There are many symbols of the Halloween season, including bones, skulls, skeletons, and the like. Radiographs or X-rays of the animals from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium represent such Halloween vibes, as the skeletons of these animals give us an “inside” look of the Zoo’s animals. Dr. Karen Wolf, the Zoo’s head veterinarian, regularly takes these X-rays for the animals’ health check-ups.
Homer the Porcupinefish
The X-ray shows the spines covering the body of Homer the porcupinefish. “When threatened, porcupinefish can fill their stomachs with air and inflate their bodies, turning themselves into a balloon protected on all sides by strong, sharp spines,” said Dr. Wolf.
Pebbles the Burrowing Owl
Small as they seem, burrowing owls are fierce predators. In this picture, bones of prey can be seen inside Pebble’s stomach. Moreover, the X-ray also shows a pair of distinct large eyes that take up most of his skull.
Scarlet the Rainbow Boa
“In this picture, you can see all of the delicate vertebrae and rib characteristics of snakes,” said Dr. Wolf. Part of its skeleton is its many sharp teeth angled backward to keep its prey inside and towards the direction of its stomach.
Images: Dr. Wolf