Families in the animal kingdom can be just as complex as those of humans. There are animals such as chimpanzees that need to live in groups because they are social and depend on each other for survival. Then there are animals that prefer being alone or to live in pairs.
With Valentine's Day coming up next week, let's look at one of the Los Angeles Zoo's longtime pairs, Methuselah and Cajun Kate.
These two alligators are one of the zoo's most famous couples. The zoo tried to pair Methuselah with two other female alligators but had no luck until Cajun Kate came along in 1986. The reptile keepers who care for them like to say that it took a while for Methuselah to find his true love.
Methuselah, 54, and Cajun Kate, 40, have had one "child" that now lives in another zoo. Although they continue to produce eggs each year, none have been fertile. Keepers suspect that Methuselah may be too old. He has been at the zoo since it opened in 1966.
Methuselah is about 8 feet long, while Cajun Kate's length is about 6 feet. Because alligators are "endothermic," Methuselah and Cajun Kate do not eat in the winter. During the warm months between April and September, their keepers give them trout, rats and chicken a couple of times a week.
Alligators have made a comeback from being an endangered species in the early 1970s, when many were being killed for their hides. Today, their numbers have increased and they are often seen in their native habitat in Florida's swamps.
You can learn more about the alligators and other popular animal couples by coming to "L.A. Zoo Lovin' " this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be booths to make animal Valentine cards, free face-painting, a walking-puppet entertainer and classical music. For more information, call (323) 644-6400 or visit http://www.lazoo.org.
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This information was provided by Judy Shay at the Los Angeles Zoo, located in Griffith Park at the juncture of the 134 and 5 freeways.
