This Celebration of Latin Culture Features Live Entertainment, Special Sctivities and Spanish Translators

By Jim Bartoo

Nashville, TN - State Farm proudly presents Latino Family Festival at Nashville Zoo on Sunday, Sept. 19. The celebration of Latin culture features live entertainment, special activities and Spanish translators stationed throughout the Zoo.

Latino Family Festival is the kick off to the 2010 Conexión Américas’ Hispanic Heritage Month. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Zoo staff and docents will partner with Spanish translators to answer guest questions and deliver animal shows, historic home tours and educational presentations. Activities also include live music and traditional dance performances, moon bouncers for kids and prizes and giveaways throughout the day. Spanish language maps will also be available.

Prehistoric Predators, Oregon Zoo’s Popular Dinosaur Exhibit, Has Been Extended

By Linda D’Ae-Smith

Portland, OR - Zoogoers and dinosaur fans are in for some gigantic savings this month ––especially if they MAX it to the zoo Sept. 14.

The zoo offers discounted $4 admission on the second Tuesday of each month, and this month, to encourage visitors to use MAX or the bus, the zoo is once again offering its “4-3-2-1 program” special. This set of discounts includes:

“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” is a Traveling Exhibition

By John Sutter

Dubuque, Iowa -- The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Clarke University are pleased to announce that “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” a traveling exhibition featuring the untold stories of the innovative, action-oriented women who played such a significant role in shaping the nation’s social and cultural landscape, will make its way to the museum from February 18-May 22.

Locally, the major exhibit is sponsored by Conlon Construction. Nationally, “Women & Spirit” is a project of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), which is touring the exhibition. LCWR is an association of leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States. The organization represents about 90 percent of the women religious in the United States.

Over 1,400 Backpacks and Over 11,000 School Supplies Were Given Out

By David Barnhardt

Akron, OH - The Akron Zoo, Akron Public Schools (APS) and numerous other partners were on hand during the annual Backpack Adventure on August 24 & 25 at the Zoo to provide school supplies to APS students. Over 1,400 backpacks and over 11,000 school supplies were given out at the event.

Along with backpacks, school supplies, such as pencils, folders, markers, glue and many others were distributed to students in grades K-5. Over 27 companies and individuals in the community donated money or supplies to make the event possible.

Guests Visiting ZooAmerica Can Enjoy Special Activities Featuring the Zoo’s Resident Owls

By Rachel Dinbokowitz

Hershey, PA - ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is hosting a Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole event in celebration of the release of the Warner Bros. Pictures film coming to theaters and IMAX on September 24.

On Saturday, September 18 from 1 to 3 p.m., guests visiting ZooAmerica can enjoy special activities featuring the Zoo’s resident owls. ZooAmerica naturalists will present a 2 p.m. program called “Whooo are the Owls” at Woodlands Patio. In addition, guests can enjoy owl encounters throughout the Zoo and participate in a scavenger hunt to find seven owl species on exhibit at ZooAmerica.

Tiger Was Given a Health Check by Paignton Zoo vet Sarah Hewitt Before Departure

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - Another of the three rare Sumatran tiger cubs born at Paignton Zoo last year has moved on. Female Surya, now 18 months old, has gone to Flamingoland, in Yorkshire.

The road journey took about 8 hours, including rest breaks. Surya is not yet adult but weighs around 70 kilos, is about 1.5 metres long and just under 1 metre tall at the shoulder. She was transported in a special crate. She was given a thorough health check by Paignton Zoo vet Sarah Hewitt before departure.

The move was recommended by the European Stud Book keeper as part of the coordinated European breeding programme for Sumatran tigers, of which Paignton Zoo is a part.

Access to the Zoo While Enjoying a Diverse Selection of Fine Wines and Beers

By Billie Harris

Lansing, MI - Raise your glass to wildlife education and join Potter Park Zoo for an after-hours beer and wine tasting event in the wildest setting in town at the second annual “Wine and Stein” on September
16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guests will be treated to exclusive evening access to the zoo while enjoying a diverse selection of fine wines and beers, from M&M distributing, Dan Henry Distributing Company, Henry A. Fox Sales, Michigan Brewing Company, and Burgdorf's Winery. The evening will also include live music from Don Middlebrook, a silent auction and delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by Cabot Cheese, University Club, Michigan Brewing Company, Weston’s Kewpie Burgers, B&Y Real Good Barbeque, Biggby Coffee, and Grumpy's Diner. A selection of non-alcoholic products and water will be provided.

Sign Language, Captioning or Scripting Will Enhance Most of the Activities of the Day

By Amy Kilgore

Kure Beach, NC - The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will offer a lineup of programs tailored especially for the deaf and hard of hearing on Saturday, September 11.

Sign language, captioning or scripting will enhance most of the activities of the day – animal feedings, live-animal presentations and films – and interpreters will assist visitors at selected exhibits.

