"I had worked with a variety of bird and reptile groups before joining APZ, and it was really put to the test as a care specialist. Theresa is a very special animal, and it was a great opportunity to play a role in her development and growing with the zoo together". (3/3)

Using techniques of modern zoos, animal care staff would apply puppets to associate parental care with a prop to ensure natural behaviors. "We were on the cutting-edge of understanding dinosaurs in those early years" says director of animal care Christian Flores (@crikeyitschristian.bsky.social) 2/3

"Being outside of the 'true crocodile' branch as a psuedosuchian, testing Maverick's blood samples can help us understand similarities and differences that improve management and care of modern crocs" added Amber Vivarium Manager Nathan Dehaut @nathandehaut.bsky.social (pictured here) 4/4

"In crocs today, their ability to quickly lunge and move to subdue prey makes them excellent hunters in the wild. However, when muscle activation and stress is high, lactic acid can build to potentially lethal levels in many species". Says care specialist Alex Morton @alexeratops.bsky.social (3/4)

For the past year, our animal care team has been training with Maverick, the zoo's male Kaprosuchus, to participate in voluntary blood draws for research publishing on lactic acid levels in psuedosuchians compared to modern crocodilians. 💉 (2/4)

*This advertisement and the Artemis Paleozoo are fictional in origin and do not represent a real fundraiser or location*