As visitors proceed down the path in the Orinoco Rainforest, over the exhibit for the Orinoco crocodiles, they eventually overlook the flock of Caribbean flamingos in their lagoon in the adjoining Mundo Maya Rainforest, a sort of "shop window" preview of what they will see at close range later on.

As visitors proceed down the path in the Orinoco Rainforest, over the exhibit for the Orinoco crocodiles, they eventually overlook the flock of Caribbean flamingoes in their lagoon in the adjoining Mundo Maya Rainforest, a sort of "shop window" preview of what they will see at close range later on. If one looks straight ahead, instead of down, one will be staring into the netted balcony of the Mayan Palace, and, very likely, see one of the most rarely exhibited birds in the US.

At present, The Dallas World Aquarium's Black-and-white hawk-eagle (Spizastur melanoleucas) appears to be the only living specimen outside of Tropical America, and is the only one listed in captivity by the International Species Information System (ISIS).

In the wild, it is found across a very wide area of Central and South America, from the Mexican states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, south to Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. Although it is not a particularly common bird through this vast range, it is not considered in any danger of extinction. It lives in a variety of habitats, from forests to savannas, and wooded areas along rivers, so is not thought to be as affected by forest destruction as some other tropical birds of prey.

As eagles go, it is fairly small, weighing less than 2.2 pounds (1,000 grams), less than a third of the weight of a Bald eagle. Its diet appears to consist largely of birds, though it will hunt small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

For some reason, this has always been a very rare bird in zoos. Before The Dallas World Aquarium received its bird in March 2010, the only one I had ever seen had been at the Oklahoma City Zoo in 1978. The female Black-and-white hawk-eagle came here through special arrangements from Panama. Its keeper, Travis Koonz, tells me it is a very calm and steady bird and quite easy with which to work. It is hoped that a male will join it soon. This species has never been bred in captivity.

The Black-and-white hawk-eagle is one of five species of Tropical American Eagles maintained at The Dallas World Aquarium, a unique collection. Ornate hawk-eagles (Spizaetus ornatus), which have produced several chicks here, live in an aviary high in a corner of Mundo Maya. They can be best observed, from a long distance, from the windows of Café Maya. The Black hawk-eagles (Spizaetus tyrannus) are currently in an off-display breeding facility. This species has laid eggs here, and hopes are high for chicks soon.

The gigantic Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) can be seen if one stands beneath the glass ceiling of Café Maya and looks straight up. Our female is a young bird that hatched at the San Diego Zoo. Finally, there are the Guiana crested eagles (Morphnus guanensis), resembling the Harpy, but smaller, though certainly not a small bird! For years, our two females have lived in another remote corner aviary, high up in Mundo Maya, where both have laid eggs. The DWA staff are looking forward to the arrival of a male from Brazil, expected this year.

(by Josef Lindholm)

Christi, a Loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, has returned to Texas for a permanent home at The Dallas World Aquarium.

Christi, a Loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, has returned to Texas for a permanent home at The Dallas World Aquarium. She was originally stranded on May 14, 2004 in North Padre Island, Texas where she was found on the beach near the Bob Hall Pier. Missing most of her left pectoral flipper, she was taken to a local rehabilitation facility in Corpus Christi and eventually relocated to the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Virginia until she was transferred here on June 15, 2010. She had outgrown the 30,000 gallon Chesapeake Bay aquarium she had shared for several years with nurse sharks and other fish from the Chesapeake Bay area. To learn more about the transfer to Dallas, visit http://www.dailypress.com/news/newport-news/dp-nws-turtle-20100621,0,5108455.story.

Christi, as reported by the Virginia Living Museum, weighs 300 pounds and measures approximately 48 inches in shell or carapace length. Due to the nature of her physical limitations, Christi is considered to be non-releasable. In the natural environment, she would have a difficult time navigating through strong ocean currents and waves during migrations. In addition, climbing onto the beach to lay eggs would be problematic.

Loggerhead sea turtles are named for their large heads and powerful jaws. They are found throughout the temperate and tropical regions of Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Considered a highly migratory species, they can travel hundreds of miles out to sea and back to nesting beaches. During their lifetimes, loggerhead sea turtles utilize many different coastal and off shore habitats including coral reefs, bays, estuaries and the open ocean, feeding on a variety of mollusks, crustaceans, fish and other marine animals. In the US, the largest populations of Loggerhead sea turtles occur off the coast of Florida. Nesting season on US beaches is from May to August and mainly takes place at night. Females can lay from one to seven nests every one to two years. Female loggerhead sea turtles are believed to mature at 20-30 years of age.

Under Texas State and US Federal law, Loggerhead sea turtles are currently listed as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act. There is a proposal being considered that would change that status to Endangered in nine distinct populations of loggerheads around the world, including those in the Atlantic States. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists the Loggerhead sea turtle as an Appendix I and II species. A number of other international treaties aim at protecting the Loggerhead sea turtle as well.

The main threats to the survival of loggerhead sea turtles come from habitat loss at nesting sites; disorientation of hatchlings due to beachfront lighting; predation by natural and feral predators; accidental capture in fishing nets and other fishing gear such as long lines and gill nets; and ingestion or entanglement in marine debris. Pollution from oil spills and other sources can also have an impact on sea turtle populations. The recent Deepwater Horizon accident is already having an impact on loggerhead populations in the Gulf of Mexico.

A number of zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as well as many State, Federal and International organizations work to protect and rehabilitate loggerheads, as well as other endangered sea turtles.

