Raccoon

Bobby and Morty the Raccoons snuggle up on a tree branch

There are two raccoons that call the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo home. Keep reading to learn more about their history and species!

Raccoon Fun Facts

  • Raccoons are nocturnal
  • Raccoons are omnivores, although their favorite foods tend to be fruits, seeds, nuts, birds' eggs, and plants. 
  • Raccoons are excellent swimmers
  • Toronto is considered the 'Raccoon Capital of the World' because of the amount of raccoons that live there
  • The black "mask" found around raccoon eyes helps them see better by preventing glare
  • Raccoons can run as fast as 15 miles per hour
  • Raccoons make over 50 different noises
  • Raccoons are one of a few species that has flourished despite man’s impact on the environment.
  • Although they prefer to live near streams and lakes, raccoons have been seen in suburban areas using the storm drains as a way to get around.
  • Being nocturnal, they start to come out of their hiding areas around dusk and head back at dawn.
  • Except for females and their young, raccoons are usually solitary.  Groups of individuals can be seen together at a concentrated food source.
  • In the wild, they will eat just about anything from garbage to dog food to crayfish to carrion.
  • Raccoons are known for washing their food. In fact, the species name, loto, means “the washer” in Latin.  This is primarily seen in captive raccoons and is thought to simulate the catching of crayfish in an aquatic environment.
  • They have excellent hearing and see extremely well in the dark.
  • Raccoons can catch both cat and dog viruses, including rabies.

  • Raccoons can run up to 15 mph (24 km/h) and can fall 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters) without injury

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Raccoons

Close-up of Monty the Raccoon  

Morty

Morty was originally discovered by a family in the Sierra when he was very small. They hoped to raise him as a pet, but soon found out that raccoons are difficult to tame and illegal to own. As a result, they sent him to a rehab facility in the central valley, where it was determined he could not be sent back to the wild. Morty arrived at the JMZ in October 2021. He was born in May 2021 and loves to eat celery. When you visit the Junior Museum & Zoo, you might find him carrying around a "Woodstock" stuffed animal- it's his favorite!
     
Bobby the Raccoon walks towards the camera    

Bobby

Bobby was rescued and deemed unable to be released. He lived at Native Animal Rescue in Santa Cruz before moving into the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo. He loves his new roommate!

 

Meet Bobby and Morty

You can see these cuties for yourself during your next visit to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

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