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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

All rise for Earth Day! 🌎💚🦊 Earth Day is celebrated by millions worldwide today, April 22, but we live and breathe Earth Day year round! 📸: Steven Gotz

Photos of wildlife at the Zoo. In the first, a fennec fox climbs a log and looks right at us with its big ears perked up.

The third shot is of an Asian small-clawed otter standing on its hind legs after a swim in its pool.

Finally, we see a Bennett’s wallaby with its joey poking its head out of her pouch in the last shot.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

The Santa Barbara Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nina, the beloved 20-year-old black swan.

Nina the black swan looks at us as she gently floats in the waters under the Swan Bridge in this monochrome photo.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

The way we’re looking at our feed today: 🤨🧐🙄 Keep an incredulous eye out for monkey business, Zoo friends! Have a fun #AprilFoolsDay! 📸: Elyse Jankowski

Calabaza the white-faced saki sits on a branch and looks over his shoulder with widened eyes, as if he were doing a double take.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

The sun may set on #Caturday, but never on big cat conservation! 🌅😼 📸: Elyse Jankowski

Golden light falls across Tamur the Amur leopard as he lies on his side and watches the sunset in the first picture.

In the second, we see a close-up of the side of Layan the snow leopard’s face being warmed by twilight.

Finally, Ralph lifts his head over tall grasses to watch the sunset from his habitat at the Zoo in the last picture.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Alfalfa hay crumbs count as wearing green, right? Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Zoo friends! 💚🦒 📸: Animal Care Supervisor Ariel

Malia the Masai giraffe wraps her tongue around a small branch as she attempts to strip it of its green leaves in these pictures. Green alfalfa hay dust rests along the top of her snout— evidence of a recent bite at one of her feeders.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

All-new Twilight Hours at the Zoo starts this Friday, March 13! 🌅🌴🐵 Starting March 13, enjoy more of your favorite Zoo with new extended hours from 9:30 AM to 7 PM! Twilight Hours includes live music, entertainment, food & drink specials, walking tours, gorgeous sunsets, and more!

Theo the Masai giraffe munches on browse as an awe-inspiring sunset soaks the sky in an amber glow behind him.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Happy World Wildlife Day! 🦦💚🌏 Each and everyday, we celebrate the rich diversity of the world’s wildlife wonders and affirm our commitment to conserving the natural world through education, science, and unforgettable experiences. 📸: Elyse Jankowski

Photos of animals at the Zoo. In the first, a pair of Asian small-clawed otters stay close after hopping out of their pool.

Next, a Fiji banded iguana shows off its brilliant green and blue hues as it rests on a branch.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Tamur’s face card never declines! 😸💳 #FunFact: Amur leopards have coats like fingerprints! These big cats have unique spot patterns that make individuals distinguishable by their rosettes. 📸: Animal Care Supervisor Ariel

Tamur the Amur leopard smiles for the camera as he flashes his fangs for this close-up.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you love birds! 💗🕊️ 📸: Keeper Maureen

Reggie the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo excitedly receives some Valentine’s Day enrichment from Keeper Maureen. He rifles through pink and red tissue paper to find the nuts and seeds it conceals.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

GO BIRDS! 🦅🦉🦆 (This is not a Super Bowl post, we just love birds!)

Pictures of birds around the Zoo. In the first, we see Monty the Humboldt penguin excitedly braying just outside of his nest.

Next, a cozy-looking California condor perches for a finely feathered close-up.

Amelia the American bald eagle perches amidst green leaves in the third picture.

Finally, we see a portrait of an ashy-colored tawny frogmouth in the last picture.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Congratulations! You can stop doomscrolling now that you’ve reached this cute critter corner! 🌸🦔😊 📸: Keeper Addy

Miles the prehensile-tailed porcupine chews on veggies as he gets a noseful of grewia flower scent before getting a few of the flowers stuck in his quills.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Today’s reason to shell-abrate: 70s and sunshine in January! 😎☀️🐢

Joaquin the western pond turtle stretches one of his back legs as he basks on a sunny rock in his pond home near the Chilean flamingo habitat.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

😏😮‍💨☺️ 📸: Animal Care Supervisor Ariel

Nzinga the Western lowland gorilla has fun with his food in these pictures as he makes faces while plucking the tastiest leaves off the branch he holds in his right hand.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

3…2…1… Happy 𝘡𝘰𝘰 Year! 🎉🪩🥳 There’s a lot to see at the Zoo, but as 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite animal photos this year! What animals are you looking forward to seeing more of in 2026?

