Official Guide to Wildlife Observatory

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THE MATTEO TEODORA WILDLIFE OBSERVATORY

From the Keeper of the Royal Menagerie of the Royal Court.

c. 10th OF VYZMEY AG HYFF, 553 E.S.

 

 

Officially opened in 553, the Matteo Theodora Wildlife Observatory was established to educate the people of Haense about wildlife and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. The observatory also plays a vital role in conserving endangered species native to the surrounding regions, contributing to their protection and preservation. Visitors are invited to explore the observatory and experience the animals up close. This guide offers insights into the animals within, while also introducing the many faces that make up the observatory’s vibrant community.

 

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Range | Northern Aevos

 

 

 

SPONSORS | THE NOBLE PEERAGE OF HOUSE RUTHERN 

 

The woolly mammoth is a nearly extinct species of mammoth, once abundant across Aevos but now critically rare due to overhunting and habitat disruption following the arrival of descendants. These colossal creatures typically weigh between 285 and 1,142 stone and stand around eight to ten feet tall. Their dense fur, consisting of long guard hairs and a soft undercoat, along with thick skin, makes them well-suited for frigid climates. Their small ears help minimize heat loss and prevent frostbite. Woolly mammoths are known for their mild temperament, often displaying behaviors similar to elephants. They sustain themselves on a diet of herbaceous plants, flowering species, shrubs, mosses, and tree matter, consuming 11 to 12 stone of vegetation daily. Their tusks, made of ivory and distinguished by their length and pronounced curvature, were highly valued for artistic and practical applications. This demand contributed to excessive hunting, driving the species to the brink of extinction.

 

HABITAT | TUNDRA STEPPES  

 

Yvaine, named after the illustrious Dame Yvaine van Leuven, is the first mammoth to reside within the observatory. Weighing over 952 stone and standing eight and three-quarters feet tall, she possesses both impressive size and grace. Captured as a young mammoth at just two years old, Yvaine has remained in the care of the menagerie due to a leg injury that left her with a permanent limp. Brought in by the noble peerage of House Ruthern, she has been sponsored and lovingly cared for by the house ever since.

 

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 Range | North-Eastern Almaris 

 

 

SPONSORS | THE NOBLE PEERAGE OF VAN LEUVEN

 

The forest bison is a robust and resilient species that roam the dense woodlands and open meadows of Almaris in large herds. With the expansion of descendant settlements, their numbers have dwindled, making sightings more rare. Forest bison are massive creatures, weighing between 800 and 1,200 stone and standing approximately six feet tall at the shoulder. Their thick, shaggy coats provide insulation against harsh winters, while their curved horns serve for self-defense. These bison are social animals, often found in small herds led by a dominant bull, and they graze primarily on grasses, shrubs, and bark during the colder months. Despite their gentle demeanor, they can charge with incredible force when threatened.

 

HABITAT | WOODLANDS & OPEN PLAINS

 

Sigmar, named in honor of the esteemed Lord Speaker of the Duma, Sigmar vas Ruthern, is the first forest bison to reside at the observatory. Born in 562, Sigmar was brought to the menagerie as part of its ongoing conservation efforts. Raised in captivity, he has adapted well to his surroundings. Sponsored by the noble peerage of House van Leuven, Sigmar enjoys a well-cared-for life.

 

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Range | North-Western and Western Aevos

SPONSORS | THE MENAGERIE 

 

The brown bear is a formidable predator and one of the largest land mammals in Aevos. These powerful creatures have adapted to thrive in diverse environments, ranging from dense forests to mountainous regions. Weighing between 57 and 285 stone and standing over six feet tall when on their hind legs, brown bears are known for their strength and intelligence. Their thick fur coats, which vary in color from light brown to almost black, provide insulation against the colder seasons. Brown bears are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes berries, nuts, roots, fish, and small animals, but they are also known to scavenge when the opportunity arises. In preparation for hibernation, they consume large quantities of food during late summer and autumn, building up fat reserves to sustain them through the winter months.These bears are generally solitary.

 

HABITAT | FORESTS, MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS & RIVER VALLEYS 

 

Josef, named after the esteemed Prince Josef Stanimar, is the most recent addition to the Menagerie’s collection. Captured as an orphaned cub after his mother was lost to a harsh winter, Josef has grown under the care of the Menagerie keepers. Now weighing 190 stone and standing nearly six and a half feet tall on his hind legs, Josef is an impressive example of his species. While he displays the characteristic independence of a brown bear, Josef has developed a bond with his caretakers, often engaging in enrichment activities such as foraging challenges and river play. 

