicted of receiving bribes

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approve unemployment insurance claims.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Endangered black-footed ferrets born at Phoenix Zoo’s conservation center