BUFFALO, NY − The Canisius University Zoo Biology Program announces the opening of its ninth mini-zoo, “Amazoo: The Rainforest Connection.” Located in Room 102 of the college’s Health Science Building, at the corner of Jefferson and Delavan Avenues, Amazoo is free and open to the public. It runs Monday through Friday, November 11 – November 21, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Naturalistic exhibits constructed by Canisius University students display 13 species on loan from The Buffalo Zoo and other sources, including the red-legged tarantula, giant Brazilian cockroach, freshwater stingray, red-tailed boa constrictor, green-cheeked conures, green and black poison dart frog, blue poison dart frog, amazon milk frog, red-footed tortoise, South American river turtle, fulvous duck, prehensile-tailed porcupine and the agouti.
Their habitats were designed by students in the Canisius University Zoo Biology Program, under the guidance of Susan Margulis, PhD, associate professor of biology and animal behavior, ecology, and conservation and biology; with the assistance and support of The Buffalo Zoo staff and Pete Paufler, lead mechanic for facilities management.
The mini-zoo group project began in September. Students studied the principles of exhibitry and husbandry in class, at The Buffalo Zoo, and at ten out-of-town zoos, which they traveled to throughout the semester. Based on their studies, students then converted a first-floor storage room and adjoining plant-growth room into a simulated rainforest habitat.
For more information about “Amazoo: The Rainforest Connection,” contact the Office of Public Relations at (716) 888-2790.
Canisius is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York.