Dr. Ball Knows the Zoo and has Worked on Complex Surgeries on Manatees

By Rachel Nelson

Tampa, FL - Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo today announced the appointment of Ray Ball, DVM, to the position of director of medical sciences. Ball, who has nearly a decade of experience working with the Zoo’s animal department as a relief veterinarian, most recently served as a senior veterinarian at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for 14 years.

“Dr. Ball’s nearly two decades of veterinary medical experience is an excellent complement to the Zoo’s conservation and research programs in Florida and internationally,” said Dr. Larry Killmar, director of collections. “We are pleased during our national search to have found such expertise in our own backyard. Dr. Ball knows the Zoo well as a relief veterinarian and working closely with our staff on complex surgeries on manatees.”

The Teeth Indicate That This Animal was Massive, Approximately 50-60 Feet

By Amy Kilgore

Kure Beach, NC - The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is pleased to partner with Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh to exhibit a six foot tall Megalodon shark jaw in the H&M wing of the mall beginning Friday, September 10.

Similar to modern day sharks and rays, Megalodon was a cartilaginous fish. The only remaining scientific evidence from this extinct predator is teeth. Ranging in length from four to six inches, the teeth indicate that this animal was massive, approximately 50-60 feet.

Grandparents Get Free Admission When They Bring Their Grandchildren

By Julie Neemeyer

Kansas City, MO - In honor of Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 12, Grandparents get free admission when they bring their grandchildren to the Kansas City Zoo.

Everyday is a Zoo-riffic day and this Sunday will be the perfect day for grandparents to gather the grandkids and see the animals. Visit Nikita in the new Polar Bear Passage; watch as he excites the crowd with his belly flops and bounding trots through his new exhibit. With the new Zebra foal, new Beaks and Feet Boulevard and the new Snakes exhibit – every day is a new adventure at the Kansas City Zoo. You never know what the gibbons will be hooting about in the Tropics or what the chimps might be tuggin’ up the tree in their 3-acre forested haven.

Jungle Jack Hanna Comes Home and Takes to the Stage in Jack Hanna LIVE!

By Jennifer Wilson

Powell, OH - The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium kicks off the fall season at Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest on September 11, 12, 18, and 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dora the Explorer will be making special appearances on September 11 and 12 when she participates in the Country Character Caravan. Free vouchers for Meet and Greets with Dora will be available at the guest relations booth in the front of the Zoo. Children and parents also have the opportunity to have breakfast with Dora and her animal friends both days at 9:30 a.m.

Call for Volunteers to Help Remove Trash Along Los Angeles County Beaches

By Matthew King

Santa Monica, CA - Heal the Bay today sent out a call for volunteers to help remove trash along Los Angeles County beaches and inland waterways as part of its 21st annual Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, Sept. 25.

Tens of thousands of Southland residents will mobilize from 9 a.m. to noon at more than 60 cleanup sites, from Compton to Malibu. Volunteers will canvass beaches, parks, creeks, lakes, highways and alleys to remove ocean-bound trash and beautify neighborhoods.

Ravens Cheerleaders and Members of the Marching Band Will Visit Maryland Zoo

By Jane Ballentine

Baltimore, MD - A huge bus carrying Ravens Cheerleaders and members of the Marching Band is followed by fans wearing purple and black, cheering their hometown team all over the city. This can only be one thing – the Official Ravens Purple Friday Caravan is on the move!

At 2:15 pm on Friday, September 10, the Ravens Caravan will make a stop at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Fans can cheer on the Caravan as it rolls into the Zoo and visit with the cheerleaders and band members. Fans will also be able to meet two of the wildest ravens in town, Rise and Conquer, the official birds of the Baltimore Ravens!

Enter the Not-so-Scary Haunted Village and Peek Into the Pumpkin Patch Barn

By Karen Hill

Chesterfield, MO - Kids, don your Halloween costume and head to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House for a ghostly good time! The “Bootterflies” Halloween party features two days of non-scary activities and crafts designed for families with children ages 3 through 10. Join the fun on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Activities are included with Butterfly House admission.

Enter the not-so-scary Haunted Village and peek into the Pumpkin Patch Barn, Tiny-Bit Mad Scientist Lab, Buggy’s Halloween Party and Bugtilda the Witch’s Boarding House.

Labor Day Programs Included With Admission, Including Live Animal Encounters

By Amy Kilgore

Kure Beach, NC - Hurricane Earl has blown through and it’s going to be a beautiful weekend along the Cape Fear Coast. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is open during normal business hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 6.

Enjoy favorite programs included with admission, including dive presentations, live animal encounters, animal feedings and more. Or sign up for one of the following programs by calling 910-458-7468.

South American Coatis Have Vacated Their Enclosure to Make Way for the New Lemurs

By Jon Woodward

Wraxall, UK - A trio of threatened Ring-tailed Lemurs have just arrived at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol, moving into space recently vacated by South American coatis which have been built an impressive new enclosure within the zoo.