 

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Range | Central Aevos

 

SPONSORS | HER SERENE HIGHNESS, PRINCESS ROYAL OLIVIYA LORINA 

 

The Pink Fae Armadillo is a rare variant of the common armadillo, distinguished by its pale pink hue and slightly iridescent shell. Native to the heartlands of Central Aevos, this elusive creature is often associated with folklore, believed by locals to be protectors of forest glades and guardians of hidden paths. Despite these fanciful tales, the Pink Fae Armadillo is a hardy, nocturnal mammal, foraging for insects, small roots, and berries under the cover of night. Unlike its cousins, it exhibits an affinity for playful interaction, often seen tumbling in pairs or basking in warm patches of sunlight. Their shells, while delicate in appearance, are remarkably strong and provide excellent defense against natural predators. They tend to be solitary or live in small familial groups, bonding tightly with one another and their environments..

 

HABITAT | FORESTS & MEADOWS

 

The observatory is home to a lively pack of five armadillos—two females and three males. Unofficially led by Oliviya, named in honor of the Princess herself, the armadillos enjoy a quiet yet active life within their enclosure. Oliviya, along with Hogmund, Joren, and Isabelle, form a playful and spirited group, often found lounging in their enclosure's pool or tumbling across the hills. The pack is sponsored and personally cared for by the Princess, a show of her fondness for these fae-kissed creatures. 

 

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Range | Central Aevos

 

SPONSORS | LADY SVETLANA COLBORN 

 

Hedgehogs are known for their distinctive spines, which are tough hairs stiffened with keratin. While these spines are not poisonous or barbed like those of their distant cousin, the porcupine, they can be shed when the animal experiences extreme stress. When threatened, hedgehogs instinctively curl into a tight ball, using their spines as a protective barrier. Primarily nocturnal, hedgehogs spend most of the day resting beneath bushes, grasses, rocks, or within small dens. Their diet consists mainly of grass roots and berries, but they also feed on snails, insects, frogs, toads, and carrion. Despite their small size, hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan, typically living between eight and ten years.

 

HABITAT | WOODLANDS, GRASSLANDS & MEADOWS

 

The observatory houses three hedgehogs: Milena, Tatiyana, and Belisar, each named in honor of Lady Svetlana’s siblings. Their care is overseen by the observatory staff, who ensure they are well-fed with a diverse diet. Each hedgehog also receives regular enrichment activities to keep them stimulated, from hidden food challenges to new burrowing spaces. The trio’s enclosure is designed to mimic their natural habitat, with patches of grass, bushes, small rocks, and hollow logs for them to explore and hide in.

 

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Range | Central Aevos

 

 

SPONSORS | THE MENAGERIE 

 

The direwolf is an endangered canine species native to Northern and Upper Central Aevos, particularly found in and around the Karoswood of Valdev. Although they closely resemble common wolves, direwolves are notably larger, weighing between 9 to 11 stone, with heavier, more muscular builds. Their powerful physique is complemented by one of the strongest bite forces recorded among canines, enabling them to hunt prey far larger than themselves. Direwolves exhibit a pack-based social structure, much like their smaller relatives, coordinating their efforts to take down prey. However, their habitats are under constant threat due to human encroachment and environmental changes. With their larger prey species becoming increasingly rare, direwolves face dwindling food sources, contributing to their decline.

 

HABITAT | FORESTS, MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS

 

Gentry and Gerard, named after Ser Gentry var Ruthern and Ser Gerard aus Welle, were brought in and raised together from a young age. These “twins” have become integral members of the Menagerie’s “older” collection, now reaching around seven years of age. Thanks to the dedicated care they receive, both are expected to outlive their wild counterparts. The observatory staff ensure they receive exceptional care, with tailored diets, regular health check-ups, and enrichment activities designed to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. 

 

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Range | Northern and Central Aevos

 

SPONSORS | THE MENAGERIE

 

The red fox is a common species found across most regions of Aevos, with a notable presence in the Karoswood of Haense. Known for its sleek, elongated body and relatively short limbs. Their dense fur is well-suited to colder climates, providing insulation during harsh winters. Red foxes are highly adaptable and roam freely, either establishing home ranges within specific areas or living without a fixed territory. They tend to favor open, vegetated areas, where they dig burrows to shelter from bad weather. These burrows, or dens, provide a safe haven for resting and raising young. One of the red fox's defining characteristics is its expressiveness. Observing its body language offers insight into its emotional state, making it relatively easy to determine whether a fox is feeling aggressive, or submissive. This heightened expressiveness sets them apart from many other animals, making them easier to tame. 

 

HABITAT | FORESTS, GRASSLANDS, TUNDRA & MEADOWS 

 

Fleeperus, Villorik, Amleth, Alaric, and Rossano thrive within an expansive, carefully designed habitat tailored to meet their rambunctious needs. This lively quartet is often spotted engaging in playful chases across the rolling hills of their enclosure, showcasing their boundless energy and strong social bonds. One of the habitat’s most striking features is a cascading waterfall, which the four have claimed as their favorite playground. They can frequently be seen climbing the rocks around the waterfall or splashing in the pool below. 

