The Birdman of Las Vegas Will Perform At Blank Park Zoo This Summer

By Ryan Bickel 

Des Moines, IA - For the first time in the state, Red Pandas, a rare Mauritius bird, some new monkeys, an exotic bird show from Las Vegas and a new throne fit for a king come to Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo this summer. Even the “fleeing flamingo”, which flew the zoo coop last fall, is sticking around for this season’s fun.

“This will be the summer all Iowans can enjoy world wide recreation at home,” says Kevin Drees, Director of Animal Care. “We hope to have new things for all to see each month. Last year a record attendance of over 380,000 people enjoyed Iowa’s only zoo. Officials hope to break another record even in the tough economy.

Drees agrees that “near-cations seem to be the trend for this year.” 

“We’re trying to make many of the events free with the Zoo membership pass,” explained Anne Shimerdla, Guest Operations Director. “Most local residents do the Zoo membership pass to save money due to the increase of new items to see each month, in addition to the fact that they can get a reduced or free admission to over 160 other zoos in America.” In 2005, the Zoo began a combo membership with the Science Center and Living History Farms. Today, over 8,000 Iowa families have one of these membership passes.

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

* The Birdman of Las Vegas - For the first time ever, from June 13th through July 26th the Blank Park Zoo welcomes Joe Krathwohl, also known as "The Birdman of Las Vegas." Joe will perform a six week engagement of various bird shows throughout the day. The thirty minute show includes birds of prey, parrots, crown crane and an Andean Condor with a 10 foot wing span. This special attraction will be held in the ZooPlex and will be free with Zoo admission.

* Red Pandas- A pair of red pandas brings bamboo eating back in style. Like the Giant Panda, it cannot digest cellulose, so it must consume a large volume of bamboo to survive. The Blank Park Zoo was chosen by the AZA’s Species Survival Program (SSP) to be one of the few zoos to house these animals. These endangered red pandas are the cutest thing since Donny and Marie. The Red Pandas are made possible in part by a gift from the W.T. & Edna M. Dahl Trust.

* Rare Mauritius Pink Pigeons- In an effort to increase the Zoo’s endangered species collection, the Windsor Foundation provided a grant to obtain one of the most critically endangered birds, a Mauritius pink pigeon, which will be free flying in the Zoo’s Discovery Center. Just over 250 of these rare birds from the Mauritius Island near Africa are alive today, with just over 45 in the United States. Blank Park Zoo has been designated one of the few locations in the world to breed these exotic birds.

* Golden Headed Lion Tamarins- A rare and very small species of Brazilian monkeys will join the other wild creatures in the Discovery Center. Native to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil, the Golden Headed Lion Tamarin is an endangered species with an estimated wild population of "more than 1,000 individuals" and a North American captive population maintained at approximately 74 individuals.

* Wacky World of Chickens- The Blank Park Zoo’s Kids’ Kingdom will welcome fifty chicks this spring that will feature a mixture of breeds, including crested chickens with “Top Hats”, feathers on their feet and chickens with long tail feathers. The display will also feature a photo opportunity with an 8 foot chicken and a kid sized hatched egg.

* African Cichilid- The Blank Park Zoo will introduce a new African Cichilid (pronounced sik-lid) fish display. The African Cichilid hails from Lake Malawi which is near the borders of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The display contains a variety of species, patterns and colors of Cichilids. Its an aggressive species of fish that will be 6-12 inches long when fully grown. The African Cichilid display is made possible with a gift from Dr. Matt Brown.

* Snow Monkey Breeding- Three new male Japanese Macaques will be introduced to the rest of the troop this spring to start reproduction. The Blank Park Zoo is one of only 5 zoos in the US that are attempting to reproduce this endangered snow monkey species.

* Feed a Giraffe- An all-new giraffe experience will be unveiled.. Located on the African boardwalk, a new 23 ft. handicap accessible bridge will bring guests to an exciting natural location to interact and feed our giraffes.

* The Fleeing Flamingo- Yep, it flew the coop last fall, but the “fleeing flamingo”, which gained international fame, is back with the flock and ready to amaze guests with keeper presentations on this pink winged species.

* New Restrooms and Refreshment stand- Kids’ Kingdom returns with new animals to feed, new thrones “fit for a king” (actually, we replaced the Kybos with running water restrooms), and a new refreshment stand. This area has doubled its use since the new kids’ play area was introduced.

* Summer Safari Day Camps- expanded all day camps will return this summer for children in Grades 1-6. Half-day camps will also be available for children ages 3-5. Online registration now available at www.blankparkzoo.com

* Family Friday Nights return with more parent-child date nights, every other Friday this summer. Each Family Friday Night features family friendly music, special craft activities, keeper chats, story times, 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. (May 15 – August 21).

* Zoo Brew returns every Wednesday this 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.

* Party for the Planet Celebrate Earth Day at the Blank Park Zoo on April 24 from 4pm-7pm. Learn about conservation at the Zoo and ways you can protect the environment at home. The event is FREE with paid Zoo Admission and free to Blank Park Zoo Members.

* Hogs for Frogs returns this year with a motorcycle fun run on July 12. The event is an effort to raise money and awareness for frog conservation. One-third of all amphibians are in danger of extinction, in part because of a deadly fungus spreading rapidly around the globe.

* Uptown Hoedown Leave the black ties and ball gowns at the cleaners, grab some dancing boots and join us September 25 for a wild and exotic country style gala to benefit the Blank Park Zoo. Funds from the Up-town Hoe-down support the educational programs at the Blank Park Zoo as well as the training, veterinary care and general operations related to managing the Zoo’s extensive animal collection

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

* Blank Park Zoo Membership Zoo Pass- With the theme of doing a “near-cation,” the $79 Zoo all-family member pass will be the best value to return for each of the new attractions. In addition to free, year-round admittance to the Blank Park Zoo and free or discounted admission to 160 other Zoos, members will be treated to an exclusive first look at the new Red Pandas on Friday, May 22nd. Also, this year every member (adult and child) receive one free train ride on “Member Mondays” and free admission to Zoo Brew and Family Friday Night.

* Group Safari Packages - The Blank Park Zoo is perfect for family reunions, company picnics, 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.

* Sponsorship Opportunities are available for any event at the Blank Park Zoo. For more information, call Azure Christensen at 515-974-2593.

The Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open everyday from 10am-4pm. Admission is $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children under 12, and $7.95 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.