Ring-tailed lemurs are native only to Madagascar and are listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, being particularly vulnerable to deforestation and human interference on the island.

After 3 years at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near the primates section, South American Coatis have vacated their enclosure to make way for the new lemurs, moving out into the South American zone, where a special new home has just been finished for them.

Courses Provides an Opportunity for Learners to be Acquainted With the Animals

By Angeliné Cronje-Schwan

Pretoria, South Africa - The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa will be offering the following children’s courses during the September 2010 school holidays:

1. Junior Nature Conservator
This five-day course is offered to learners in grade 7 – 12 learners. The course provides an opportunity for learners to be acquainted with the animals and various activities in the Zoo. Learners will have an opportunity to work with conservators as well as our farm animals. After completion of the course learners may join the ZooClub. All learners will receive a T-shirt and a certificate.
Fee: R200-00 per child
English: 27 September – 01 October 2010.

Get Zoo and Aquarium Visitor eNews for FREE

Get the latest in animal gossip dropped in your inbox every month. Our monthly Zoo and Aquarium Visitor eNewsletter disseminates news summaries from zoos, aquariums and wildlife attractions to our subscribers and media contacts throughout the world. Our eNewsletter announces animal births, special events, exhibits, news, and the funny side of the animal business.

Subscription to Zoo and Aquarium Visitor eNews is FREE. Click here to sign up for your copy of  Zoo and Aquarium Visitor eNews today.

Name: Eric Rose

Actual title: Vice President and Executive Director

Name of your aquarium: Newport Aquarium

Location: Newport, KY

URL for your facility: www.newportaquarium.com

Number of species at your facility: 680

Your favorite critter at the facility: Our world-famous shark ray Sweet Pea

Total number of animals or fish at your facility: 10,040

Number of visitors annually: Private company - can not disclose

Number of employees: 220

Number of volunteers: 350

Annual budget: Private company - can not disclose

Name: Thane Maynard

Actual title: Executive Director

Name of your zoo: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

URL for your facility: www.cincinnatizoo.org

Number of species at your facility: 750 animals, 5000 plant variaties

Your favorite critter at the facility: Sahara the world-record holding African Cheetah

Total number of animals or fish at your facility: 2,100 vertebrates, millions of insects

Number of visitors annually: 1,227,000

Number of employees: 205

Number of volunteers: 900

Annual budget: $26,000,000

Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums Blog
by Marilee Menard, Executive Director, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums in Alexandria, VA.

Christina's Wildlife Photography Blog
by Christina Bush, V.P., Sr. Financial Consultant, Wells Fargo Investments PR Director, Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary

Eco-Touring in Australian Rainforest
by Prue Hewett, Owner, Co-Director, Cooper Creek Wilderness

Eco-Touring in Ecuador
by Renato Gregorini, Co-owner, Reserva Ecologica Pachijal

Eco-Touring in Mexico
by Kenneth Johnson, General Director, EcoColors

Eco-Traveler - Carol's Journeys and Observations
by Carol Patterson, Principal, Kalahari Managment, Eco-Tourism/Communication Consulting

GPS - Video Zoo Tours
by Lee Little, Founder and CEO, BarZ Adventures

Life as a Wildlife Educator
by Allison Blankenship, Owner and Head Wildlife Educator, Zooniversity, LLC

Launching Zoo and Aquarium Visitor
by Rudy Socha, CEO, Zoo and Aquarium Visitor

Marine Life – Learning, Viewing, and Preserving
by Katie Grove-Velasquez, Writer, Marine Animal Researcher, Photographer, Educator, and Lecturer Working in the Hawaiian Islands

Marine Mammal Parks, Falconry, and Other Animal Items Of Interest
by Bruce Lane, Former Marine Mammal Volunteer at Oklahoma Zoo and Six Flags, Apprentice falconer

Responsible Travel - EcoTraveling
by Brian T. Mullis. President, Sustainable Travel International
 
Wildlife Rehabilitation in the Midwest
by Jane Schnelker, Founder, Wildlife Haven
 
Wildlife Rehabilitation Through the Eyes of Two Young Rehabbers
by Brittany Davis, Clinic Supervisor and Alicia Eastham, Clinic Supervisor, Second Chance Wildlife Center

Wild Wonders of Europe is a unique media initiative. Featuring 50 of Europe's best nature photographers.  
by Staffan Widstrand, Magaging Director

Zoos, Aquariums and Wildlife
by Alice L. Lockhardt, Freelance Zoo & Aquarium Writer

Become a Featured Zoo and Aquarium Visitor Blogger

Everyone who registers for a user name and password can set up their own blog on our site. On our home page we want to feature bloggers who will provide our visitors with informative and entertaining reading.