Zoe the Female Reindeer

Zoe accompanied Sara to the zoo today for a bit of Christmas cheer with the volunteers on an otherwise slow day at the zoo. Naturally it was time for the annual discussion of the true gender of Santa's reindeer. Here Zoe is demonstrating that if you see a reindeer with antlers in December, it is undoubtedly female since males lose their antlers in the fall. Females retain them until late winter/early spring as a way to protect food sources with young on the way.
This isn't a good photo because of the glare, but it shows how close Zoe enjoyed being to Puppe the orangutan. Puppe loves to nest in the corner next to the window much to the delight of zoo visitors of all ages. Puppe, (age 40ish!!), had a baby, Budi, two years ago. It is even more fun for guests when Budi comes to hang out with his mother in her corner.

Following are a couple photos from earlier in the week.

All dressed up and no place to go....
This is the first friend that Zoe has named on her own. Meet "Roar" the lion as he shares a snack with Zoe.