Blank Park Zoo Announces an Australian Down Under Summer

By Ryan Bickel

Des Moines, IA - Iowa’s only accredited Zoo announced today a summer lineup that includes an Australian Parakeet public feeding experience, an Australian themed bird show and an Australian mob of joeys.

“G’day, mate. We are calling this summer at the Zoo the ‘Summer from Down Under,’ said Mark Vukovich, CEO of the Blank Park Zoo.

Vukovich noted that the highlight of the new parakeet feeding experience will be the fact that over 250 birds will be able to eat right out of your hands.

The not-for-profit Zoo’s goal is to set record attendance for the third straight year.

In addition to the Australian themed exhibits this summer, new to the Zoo will also be a pair of kudu, a flock of ostrich, a sloth, and increased events and hours of the Zoo.

“The best way to experience all the animals, fun events and education the Zoo has to offer is to purchase a Blank Park Zoo Membership Pass. For one price, your family can “Do the Zoo” all year long,” said Vukovich.

Here’s a list of happenings at the Blank Park Zoo this summer:

Parakeet Feeding Experience – Enter the Zoo’s new aviary and meet over 250 parakeets and finches. They will flock to your hand and eat a special meal right from a stick. And since parakeets hail from Australia, we’re calling it Budgie Bog In (Bog In means eat enthusiastically or chow down). This experience is available at many of the most popular zoos across the United States and will be opening at the Blank Park Zoo around June 1. 

The Birdman- How about an encore! The Birdman wowed thousands last summer with his feathered friends so we invited him back. This time watch as he educates and entertains with awesome birds of Australia. (July 3-August 15.) 

Wallaby Joeys- At least six baby wallaby joeys have been spotted in pouches. Look for these baby wallaby joeys to be bouncing around the exhibit this spring and summer. 

Ostrich- Did you know that an ostrich does not like to stick its head into a pile of sand to hide? This ‘Big Bird’ and eight of its closest friends will stop by the Zoo for the summer. 

Two-Toed Sloth- While this creature is so slow it makes the tortoise look like an Olympic athlete, we are sure the sloth will be a quick hit with the public. This popular nocturnal creature spends most of his life upside down hanging from trees. Look for the two-toed sloth this spring ‘hanging out’ with the Golden-headed tamarins. 

Lesser Kudu- Brand new to the Blank Park Zoo, this antelope is known for its stripes, curly horns and unique appearance, plus it is an animal that has never before been exhibited at the Blank Park Zoo. 

Red Pandas- The endangered Red Pandas will return in style with a brand new outdoor exhibit. Look for the Red Pandas outside during cool weather and inside during warm weather. 

Feed a Giraffe- The feed a giraffe experience was a hit last year, so its back. What color is a giraffe’s tongue? How long is it? What do they like to eat? Find out everyday this summer when you feed the giraffe. 

Summer Safari Day Camps, expanded all day camps will return this summer for children in Grades 1-7. Half-day camps will also be available for children ages 3-5. Online registration is now available at www.blankparkzoo.com  

Coins for Conservation- This year, the Blank Park Zoo is making a new commitment to conservation in the wild. A portion of every admission and membership will support an external conservation effort. The Zoo is going to setup three special machines and visitors will get to vote on the project they would like to support. 

Snow Monkey Webcam- Three new male Japanese Macaques were introduced to the troop last spring, and the Blank Park Zoo’s monkey exhibit hasn’t been the same with all the wild activity! So the Blank Park Zoo has installed a FREE monkey webcam which is available everyday between 10am-4pm at www.blankparkzoo.com. 

EVENTS:

Feast in the Wild- Kick off the Blank Park Zoo’s 2010 season at a “Feast in the Wild.” Guests will travel through a culinary safari and taste foods from around the world as well as from their own backyard. Enjoy entertainment throughout the day, inflatables for children, cooking demonstrations, live music, animal demonstrations and an “Eat Like a Tiger” contest. May 15, 2010. 

Wildlife Conservation Series- The Blank Park Zoo is excited to announce two conservation events in 2010! The evening events will feature guest speakers from the International Elephant Foundation and the African Predator Conservation Research Organization. Learn how these organizations are working to save amazing creatures and how we can do our part to ensure the future of their work.
“An Evening for Elephants” – March 27, 2010
“An Evening for African Predators” – September 11, 2010 

Family Friday Nights return with double the parent-child date nights. Now the Blank Park Zoo will be open EVERY Friday evening this summer! Each Family Friday Night features family friendly music, special craft activities, keeper chats, and, of course, all of the animals of the Blank Park Zoo. This event is free with regular Zoo admission and free for Zoo members. (June through August). 

Zoo Brew returns with double the fun evenings every Wednesday this June & July. Each 21 and over event will feature beer or wine sampling, live music and, of course, all of the animals at the Blank Park Zoo. The event is FREE with paid Zoo Admission and free to Blank Park Zoo Members. 

Hogs for Frogs- Frogs, and all amphibians are in trouble. Up to half of all amphibian species are in danger of extinction, and the earth is facing the largest mass extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. The Blank Park Zoo is leaping into action with a motorcycle “fun run” which will take place on July 24, 2010. 

Safari Splash- When mother nature turns the heat up in August, kids at the Blank Park Zoo will be cooling down. During the first week of August, children will enjoy a wet and wild time as they ride the inflatable slip-n-slide. In addition, guests will enjoy cool treats and watch how some of the Blank Park Zoo animals stay cool during the ‘dog days’ of summer. (August 2-6). 

Uptown Hoedown- Leave your black ties and ball gowns at the cleaners, grab your dancing boots and join us Saturday, August 28 for a wild and exotic country style gala to benefit the Blank Park Zoo. Guests will explore the zoo, enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner and great entertainment throughout the evening. Funds from the Uptown Hoedown. support the educational programs at the Blank Park Zoo as well as the training, veterinary care and general operations related to managing the animal collection. 

Night Eyes- everyone’s favorite trick or treat event returns this October for its twentieth straight year of “merry not scary” fun. Over 600,000 treats will be passed out at the #1 family Halloween event. 

MEMBERSHIP

Blank Park Zoo, Living History Farms & Science Center of Iowa Tri Membership Pass- This is the fifth anniversary of when three great Iowa non-profits combined forces to offer a unique pass for the greatest attractions around. For only $199, you and your family can experience the fun and excitement of all these attractions for a whole year. 

Blank Park Zoo Membership - With the theme of doing a “near-cation”, the $89 Zoo family member pass will be the best value to return for each of the Zoo’s new attractions. In addition to free, year-round admittance to the Blank Park Zoo and free or discounted admission to 160 other Zoos, this year every member (adult and child) will receive one free train ride on “Member Mondays” and free admission to Zoo Brew and Family Friday Night. 

RENTALS

Group Safari Packages- The Blank Park Zoo is perfect for family reunions, company picnics and meetings, group outings and more. Enjoy all the animals and activities the Zoo has to offer at a reduced cost. Ask about our special group tours and meal packages. 

Birthday Parties- The best place to take the kids is now the wildest place for a Birthday party. Check out www.blankparkzoo.com for details. 

The Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open everyday, 10am-4pm. Admission is $10.95 for adults, $5.95 for children under 12, and $8.95 for seniors and active military. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at http://www.blankparkzoo.com. 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.

To view Blank Park Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-113-Blank_Park_Zoo_in_Iowa