08 February 2013

The scoop on poop (elephant, that is) ~

With some humor intended, the Reid Park Zoo architect placed this life-sized, 3-D elephant butt near the restrooms. The little round sign informs readers that elephants digest less than half of the nutrients in their food. The rest becomes (and I'm quoting here from the sign), "a cozy home with built-in food for dung beetle larvae or a tasty meal for termites." Interesting!

5 comments:

  1. The zoo people are true educators, never missing a chance to convey information!

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  2. I like the signage. Also, dung beetles used to roll balls of dung from cattle and horses. It was fascinating to watch them at work.

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  3. I really think that the Reid Park Zoo is a Tucson treasure. It definitely lifts the spirits to walk around the grounds.

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  4. And did you hear the NPR broadcast about how the Dung Beetles use the STARS IN THE HEAVENS to get where they are going? They put little hats on them and they couldn't find their way!

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  5. That is AMAZING! I'm going to google the podcast and listen. Wow!

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