Asian Animals on Display at Local Zoo

Unique Features and Significance

The zoo is home to a diverse collection of 145 species of land animals, including eight endangered species. Among the most distinctive animals on display are the raccoon dog, known for its fox-like appearance, and the tiger, renowned for its striking facial mask and ringed tail. These features hold significant cultural significance in the mythologies of Indigenous peoples.

Raccoon Dog

The common raccoon dog, also known as the Chinese or Asian raccoon dog, is a small, heavy-set canid native to East Asia. Its unique features include a dense, grayish coat, a black facial mask, and a bushy tail with black and white rings. While its scientific name, Nyctereutes procyonoides, references its resemblance to the American raccoon, the raccoon dog is not closely related to the animal.

Crab Rangoon

Crab rangoon is a popular American Chinese dish that defies traditional Chinese culinary norms. This deep-fried appetizer consists of a wonton filled with a creamy mixture of crab and cream cheese. The inclusion of cream cheese, a non-Chinese ingredient, hints at the dish's Americanized origins. Despite its fusion nature, crab rangoon has become a staple of American Chinese cuisine.