First photo: Ruby the red panda turns toward our camera, tail in tow.

Second photo: Theo the Masai giraffe chews on browse with the Santa Barbara coastline in the background.

Third photo: A California tiger salamander smiles for a close-up.

Fourth photo: Banjo the amu plays with a green streamer as he celebrates his birthday.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Deck the halls with browse aplenty! 🌲🦒

The Masai giraffe tower enjoys holiday enrichment in these photos. In the first, Theo the Masai giraffe gnaws on a browse wreath.

In the second, he pokes his head through the wreath and reaches his tongue out towards our camera.

Next, we see Adia the Masai giraffe watching Theo chow down from afar.

Finally, Malia the Masai giraffe gets her chance to chow down on the browse wreath in the last picture.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

A bright and merry future for this northern red-legged frog! 🎁🐸✨

A Northern red-legged frog gently rests on a bed of substrate at the Zoo in these pictures. She calmly looks at our camera as we admire her namesake bright red legs.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

⚠️ SHORTENED HOURS ⚠️ Due to the storm, the Zoo will be open from 12 PM to 3:30 PM today, December 24. Some services will be limited. Please use caution if conditions appear unsafe for driving.

Bangori the Western lowland peeks at us from around a branch wrapped in decorative holiday streamers. We spot bits of greenery on his lip, chest, and belly as evidence of puzzle feeder usage.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

Big cats that are as rare as they are unique! 😯✨🐆 Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, there are estimated to be less than 200 individual Amur leopards remaining in the wild. These solitary apex predators each have unique spot patterns, much like a coat of fingerprints. #Caturday

Tamur the Amur leopard peeks around a wall of his habitat, looking at our camera wide-eyed.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

We hope you have a 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 great Thanksgiving! 🦎🫛 The Zoo is open today for Thanksgiving, but closes early at 3:30 PM. The last entry time is at 2:00 PM, so please consider visiting early to make the most of your day. Zoo Members are admitted until 2:30 PM. 📸: Keeper Addy

Dapple the prehensile-tailed skink happily chows down on a green bean in the first picture.

In the second, Dapple’s jaw snaps shut on the green bean and shows us a toothy grin.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Say hello to Mel the white-handed gibbon! 👋🐵

A photo of Mel (right) and Chanee (left) the white-handed gibbons sitting together on a log bridge on Gibbon Island at the Zoo.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Ask us why they’re called “blue-tongued skinks.” 😜💙 #TongueOutTuesday 📸: Keeper Addy

Melbourne the blue-tongued skink crawls through the grass and pokes out his bright blue tongue at Keeper Addy in these pictures.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

We can hardly think of a more appropriate photo to post on Bluesky… 😏 📸: Animal Care Supervisor Ariel

A dark silhouette of a tall, ossicone-bearing animal taken from a low angle. A bright blue and cloudy sky fills the background and beautifully frames the not-so-mysterious mammal.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

The Zoo is ecstatic to announce that we’ve won FOUR awards in this year’s Santa Barbara Independent Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Educator Whitney smiles as she shows off Mottle the prehensile-tailed skink to a pair of Zoo Campers. Above them hover four badges signifying the Zoo’s honors in this year’s Santa Barbara Independent Best of Santa Barbara® Readers’ Poll.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Things we love to see at the Zoo #9987: Birds seeing us! 👁️👄👁️ First picture 📸: Keeper Addy

Gumdrop the white-cheeked turaco stares at Keeper Addy’s camera while leaning forward with their paintbrush-like crest in the first picture.

In the next, Fig the toco toucan matches Gumdrop’s pose, albeit with a much bigger beak.

