*****
Summary of Transcript:
In this YouTube video, Laurie Dixon, a lead keeper in an aquarium, shows the moon jelly display and rearing system. Moon jellies start as planular eggs that attach to substrate and become a polyp. When certain water conditions are present, they strobulate and become an ephyra, which grows into a baby moon jelly. Both adults and babies are fed enriched brine shrimp and fish eggs, and the fine tentacles and oral arms are used to grab and eat food. Dixon enjoys the process of caring for moon jellies, from polyp to adult stages. Visitors can see the moon jellies in the exhibit at the aquarium.
*****
Summary of Description:
The video features Laurie, the lead keeper at the Aquarium, showing how Moon Jellyfish are taken care of behind the scenes. The video is a part of a series called “#shorts” and includes hashtags related to animal facts, zoo animals, and the zoo itself.
*****
Behind the Scenes: Caring for Moon Jellyfish at Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is a popular attraction in the city of Toledo, Ohio. With over 10,000 animals from more than 750 species, the zoo is a great place for animal lovers. One of the most fascinating creatures you can see here is the Moon Jellyfish. In this article, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at how the zookeepers care for these cool animals.
Meet Laurie, the Lead Keeper
Before we immerse ourselves in the world of Moon Jellyfish, let’s introduce Laurie. She’s the lead keeper in the Aquarium, and you might remember her from a viral Octopus video. As an experienced zookeeper, Laurie takes care of many types of animals, including fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Today, however, she’s here to show us how the Moon Jellyfish are cared for.
Understanding Moon Jellyfish
Moon Jellyfish are part of the jellyfish family, and they are named after their moon-like appearance. They have a round, transparent bell with four horseshoe-shaped gonads that are visible through the bell. Moon Jellyfish don’t have a brain or a central nervous system, but they have V-shaped structures called rhopalia that help them orientate themselves.
Caring for Moon Jellyfish
Caring for Moon Jellyfish might seem simple, but it requires a lot of attention to detail. The tanks must be kept at the right temperature and pH level, and the water should be clean and clear. Zookeepers also need to maintain the correct level of salinity and oxygen levels. Laurie explains that they use a special salt called Instant Ocean to make the water salty enough for the jellyfish to thrive.
Feeding Moon Jellyfish
Feeding Moon Jellyfish is another aspect of their care. Laurie shows us the special food they use, which is a type of small plankton called brine shrimp. The food is mixed with water and filtered to create small pellets that can be easily fed to the jellyfish using a pipette. Moon Jellyfish don’t have a mouth, so they absorb their food through their tentacles. Laurie tells us that the Jellyfish need to be fed twice a day, every day.
Breeding Moon Jellyfish
Breeding Moon Jellyfish is another task that zookeepers are involved in. Laurie informs us that the breeding season for Moon Jellyfish is usually in the winter months. During this time, zookeepers will monitor the jellyfish closely and note any changes in behavior or eating habits. If they observe any mating behavior, they will separate the males and females into separate tanks. Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch into larvae, which will eventually develop into adult jellyfish.
Conclusion
Moon Jellyfish are fascinating creatures that require special attention to their care. As we’ve seen, caring for these delicate animals involves maintaining the right temperatures and water conditions, feeding them twice a day, and monitoring them during breeding season. This behind-the-scenes look into how zookeepers care for Moon Jellyfish is a great reminder of the dedication and care that go into looking after animals in zoos. Next time you visit a zoo, take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
*****
See Original Source
Source Description
You might remember Laurie, lead keeper in the Aquarium, from our viral Octopus video! ? She’s back to give us a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for the Moon Jellyfish. #shorts #moonjellies #toledoohio #toledozoo #zookeeper #animalfacts #zooanimals #zoo #behindthescenes #coolanimals #zookeeperlife #aquarium
