Elephant Shrews at the Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

October 16, 2011

Giant Elephant Shrew

            This week I chose to write about the Giant Elephant Shrew in the Rare Animal Conservation Center at the Philadelphia Zoo.  A small mammal from different regions of Africa, the Elephant Shrew is rarely seen in nature.  Besides the appeal of its cute little nose, Elephant Shrews are an important aspect of the Zoo because of their educational potential.  Conservation education is a large part of the Zoo’s mission statement and goals.  This small mammal plays a role in that mission as part of the Rare Animal collection of the Zoo. 

            The Elephant Shrews were either acquired from the National Zoo of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., or born at the Philadelphia Zoo.  The Elephant Shrew spends time in its exhibit with other rare mammals, such as monkeys, living together to represent their struggling species.  These rare animals are important to learn about because expanding education about endangered species is crucial to their survival.  As part of this mission, the text that accompanies the animal is written to teach the viewer about them, and explain the importance of their presence in the Zoo.

            Exploration of other endangered species in the world and what people can do to help them would enrich this experience.  It is designed to encourage people to do just that, and it is successful in encouraging research and change.  While some people may not see the endangerment of species throughout the world as a problem, the Zoo effectively explains the crucial aspects of food chains and the necessity of each animal.