News Flash

At Sunset Zoo, we are proud to provide lifelong care to animals of all abilities while we inspire conservation of the natural world. This month, we're highlighting a few remarkable residents who show that life can be full, joyful, and meaningful at every ability level. You've already met two on social media, let's take time to meet some more! 

Here are just a few of the animals we’re proud to support and celebrate!

The Pelican Pair Who Go the Distance

Meet Doug and Dinsdale, an American white pelican father-and-son duo who were injured by power lines during migration. Because of the way their wing injuries healed, neither can fly again and could not be released into the wild. This hasn’t stopped them from thriving in their pondside habitat at Sunset Zoo!

These pelicans have adjusted beautifully, waddling together on land, swimming, preening, and taking part in enrichment activities. They enjoy exploring their yard, silly antics, and interacting with keepers during feeding time. They might move differently than their wild counterparts, but that does not stop them from a full life in Zoo care!

The Toad with a Job To Do

Woody is a special amphibian who was born with unique visual differences. One eye over developed, while the other underdeveloped, giving him a unique visage. Despite these differences, he has lived over 10 years in human care—an impressive age for a visually different Woodhouse’s Toad—and serves as an ambassador for his species. Ambassador animals are the animals at the Zoo with a job to do: they help teach audiences about the importance of their species!

While he can’t tell us what or how much he can see, toads like Woody rely more on movement and scent than sharp eyesight, so his differences don’t hold him back. With a calm personality and a knack for charm, Woody is a fan favorite among school groups and summer campers. You can visit him in the Wild Wonders Room at Sunset Zoo and tell him what a handsome boy he is!

The Crane with a Crooked Smile

Shugi, a red-crowned crane, may look a little different at first glance. A beak deformity gives her a distinctive appearance—but it doesn’t slow her down one bit. She can eat, drink, preen, and vocalize like any other crane. In fact, you might have seen her at the public fence, where she loves to wait for an audience before unleashing her best call at impressive volume.

In fact, she’s one of our most vocal and expressive birds! Her elegant stature, loud bugles, and curious nature make her a striking standout in the habitat. We think her beak makes her even more beautiful, and she certainly seems to agree. 

The Chinchilla Who Bounced Back

Meet Marley, a soft and spirited survivor. Before coming to our zoo, she lived as a pet. Chinchillas are fragile animals that require experience to keep. At some point, Marley suffered a severe foot injury that ultimately required amputation and was surrendered to Sunset Zoo.

Today, Marley bounds around with agility and confidence, hopping on platforms, dustbathing with gusto, and enjoying social time with her mama, Mia (pun intended). She might bounce a little differently now, but she’s just as fast and spirited as Mia! You can visit our chinchillas in our Wild Wonders Room!

The Lemur Who Sees the World Differently

King Julian is a lively lemur who lost one eye after an injury, but you’d never know it by watching him leap through branches or explore his habitat. Lemurs, like many animals, adapt well to vision loss, using their sense of smell, touch, and hearing to stay oriented and aware.

Whether he’s basking in the sun or cuddling with Nora, Julian lives a full and active life at Sunset Zoo. His story reminds us that resilience comes in all shapes, sizes, and species. Plus, now he has a permanent wink for charming our guests. 

Supporting All Abilities, Always

These animals—and many more at Sunset Zoo—remind us that ability isn’t always visible. They teach visitors compassion, adaptation, and the value of inclusive care. Disability, whether visible or hidden, is part of natural diversity. We’re proud to provide individualized support that allows each of our animals to thrive.

This Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, spirit, and individuality of every animal who calls our Zoo home. We know that every body, human and animal alike, belongs.

Written by: Arli Shults