Bongo, a squirrel monkey, and so many others were used in labs for testing. Bongo is in his mid-twenties. He lives with his girl Chica.

Squirrel monkeys like some other monkeys are arboreal (lives in trees). They spend roughly 99% of their lives in the trees.

They are one of the cleverest monkeys.

Squirrel monkeys spread urine on their hands and feet to mark their path when they are moving through the treetops. By following the scent, other members of the group can locate each other. 

Diet

Omnivore

Origin

Central & South America

Status

Not Endangered

A group of ring tailed lemurs is often known as a troop.

There are nearly 200 species of lemur.

Most lemurs are nocturnal. However, ring tailed lemurs are active during the day. 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Madagascar

Status

Endangered

Sheaba is very protective of her baby.

Camels have 3 eyelids and 2 rows of eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes

There are two types of camels a Dromedary (one-humped) and a Bactrian (two-humped)

The word "camel" is actually Arabic and means beauty

Camels are very strong and can carry up to 900 pounds for 25 miles. Camels can also travel at 40 MPH - the same speed as a racehorse! 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Middle East & Peninsula of Africa

Status

Not Extinct

Luna was born on February 7, 2020! 

Cuzco is very shy but very sweet.

Llamas often get confused with an Alpaca because of their similar features.

Here are the differences:

• Llamas have long banana-shaped ears while Alpacas have straight short ears
• Llamas are more independent, and serves as guard of other livestock while Alpacas are more of a herd animal, and has a nervous disposition
• Llamas have longer faces while Alpaca faces look smushed 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Central North America

Status

Not Extinct

The staff has to be careful going into his cage. Boogie likes to pick pocket.

There are 6 raccoon species in the world.

A group of raccoons is called a nursery or a gaze.

Baby raccoons are called kits or cubs and are usually born in the early summer. 

Diet

Omnivore

Origin

North America

Status

Least Concern

Lulu with her best friend, Minstrel.

Lulu, as a piglet, was attacked by two Rottweiler's and was partially decapitated, before being rescued by the Petting Zoo.  

Diet

Omnivore

Origin

Vietnam

Status

Endangered

Marley is the most lovable sheep you will ever meet. She loves to nuzzle.

Sheep wool will grow forever! One pound of wool can make up to 10 miles of yarn. A sheep can produce between 2-30 pounds of wool a year!

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Europe & Western Asia

Status

Not Endangered

This is Baxley.

There are some historical ties between sheep and U.S. Presidents:

• George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison all raised sheep
• James Madison was sworn in wearing a coat spun from his sheep's wool
• Woodrow Wilson kept a flock at the White House during World War I to keep the grass trimmed as a cost-cutting measure

Goats can be taught their name and to come when called.

Goats are herd animals and will become depressed if kept without any goat companions.

Goat's pupils (like many hooved animals) are rectangular. This gives them 320-340 degree vision around them without having to move and they are thought to have excellent night vision.

Goats have four "stomachs"! 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

West Asia & Eastern Europe

Status

Not Extinct

A Patagonian Cavy is the 4th largest rodent.

They need 24-hour access to hay which helps file down their back molars.

They have strong legs and can jump up to 7 feet high and have 4 toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their hind feet. 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Argentina

Status

Near Threatened

Wally has been at the zoo since he was a baby. The owner, Marcia, even carried him around and bottle fed him.

Wallabies use their tails for balance when moving and to prop themselves up in a sitting posture.

Wallaby babies immediately crawl into their mothers' pouches where they continue to develop after birth - usually for a couple of months.

They have powerful hind legs they use to bound along at high speeds and jump great distances. 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Australia & New Guinea

Status

Not Extinct

Cookies with her baby colt who was born on July 26, 2014. 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Europe

Status

Not Endangered

Pixie, has dwarfism but is as cute as a button! Despite Pixie's limb deformities, she has a good life here at Petting Zoo Ocala.

Dwarfism is a complex genetic disorder. It is caused by a disruption of the structural processes in bone and/or ligament development.

Some problems with dwarfism include:

• Parts of their body are reduced in size
• Multiple health problems (metabolic, digestive, or respiration disorders)
• Suffer secondary conditions due to their skeletal deformities
• Abnormal hooves; difficulty walking and discomfort

A Zebu is the smallest cow in the world!

Zebus are easily recognizable by the hump on their backs.

Just like camels, the hump is a reservoir of fat that can be used as a source of energy when regular food is unavailable. 

Diet

Herbivore

Origin

Southwest Asia

Status

Not Extinct