 

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Range |  Northern Aevos

 

SPONSORS | THE MENAGERIE

 

Polar bears are powerful apex predators native to the icy regions of Northern Aevos. Known for their thick white fur and insulating fat, these majestic creatures are perfectly adapted to their harsh, frigid environment. Adult males typically weigh between 35 and 80 stone and stand around 5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder, with females being slightly smaller. When standing on their hind legs, males can reach heights of over 9 feet. Skilled swimmers and hunters, polar bears rely heavily on sea ice to stalk seals, their primary prey. They are ambush predators, often waiting by breathing holes or breaking through ice to catch seals unawares. They may also forage for plant material like seaweed when other food sources are scarce. Polar bears can go without food for extended periods, relying on fat reserves, but they aim to eat as much as 7 stone in one meal during good hunting conditions.

 

HABITAT | ARCTIC COASTS, SEA ICE & TUNDRA PLAINS

 

The enclosure is home to two polar bears, Marius and Juliya, named after King Marius III and Queen Juliya of Reinmar. These majestic bears have quickly become favorites among the staff for their playful nature. Marius, the larger of the two, is often found lounging by the pool or diving for toys. Juliya, who usually joins in his games, has recently taken a quieter approach due to her pregnancy.

Marius and Juliya have since welcomed a new cub, Karl, named after King Karl IV. He has joined the pair within their enclosure and quickly adapted to his surroundings. Karl is often seen playfully chasing after his parents.

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Range | Southern Aevos

 

SPONSORS | THE MENAGERIE

 

 

Peacocks are vibrant and majestic birds renowned for their plumage. Male peacocks are known for their extravagant trains of iridescent feathers, which they fan out during courtship displays to attract females. The females, or peahens, have more subdued coloring but play a vital role in the flock’s social dynamics and rearing of chicks.The peafowl are highly social animals and thrive in groups, each with their unique quirks and behaviors. The peacocks engage in playful chasing games, adding to their allure for visitors. Though primarily ornamental, peacocks are also agile foragers, feeding on a diet of seeds, grains, insects, and small reptiles. They prefer open areas interspersed with cover, such as shrubs and trees, where they can safely rest.

 

HABITAT | OPEN WOODLANDS, GRASSLANDS, GARDENS & FOREST EDGES

 

The greenhouse houses a lively group of four peacocks and three peahens, each with their own distinct personalities. The males are known for their extravagant feather displays and love of chasing each other around the enclosure. In contrast, the peahens take a more laid-back approach, often found lounging on rock formations or relaxing by the springs. 

 

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Supervise young children around the peacocks—they are prone to chasing and tackling. This especially applies to the largest of the peacocks, Santiago. 

 

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Range |  Southern and Southeastern Aevos

 

 

SPONSORS | THE MENAGERIE

 

Parrots are highly intelligent and colorful birds known for their striking plumage and remarkable ability to mimic sounds. Native to the warm climates of Southern Aevos, these social creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem by spreading seeds and maintaining forest growth. They are known for their vibrant personalities, strong bonds with their flock, and curiosity toward their environment. Parrots are omnivores, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, and the occasional insect. With proper care, they can live for several decades, requiring both mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive.

 

HABITAT | TROPICAL FORESTS, RAINFORESTS & SAVANNAS

 

Within the greenhouse of the observatory, a little over a dozen parrots reside among the treetops. This cheerful and vocal group brings life to the greenhouse, ensuring it is never without their lively song. Each parrot has a distinct personality, from playful and mischievous to calm and nurturing. The Menagerie carefully provides a diet rich in fruits and seeds, complemented by daily enrichment activities and toys to keep the flock mentally stimulated and engaged. Guests are encouraged to interact with the birds, but caution is advised—the parrots can be curious, mischievous, and surprisingly bold!

 

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• Guests are expected to behave respectfully toward other visitors, zoo staff, and animals to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
• Shouting, running, or other disruptive behavior is discouraged, as it can cause distress to both animals and guests.
• Acts of vandalism, including damaging enclosures, littering, or defacing property, will result in immediate removal from the zoo grounds and may involve further action.

 

 

GODANI JEST WIELKI,

 

Lady Mahaut van Leuven, Grand Lady of Hanseti-Ruska

and Crow Warden of the Royal Court.

 

Lord Cardan van Leuven

Keeper of the Royal Menagerie

 

[Pureimp10 5691]

Ser Nikolas frowned at the misspelling of his name, but his anger was quickly replaced by glee when he saw that he got the rhinoceros while Belisar got a hedgehog.