Iowa's Flood Victims Gain Free Admission To See Blank Park Zoo's Flood Gator

The Blank Park Zoo has decided to open its doors for a week this Saturday, August 9th through Friday, August 15th to any Iowan who had flood damage this summer, recognizing that Iowans are in great need of fun, positive activities to help balance the stress and emotional impact associated with the floods of 2008.

“Our staff wanted to do something for Iowa’s flood victims,” explains Terry Rich, the Zoo’s CEO. “We were hearing that many children and families needed relief from flood problems and knew Iowa’s largest zoo (designated Attraction of the Year by the Iowa Department of Tourism) could be the perfect outing for flood relief prior to the start of school.   

So the Blank Park Zoo, in association with Atlantic Bottling, will offer free admission August 9th – 15th from 10am-5pm to any Iowa family who experienced flood damage. 

Rich said the only problem was identifying Iowans who had been impacted by the floods.  Zoo officials knew that Iowans were honest, so to take advantage of the Zoo’s offer during the special week, all anyone needs to do is tell the admission’s desk “I had flood damage” and they will be admitted free…no questions asked.   “Many Iowa cultural institutions experienced flood damage,” says Rich.  “We were lucky to have little damage, so it’s our turn to give back.”

Zoo officials also announced that two new animals will be on exhibit during this special week:
* “Webster”,  the alligator found in flood waters by two young boys in Webster City, will join the animal presentations that week to educate the public on the dangers of exotic pets.   He has been in normal Zoo quarantine since he was recovered.
* The new baby penguin will make his debut to the public and will join the penguin herd for all to see.

“It’s been a rough weather year for Iowans,” says Rich.  “We want to give flood victims a break and let them escape to a new world of animal experiences.”

Rich also indicated that the Zoo’s $40 million expansion is being developed and planned.  “It’ll be ready to start once the flood issues have been resolved.   .  We know in light of this tragic situation that it is more important than ever for Iowans to have a world-class zoo to visit and enjoy.”  Coincidently, the Zoo announced that the three living former Governors of Iowa (Robert Ray, Terry Branstad, and Tom Vilsack) have agreed to be honorary co-chairs of the Zoo expansion for Iowa.

The Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open everyday from 10am-5pm.  Admission is $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children under 12, and $6.95 for seniors and active military.    The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)   The AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization that sets rigorous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America's largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife.

Caption:  Animal Keeper Jim Graff accepts the alligator from Sgt. Ed Wardell of the Webster City, IA police.
 
Photo Credit: Ryan Bickel, Blank Park Zoo