Learn if Wolves are More Likely to Howl When the Moon is Full at WNC Nature Center

By Sarah Oram

Asheville, NC - Cry out to the moon with the Western North Carolina Nature Center’s Red and Grey Wolves at one of our two popular Wolf Howls, Tuesday November 10th or Tuesday, November 17th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. TheNature Center is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville.

Trek with the Center staff to our on-site wolf habitats for a howling fun session with our Center wolf experts. Hear the legends and lore of these top predators and then discover for yourself the real "truths" of these elusive creatures.

New Solar Panel System Near the Aquarium Entrance Silently Harnesses the Power of the Sun

By Julie Powers

Atlantic Beach, NC - The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is on the beam when it comes to energy conservation. A new solar panel system near the Aquarium entrance silently harnesses the power of the sun.

The residential-scale solar panels meet a small percentage of the facility’s power needs with an environmentally friendly energy source. The panels, placed at the front of the building so visitors can see them at close range, are also an educational exhibit.

“The system is a visible and functional representation of the Aquarium’s commitment to conservation and education,” said Pat McNeese, the Aquarium’s Conservation and Research Coordinator.

The Aquarium is one of the first public facilities in Carteret County to use the “green” energy source, also known as a solar photovoltaic system, according to Lisa Galizia of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC). The electric cooperative donated the panels to the Aquarium after the passage of the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard last year.

Coral is a Source of Potential Antibiotics, and Medicines for Cancer and HIV-AIDS

By Enica R. Thompson

Washington, DC - Warming and acidifying oceans are putting corals in irreparable danger. National Zoo scientists will discuss how they are preserving critical forms of corals to avoid extinction, and how they eventually plan to restore these species back into the wild.

The Zoo, collaborating with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and SECORE, created the world’s first coral genome repository where scientists have successfully cryopreserved the sperm of 450 individuals from the endangered Elkhorn coral.

Coral reefs are one of the world's greatest biological treasures. They are some of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Although they cover less than one-tenth of one percent of the Earth’s surface, one-quarter of all marine life depends on them. They are the ocean’s nurseries and feeding grounds. They also benefit our species. Millions of people and thousands of communities all over the world depend on coral reefs for food and to protect their coastal homes. They are a source of potential antibiotics, and medicines for cancer and HIV-AIDS.

Indianapolis Zoo Resenting 4-D Version of “The Polar Express™”

By Maura Giles

Indianapolis, IN - Christmas at the Zoo, the Indianapolis Zoo’s annual holiday light spectacular, features some returning favorite activities along with new things to see! Outside, visitors can see their favorite animals that enjoy the cooler weather—polar bear, walruses, seals, tigers, red pandas, and more, all while taking in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights and heart-warming activities.

What’s New
• Woodland Wonderland presented by Community Health Network – At White River Gardens, the Hilbert Conservatory will feature decorations from nature. Get the feeling of a winter in the woods from noon until 9pm daily! See brilliant evergreens decorated for each area (biome) of the Zoo, holiday plants, a log cabin photo opportunity, and even a light show set to music. Don’t forget the reindeer! Real reindeer will be in the Conservatory for everyone to enjoy and to lend even more atmosphere to our “woodsy” holiday setting.

Adoption Proceeds Support Valuable Conservation Efforts at the Toronto Zoo

By Kathy Jury

Toronto, Canada - The polar bears are back! Celebrate the return of our bears by giving your loved ones the Toronto Zoo’s $60 Adopt An Animal Holiday Special Package! Adopt a magnificent polar bear (or choose
your own favourite Zoo animal)! Proceeds support valuable conservation efforts at the Toronto Zoo.

Your Holiday Special Package will include:

A personalized Adoption Certificate with a colour photo of one of our polar bears (or choose your own favourite animal).
Your name on the "Parents" Board wall at the Zoo.
Animal Fact Sheet, Newsletters, Gift Card and tax receipt.
Package of beautiful Note Cards featuring our polar bears and other Tundra Trek animals.

Cracking the Secret Behind Dinoflagellates’ Ability to Form Red Tides and Produce Toxins

By Becky Giantonio

Mystic, CT - What is DNA? How is it connected to red tide? And why is it important to know? “DNA, Red Tide and the Sea,” an interactive new exhibit at Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., answers all these questions while giving guests a look at our oceans on a whole new (microscopic) level.

The outreach component of a four-year, $1 million National Science Foundation grant, the exhibit highlights research led by Senjie Lin, professor of marine sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point.

See the Remarkable Story of ‘Nearly the Goat’ at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

By Sammi Luxa

Wraxall, UK - Somewhere between the tinsel and the cabbage leaves, the crackers and the peelings of parsnip, comes the remarkable story of ‘Nearly the Goat’. Riding Lights Theatre Company and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm presents a brand new Christmas play for the whole family to enjoy on Saturday 12th December.

Events Organiser, Sammi Luxa, tells us more; “Nearly the Goat’ will be a mixture of a nativity play and a pantomime and will feature professional actors, puppets and live animals from the zoo. This memorable interpretation of the nativity story will be a fantastic way to kick start the countdown to Christmas”.

New Penguin Chicks are in Safe Hands Getting Twice Daily Feeds of Salmon Smelt

By John Reuhman

Picton, New Zealand - New father Regan Russell is taking extra care of the latest arrivals at EcoWorld Aquarium. The two Little Blue Penguin chicks have been affectionately nicknamed “Bert and Ernie”.

In response to a distress call from a concerned member of the public Regan, EcoWorld's manager, rescued the two starving penguin chicks from the Picton Foreshore.

“The chicks are very lucky to be alive. I found them in a poor state, starving and shivering. They were next to the mauled body of an adult penguin. Mum maybe.

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Name: James Hamilton 

Actual title: Property Manager

Name of your aquarium: Downtown Aquarium

Location: Houston, Texas

URL for your facility: www.DowntownAquarium.com

Number of species at your facility: 375

Your favorite critter at the facility: Napoleon Wrasse (large marine fish)

Total number of animals or fish at your facility: 3500

Number of visitors annually: 1 Million

Number of employees: 300

Number of volunteers: None

Annual budget: $1.7 million

Name: Gerry Brady

Actual title: Zoo Director

Name of your zoo: Potter Park Zoological Gardens

Location: Lansing, Michigan

URL for your facility: www.potterparkzoo.org

Number of species at your facility: 133

Your favorite critter at the facility: Amur tigers are extreme

Total number of animals at your facility: 585

Number of visitors annually: 200,000

Number of employees: Peak Season 80 - 90

Number of volunteers: 200

Annual budget: 4.1 million

Lubies:  Suggested retail price $8.99

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