ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix Zoo has best black-footed ferret breeding season in 20 years

Aug 4, 2021, 4:00 PM

(Phoenix Zoo Photo)...

(Phoenix Zoo Photo)

(Phoenix Zoo Photo)

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo had its most successful black-footed ferret breeding season in 20 years, with 27 kits born since May.

The six litters of the endangered species were born in about a month to mothers Mandolin, Lazuli, Ridley, Sedona, Vermillion, Yoshi and Jarvis, their father.

“It has certainly been a banner year for ferret kits at the Conservation Center,” Dr. Tara Harris, director of conservation and science, said in a press release.

The litters are being raised inside specially designed nest boxes at the zoo’s Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center.

The zoo is asking for the public’s help in naming Sedona’s litter of three females, who are about 2 months old.

Suggestions were offered by zoo staff, narrowed down by Conservation Center staff and then grouped into three categories.

The three categories are Arizona towns (Strawberry, Payson, Bisbee), Marvel Universe characters (Wanda, Scarlet, Agatha) and desert plants (Saguaro, Cholla, Prickly Pear).

Voting is live now and will remain open through Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. Winners will be announced Aug. 16.

“We are hopeful that the kits produced at the Phoenix Zoo will be valuable contributors to the recovery of their species,” Harris said.

The Johnson Conservation Center at the Phoenix Zoo is one of six facilities across the world that breed black-footed ferrets for release to the wild, producing over 500 in the past 30 years.

The ferrets are released into the wild in prairie grasslands in Arizona and other parts of their native environment.

We want to hear from you.

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

Arizona News

APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase....

Kevin Stone

Here’s why APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase

APS energy customers will soon see another rate increase after state regulators signed off on a proposed adjustment this week.

10 minutes ago

A man was seriously injured in a house fire in Arcadia on Friday morning...

Kevin Stone

Man pulled from Arcadia house fire, rushed to hospital with serious injuries

A man was seriously injured after a house fire broke out in Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood on Friday morning.

1 hour ago

Two teens were seriously injured Thursday evening after their all-terrain vehicle ended up in a dry...

Kevin Stone

2 teens seriously injured after ATV ends up in dry Phoenix canal

Two teens were seriously injured Thursday evening after their all-terrain vehicle ended up in a dry Phoenix canal, authorities said.

2 hours ago

A new report found one-third of Arizona public grade school students are chronically absent from sc...

Balin Overstolz

Chronic absentee rate for Arizona students remains far above pre-pandemic level, study finds

A new report found one-third of Arizona public grade school students are chronically absent from school, which is double the absence rate before the pandemic.

4 hours ago

Katie Hobbs southern border...

Danny Shapiro

Arizona Gov. Hobbs says she welcomes help as more active-duty military head to southern border

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is inviting more help at the southern border as more active-duty military are set to be deployed to the state.

4 hours ago

The Phoenix Marathon is set to take place in December....

Lance Hartzler

Phoenix gets its first signature marathon in December

The Phoenix City Council approved the city's first full signature marathon, which is to include a full, half and 10-kilometer race.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

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.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Phoenix Zoo has best black-footed ferret breeding season in 20 years