The Peoria Zoo received a male Northern Tree shrew in October and he has now been successfully introduced to the female. These small forest-dwelling animals from Asia resemble squirrels with a pointed snout and small ears. The species has the highest brain to body mass of any animal (including humans)!

Northern Tree shrews are exhibited at only 18 AZA accredited facilities in North America and there are only 41 individuals. It is the hope of the Zoo staff and the Species Survival Program that our pair will reproduce and help increase the captive population.

Being diurnal, or active during the day, Zoo visitors can see one or both of them at all times in their exhibit located across from the meerkats in the entry building. Although the male is shyer than the female he can still be seen exploring on the ground while she sits on her favorite ledge. Watch the Youtube video of Adrian meeting Rocky. Rocky Meets Adrian: Tree Shrew Introduction at Peoria Zoo

The Peoria Zoo remains open year round with hours of 10: 00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and you can visit to see the animals for yourself. The Zoo will be closed on Christmas Eve & Day and New Years Eve & Day.

Website visitors can also click on the “Zoo Tube” box on the home page to see video taken of memorable events at the zoo. One of the most current posts shows the event Breakfast with Santa. Viewers can also see the two young Colobus monkeys wrestling in the new mulch place in their exhibit or one of the Burmese python lay eggs.

Fans can also following us on Twitter and Facebook where happenings, specials and other news is posted. For more information, call Yvonne Strode at 309-681-3509.