We are fortunate to be able to provide a permanent home for Christi, as well as for our Hawksbill sea turtles, Isla and Patti. They are excellent ambassadors for their species and help to create awareness for the need of further protection and conservation of all sea turtles and their fragile ocean environments.

For more information on the Loggerhead sea turtle or to get involved with sea turtle conservation, there are many websites available, such as: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/loggerhead.htm
http://www.seaturtleinc.org
http://www.seaturtle.org

In order to feature new and exciting ocean life, The Dallas World Aquarium has begun construction on five micro exhibits that will be located to the left or right of the existing British Columbia, Indonesia, Southern Australia, New Guinea and Solomon Islands exhibits.

In order to feature new and exciting ocean life, The Dallas World Aquarium has begun construction on five micro exhibits that will be located to the left or right of the existing British Columbia, Indonesia, Southern Australia, New Guinea and Solomon Islands exhibits. Although smaller in size, the 30-inch acrylic cubes will hold more than 100 gallons of water. The term 'micro' refers to the smaller exhibit size, but does not indicate that the species, which will make these exhibits home, are too small to be seen and enjoyed by DWA guests.

These micro exhibits will allow DWA guests the opportunity to see rare ocean creatures that might not otherwise be able to cohabitate with certain species housed in the larger displays. The British Columbia micro will feature the Red octopus (Octopus rubescens), one of the most commonly occurring shallow-water coastal species of octopus. Having an average tentacle length of 11-16 inches and a weight of four to five ounces, this octopus species, is highly intelligent and displays a distinct personality; much like its cephalopod relatives. It is a generalist predator, meaning its diet is difficult to classify because it consumes a variety of food, including gastropods, bivalves, crabs and barnacles. The Red octopus will make a fantastic addition to the British Columbia exhibit.

The Indonesia micro will soon be home to the Flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi). As the only poisonous species of cuttlefish, the flesh of this unique Indo-Pacific cephalopod contains a unique toxin, believed to be quite lethal. It is typically darker than other species of cuttlefish and has been known to hunt and feed during the day, primarily on fish and crustaceans.

In the category of, "What the heck is that?" the Giant isopod (Bathynomus giganteus) is an example of a rare creature that our guests might otherwise never see. As the name suggests, it is the largest of the isopods. This will be the featured species for the Southern Australia micro exhibit and promises to elicit a multitude of reactions. The Giant isopod, a carnivorous scavenger, is believed to thrive in the dark depths of the ocean where it feeds on dead whales, fish and squid.

The New Guinea and Solomon Islands exhibits will house the remaining two micro exhibits, but as for now, it has not been determined which species will be featured. The first three micro exhibits should be finished soon and will provide a glimpse into ocean life that is seldom seen. Whether a casual observer or a marine enthusiast, The Dallas World Aquarium's newest micro exhibits are sure to jumpstart your oceanic curiosity and sense of wonder.

Located in southeastern Peru is the region of Madre de Rios. Central to this area is the Madre de Dios River, which becomes the Beni River in Bolivia and going north into Brazil, it is called the Madeira River. As part of the immense Amazon River watershed, the Madre de Dios is the largest watershed in the area.

Located in southeastern Peru is the region of Madre de Rios. Central to this area is the Madre de Dios River, which becomes the Beni River in Bolivia and going north into Brazil, it is called the Madeira River. As part of the immense Amazon River watershed, the Madre de Dios is the largest watershed in the area. Located in the heart of the Madre de Dios River, 18 miles from Iquitos, is the Isla de los Monos — the 618-acre Monkey Island. Since reaching an official agreement with INRENA in 1997, Director/Owner Gilberto Guerra Reátegu has been able to provide a safe haven for orphaned animals, particularly primates. Hunters shoot the adults for food, leaving the babies to be sold at markets for pets or future food. Many owners soon realize the young primates are high maintenance pests. People also find them alone and abandoned. Whatever the reason for being orphaned, the primates often end up at Monkey Island.

With emphasis on the native flora, as well as the fauna, the island is becoming quite self-sustaining. The early years of development included planting trees and vegetation necessary for food and subsistence on the island. The lush jungle teems with papaya, bananas, star fruit, caimito, mamey, cacao and numerous other tropical fruits. The primates (9 or 10 species) are always free, not caged. At night they sleep in treetops and during the day they can forage for their own food or socialize with island visitors who are eager to feed them. A recent quarantine area allows for the babies to be separated from the adults when first brought to Monkey Island. Conservationist Gilberto certainly demonstrates that protecting and preserving the flora and fauna of a region today will allow for more tomorrows.

This month we are featuring Dr. Seuss's One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish which will celebrate its 50th birthday this year!

This month we are featuring Dr. Seuss's One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish which will celebrate its 50th birthday this year! This delightful book has been entertaining children, young and old, all around the world. It is a simple rhyming book for learner readers with a freewheeling plot about a boy and a girl, and the many amazing creatures they have for friends and pets.

The author, Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904 — September 24, 1991) was an American writer and cartoonist most widely known for his children's books. He published over 60 children's books, which were often characterized by imaginative characters and rhymes. Some of his most celebrated books include Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Horton Hears a Who, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Here at DWA, in the Gift Shop, we have a fantastic display of items to honor Dr. Seuss and his accomplished book. You will not only find the book One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, but also puzzles, blocks, pencils, card games, baby rattles, lunch boxes, lunch bags and much, much more. The prices range from $2.99 to $29.99 (plus tax) and our members do get 10% off!