Finally, we see Amelia the bald eagle look our way through the leaves of her habitat’s trees in the last photo.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Today, the Zoo mourns the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, Dame of the British Empire, UN Messenger of Peace, and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. A trailblazing primatologist and legendary wildlife advocate, Jane Goodall’s impact on worldwide conservation efforts cannot be understated.

Dr. Jane Goodall (right) answers questions from local news reporters near the Zoo’s giraffe yard as Baringo giraffe saunter in the background.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

Paws appreciation post! 🐾🦁 #Caturday African lions' paws house sharp claws they use to hunt and grip prey. These claws are retractable, a handy adaptation that enables them to walk on their toes as they stealthily stalk their would-be meals.

Ralph the African lion lets his forepaws droop over the edge of a rock face while lowering his maned head in preparation for a catnap in the first picture.

📸: Keeper Ariel

Felicia the African lioness rests near her habitat’s observation window and extends her front right forepaw as if to show off a fresh pedicure in the second picture.

📸: Keeper Ariel

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

September 8 is Iguana Awareness Day! 🦎👀 Iguanas are magnificent reptiles that come in many shapes, sizes, and colors! There are currently 35 different recognized species of iguanas that exhibit different behaviors and adaptations depending on the habitat in which they reside.

A Fiji banded iguana smirks at our camera as it discovers a bright yellow flower in its Tropical Wonders home.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Sharing silly salamander smiles to brighten your day! 🤗

Pictures of California tiger salamanders in their Rattlesnake Canyon habitat at the Zoo. In the first, a salamander stares at our camera with its big, glassy eyes and dirt covering its head.

Next, another tiger salamander peeks out of its pool and shoots a smile our way.

Finally, we see yet another salamander crawl through the debris of its habitat to curiously get a closer look at us in the last photo.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Giraffe or tree trunk? 🌴🦒🤔 Giraffe are covered in dark, multipurpose spots. These spots act as a form of camouflage, obscuring the giraffe’s outline and helping to conceal the gentle giants from savannah predators.

Theo the Masai giraffe reaches straight up for leaves in a tree, his head and neck perfectly aligning and concealing the tree’s bole behind him.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

We’re seeing red… Red pandas that is! 😍🐾🌿 Check out our new video featuring Raj and Ruby, the red pandas of Santa Barbara, and learn all about these unique arboreal mammals from Keeper Joe. Watch the latest YouTube video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHqP...

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

The Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko has mastered the art of hangin’ out! 🤙🦎😎 These Madagascan lizards live their lives in the trees, using their namesake camouflage to avoid predation and pounce on the insects and invertebrates that make up their diet.

Pictures of a Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko in its Tropical Wonders habitat. We see a wide shot of it clinging to the observation window glass with its head pointed towards the floor in the first picture.

Next, we get closer with a head-on view of the gecko flattening itself against the glass as it holds its inverted pose.

Finally, an extreme close-up reveals the folds of the gecko’s front left foot pad.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

It’s the last day of National Zookeeper Week, and we’d like to invite you to join us in expressing our sincerest gratitude to our keepers! 📸: Director of Animal Care Kristen Wieners

A group photo of the Santa Barbara Zoo animal care team sharing a meal together on the Veranda deck outside of the Australian Walkabout.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Tropical Wonders is officially OPEN! 🦎🌺🗺️ We anticipate a day full of oohs and aahs as you explore the Zoo’s newest space featuring tropical animals from around the world!

Photos of Tropical Wonders! In the first, Zoo staff stand proudly outside the Tropical Wonders and Field Outpost 2 facade.

Next, we see a wide shot inside Tropical Wonders as guests explore the bright and colorful space.

In the third picture, Tropical Wonders explorers gaze into an animal habitat while ducking under a crawl-through tunnel.

