 Animal Keeper Chats
How much does an Alaskan brown bear weigh? Why do
meerkats dig so much? How can a dog help save a cheetah? If you have
questions about the Zoo's animals or you want to get a
closer look at some amazing creatures, the daily animal keeper chats
are the perfect opportunity to do both. The chats are a mixture of training
demonstrations and informal discussions hosted by the Zoo keepers
themselves. During
these times, guests are encouraged to ask questions and take photos. These
fun and educational programs
are an important part of the Zoo’s animal conservation mission. The chats rotate seasonally, so ask for a
schedule at the front gate, but they are always included with regular Zoo
admission. All chats are staff and weather dependent.
Here’s a brief look at some of the chats you can experience during your Zoo
visit:
Join the Forests staff for a chat about Alaskan brown bears in
front of the exhibit in the Forests area. Visitors will learn
about the extraordinary abilities of these omnivorous animals
and how they're particularly well adapted to live life in the
great north. You'll also hear about their social structure,
eating habits, hibernation and the challenges they face in the
wild.
Current Show Time: 1:30pm
Friday-Sunday
 The
Indianapolis Zoo has had Guinea baboons — an Old World monkey species
— in
its animal collection for many years, dating back to the "old" Zoo on the
city's east side that opened in 1964 and then moved to White River State
Park in 1988. These primates are animated, social, sometimes
quarrelsome, occasionally loud, and always fascinating to watch. Join
the Zookeepers for a chat just outside
the baboon exhibit in the Plains area to learn more about the complex
social lives of these dynamic animals.
Photo by Kerri Best
Current Show Time: 2pm
Friday-Sunday
 At the exit to the Cheetah: The Race for Survival exhibit,
there's a small gathering area where keeper chats take place
daily. The chats are a mixture of discussions about cheetahs, as
well as the other animals that are part of their exhibit such as
the yellow hornbill and the bat-eared foxes presented by Horton.
And though these speedy cats are among the most skilled hunters
on the African plains, you'll also learn about the threats they
face in the wild as well as the ongoing conservation efforts to
save them. Photo by Mike Kruzil
Current Show Time: noon
Friday-Sunday
 Many people have never
seen or even heard of a Kangal shepherd, but these amazing dogs
are playing a key role in animal conservation. Kangal dogs are being
used in Africa to guard domestic life stock from cheetah predation, which
makes killing the cheetahs unnecessary. You'll get to meet our own dogs,
brother and sister duo Solo and Ayla, who demonstrate the
abilities of these interesting canines. Photo by Gabi
Moore
Current Show Time: 2pm
Friday-Sunday in the Cheetah Chat area
The
very social, very active and sometimes very argumentative meerkats are
the stars of the Deserts Dome. They may be small, but they are
absolutely fascinating to watch as they dig, dig, dig with their agile,
clawed hands and interact among themselves. With the lowered glass
window into the front of the exhibit, this is a perfect stop for little ones,
who can peer into the meerkats' underground tunnels. Join the Deserts
keepers for a chat about the meerkats — complete charmers in the animal kingdom
— and about animal
conservation. Photo by Kerri Best
Current Show Time: 10am
Friday-Sunday
Have
you ever seen a penguin "fly" underwater? They are FAST — darting,
turning on a dime and heading as quickly as possible for their "fishy"
targets. Join the Oceans aquarists
for a chat about our penguins and a demonstration of their superior fishing
skills as they dive for their dinner. Be sure to look at the third
viewing window under your feet to see these skillful swimmers
shoot through the water! You'll learn more about these
amazing aquatic birds and the challenges they face in the wild.
Current Show Time: 10:30am
daily
Get acquainted with these charming marine mammals as the keepers
demonstrate their extraordinary ability to learn. The California
sea lions will amaze with their vocalizations, gestures and
wonderful diving abilities. These intelligent animals are
wonderful representatives for their wild counterparts and bring
the message of animal conservation combined with a sense of
humor!
Current Show Time: Out
of season
Watch
our tiger keepers engage with the largest cats on earth at the tiger
training demonstrations in Tiger Forest presented by
Citizens Energy Group. You’ll get one of the best views of the day as
the tigers come up to the glass and display a variety of behaviors. Learn
why tiger training is an important part of tiger care, how
keepers train an animal with razor sharp teeth and claws, and
find out what you can do to help protect wild Amur tigers.
Current Show Time: Out of season
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