a trip to the National Zoo in DC

Today I visited the Smithsonian National Zoo in DC. Admission was free so I wasn't planning on spending a lot of time there. So I mainly went to see the caudates. Unfortunately there was only one, the greater siren Siren lacertina. I can't really say "only" because I have always wanted to see a greater siren. The animal itself didn't look too healthy, it was missing an eye, its skin had whitish spots, and its hands seemed hurt. Also, it was about two feet long and based on the size of the tank I'd say it was a 55 gal. This isn't really sufficiant for such a large animal that has the potential to get much bigger, and there was no hides, just driftwood on the bottom.

Also, on their Asian trail there was a exhibit for a Japanese Giant Salamander! It wasn't in the tank so I figured maybe they were getting one. I just checked their site and sadly they euthanized their female giant due to her declining health.

Here are a few pics of the siren. I took a video too so I'll try and post that later on. How do I embed a video from photobucket?

When I was there the Siren didn't look too healthy either. I believe they are supposed to be getting T. Shanjing

Those are nice pics!

If you want to see T. shanjing, come to Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. I take care of 1.2 and have 10 young in the back (a few have been sent out to other zoos...) thanks to some of the experts on this forum.

We also have A. maculatum and N. viridescens (I know, not THAT exciting), but we have a bunch of frogs as well.

hi dragonwalker,
I can't say I've been to a zoo up in Boston. I live close enough to make a day trip. Occasionally I'm up there, I'll keep the zoo in mind.

I also went to the Museum of Natural History in DC yesterday. They had a lot of caudate skeletons. I took some pictures, but I don't have a card reader with me. When I get home I'll try and post that siren video and make another thread about the museum.

I know their are amphibians at zoos in D.C. When I go down I plan to go to the Smithsonian Amazonia exhibit where they are setting up some new amphibian exhibits and the National Aquarium in D.C. I know they have salamanders at the National Aquarium.

Thats cool and it looks like a nice tank setup!

Nice video, Ryan!
Short and sweet, too, just like I like 'em.

What's up with it's forelimb joints? It looks like there is white around the shoulder, elbow, and wrist...