Finally, we see delighted guests enjoying their walkthrough of the beautiful Thomas & Nancy Crawford Tropical Aviary in the last picture.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Our zookeepers wear their love for wildlife on their sleeves …literally! 🐒🎨🖋️ #NationalZookeeperWeek Tattooing has been practiced for thousands of years, and this powerful, artistic form of self-expression and celebration is alive and well today. In order of appearance, we’d like to spotlight:

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

It’s National Zookeeper Week! 🤠🙌🐒

Photos of our animal care pros leading keeper talks all about the Zoo. In the first, Keeper Ellie shows off a tawny frogmouth stumping on her arm to a crowd of Zoo guests.

Next, Keeper Ryan stands tall while giving a talk at the Amur leopard habitat.

Finally, Keeper Addy leans on a handrail and admires a Malagasy sacred ibis during an aviary keeper talk.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

A wonderful addition to the Zoo is coming soon! 🌴👀 Save the date! Tropical Wonders is nearing completion and will open to the public on Friday, July 25!

Sneak peek photos of Tropical Wonders at the Zoo! In the first, we see the Tropical Wonders sign outside of the Thomas & Nancy Crawford Aviary.

Next, we peer into the space a see keepers evaluating habitat foliage.

Next, we spy a bright pink bench with punch out text that reads “Save wildlife and wild places.”

Finally, Keeper Addy waves at us from within one of the Tropical Wonders habitats.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Meet Nugget the Chilean flamingo! 👋🦩 Nugget was born with an impaired foot that required amputation. After a successful procedure, our Animal Care & Health team designed and hand-sewed a custom “shoe” for Nugget to maintain her quality of life.

Nugget the Chilean flamingo looks back at our camera as she flamingles with the rest of the Chilean flamingo flock while sporting her signature grey bootie on her right leg.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Happy birthday to you, Raj! 🥳🎂3️⃣ Raj the red panda celebrated his 3rd birthday today at the Zoo! He and Ruby the red panda had a blast opening presents full of tasty omnivore biscuits scattered around their habitat by Keepers Meghan and Nakita.

Pictures from Raj the red panda’s 3rd birthday party. In the first, Raj tears through some red tissue paper in a gift bag.

In the second, we see a birthday banner that reads, “Happy 3rd birthday Raj!” as Ruby marches along a wooden beam in the background.

Next, Raj charges headfirst (literally) into another gift bag.

Finally, we get a close-up of Ruby sniffing more red tissue paper in the last photo.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Happy 4th of July from American bald eagles Avalon and Amelia! 🇺🇸🌭🦅

Photos of American bald eagles at the Zoo. In the first, Avalon leaps from one branch to another with her wings outstretched.

In the second, Amelia calmly perches on a lower branch and lifts her head proudly on the 4th of July.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Blue lizards ...coming soon to the Zoo with ocean views! 💙🦎 Tropical Wonders, formerly known as Eeeww!, is nearing completion and will open to the public in mid to late July.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Little critter, little blep! #TongueOutTuesday 👅 Slender-tailed meerkats average about 20 inches in length from head to tail. Their tails make up just under half of their total length, measuring approximately 7 to 10 inches in length. 📸: Keeper Ariel

Katili the slender-tailed meerkat sits upright on her hindlimbs and pokes out her little pink tongue while making eye contact with Keeper Ariel’s camera.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Me whenever someone says, “The floor is lava!” 🌳🐾

Ruby the red panda (front) glances at our camera as she makes her way along a tree branch bridge. Meanwhile, Raj the red panda (behind) looks down from an elevated branch he’s hunkered down on.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

It may surprise you to learn that the toco toucan’s huge beak doesn’t impede the bird’s vision! 👀 📸: Keeper Addy

Our female toco toucan takes a look at Keeper Addy’s camera from a low branch in its habitat. In the first picture, the toucan points its beak at Addy and looks forward.

In the second, she turns her head to the side to get a better look through her left eye.

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

The face you make when you spot the waiter bringing your meal to the table: 🤤👀 (This is actually the face Ruby the red panda makes when she sees Keeper Joe bringing out fresh bamboo!)

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Santa Barbara Zoo @santabarbarazoo.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

Zoo friends, meet Ruby the red panda! 😍♥️🐼

Ruby the red panda makes a turn with her fluffy, striped tail in tow as she explores her new home at the Zoo.

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