Zoo News

Jaama Kwa Africa Set to open

Blank Park Zoo — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Link to pictures and HD b-roll video clips: /rhinopress
Links videos in YouTube format: http://youtu.be/93CWwyAyc4k http://youtu.be/WAlJROV-ww0

Africa Exhibit set to open at Blank Park Zoo
New $4.5 million exhibit features a pair of endangered black rhinoceros, eland, spurred tortoise, kori bustards, ostrich and an aviary.

For Immediate Release

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 29, 2013) – Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo will soon open phase one of the first major expansion of the Zoo since 2001. The exhibit name, Jaama Kwa Africa, means ‘your connection to Africa’ and Zoo officials hope visitors will connect to not only the animals and the culture of Africa but also the immediate conservation need that many animals, especially the rhinoceros, face. According to the International Rhino Foundation, there are less than 5,000 black rhinos left in the wild.

“The highlight of the exhibit is the Prairie Meadows Rhino Savanna,” said Mark Vukovich, CEO. “Not only will you be able to see rhinos, you’ll learn why they are highly endangered and how you can help protect them. We want to raise awareness about this because it’s possible that within our lifetime these animals will be extinct in the wild.”

The three-acre, $4.5 million exhibit will open on May 4. The exhibit features an indoor area for rhino viewing during cooler seasons. In addition to the rhinos, the exhibit is home to an antelope species called eland, spurred tortoise, the Tim & Toni Urban Aviary, ostrich, and kori bustards, one of the largest birds that can fly. Original artwork by Chris Vance and James Bearden will also be on display.

“Without the help of many generous donors, we would not have been able to come this far with this exhibit, and we would like to thank Prairie Meadows, Principal Financial Group and DuPont Pioneer for their help in this part of our expansion efforts,” said Vukovich.

“Prairie Meadows has worked hard over the years to fund many excellent programs in our community,” said Gary Palmer, Prairie Meadows President/CEO, “and we are pleased to partner with Blank Park Zoo in bringing the African Exhibit and the Prairie Meadows Rhino Savanna to central Iowa. This educational and cultural resource is just another way that we fulfill our mission of giving back as Prairie Meadows has given more than $1 billion in taxes, grants and charitable donations. We are proud of our company’s heritage, and we are pleased to help our community and the Blank Park Zoo in so many ways.”

“As a global business, we support the development of different cultural and environmental learning opportunities and are excited to help build the Gateway to Africa exhibit at the Blank Park Zoo,” said Michelle Gowdy, Director of Community and Academic Relations for DuPont Pioneer. “These experiences are integral to getting more kids interested in science and thinking about how they can use science to change their world.”

The past few years have brought about a number of changes to the Zoo. In 2011, the David Kruidenier Australia Adventure opened. Last year, the Hub Harbor seal and sea lion pool opened and features daily animal demonstrations, stroller accessible observation deck and underwater viewing.

In the Africa exhibit, construction continues on the Principal Pavilion, an educational and viewing area that will give a new view to the giraffe exhibit that will open later this summer. In other areas of the Zoo, construction is continuing on a new holding and winter viewing building for the penguins and Aldabra tortoises, and construction will soon to begin on a Bactrian camel exhibit that will be located just north of the Zoo in Blank Park.

About Black Rhinoceros (source: International Rhino Foundation, www.rhinos.org)

The black rhinoceros has two horns, with the front one being the larger of the two. They can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and be 5.5 feet tall at shoulder height and up to 12.5 feet long if you include the head and body. The black rhino has a prehensile lip that is well-suited for grasping branches, leaves and shrubs. This is the species’ most distinguishing characteristic. The black rhino lives in Africa, primarily in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bush lands. Female rhinos reach maturity at four to seven years of age while males reach maturity at seven to ten years. Between 1970 and 1992, the wild population of this species has decreased by 96 percent. The term ‘black rhino’ is believed to come about because of the color of the soil the rhino covers itself with while wallowing in the mud. Unlike the white rhino, black rhinos are only semi-social and do not live in herds.

About Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. seven days a week through April. Beginning May 1, Blank Park Zoo’s summer hours will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission rates are $11 for an adult, $6 for a child (3-12 years), and $9 for a senior. Children two years and under and Blank Park Zoo members are free. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at . 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.

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Miya, Japanese Macaque Turns 1

Blank Park Zoo — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Special media photo opportunity on Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m. & birthday party on Saturday, April 20

For Immediate Release

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 17, 2013) – Miya, the baby Japanese Macaque is turning one this weekend and to celebrate, the Zoo will be giving Miya and the rest of the macaques a special birthday cupcake that will have yummy treats this Friday at 10 a.m.

In addition, Blank Park Zoo will be holding a birthday party and Earth Day celebration in honor of Miya this Saturday on April 20. The first 200 visitors to the Zoo will be given a birthday treat. In addition, a portion of the day’s admissions proceeds will be used to support primate conservation at the Limbe Wildlife Center in Cameroon.

Guests will be able to sign a giant birthday card for Miya, watch special Macaque ‘birthday enrichment’ as Miya and the rest of the macaques are given a special cupcake toy, and keepers will present special keeper chats and enrichment and 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

For those wishing to purchase Miya a gift, keepers are asking for the following items:

· Trader Joe's Squishers, Miya’s all-time favorite treat

· all natural yogurt

· rice

· wholegrain pasta - Miya prefers spaghetti

· whole grain cereals - cheerios, shredded wheat, other "natural" cereals

· Sugar free jello

In addition, all monkey themed merchandise will be discounted 20 percent in the Zoo’s gift shop.

About Japanese Macaques

Habitat: They range from the subtropical lowlands to the subalpine regions of Japan.
Diet in the Wild: Leaves, grain, fruit, insects, tree buds, shoots, and mice
Diet at the Zoo: Monkey biscuits, oranges, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Free browsing
Description: The average body mass for an adult male Japanese macaque is around 25 pounds and they measure from 19 to 24 inches. The fur color varies from brown to white. There is no hair on the face and it becomes red during adulthood. This species has a relatively short tail.
Adaptation/Behavior: Japanese macaques are tree dwelling (arboreal) and active during the day (diurnal.) They are social animals and live in troops comprising of both males and females. Hierarchy in the troop is based on the matriline amongst females and strength amongst males. Macaques are intelligent and may use tools to obtain food. In the cold winter months, they will bask in the sun and soak in natural hot springs. This species has cheek pouches to carry food in while it forages.
Courtship/Breeding: When the female is ready to mate, her perineum swells and becomes redden. Gestation period is between 170 to 180 days. Single births occur, and breeding time is usually from November to January.
Conservation: Japanese macaques are threatened due to deforestation and the loss of their habitat. As human development invade the territories of these macaques, human and macaque encounters increase, and about 5000 macaques are captured or shot each year (despite protection from the Japanese government) for they are considered as agricultural pests.

About Blank Park Zoo

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Say I do at the Zoo

Blank Park Zoo — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Say I do at the Zoo Bridal Show
Blank Park Zoo is a very popular place to “say I do.” After all, the penguins are always dressed for the occasion.

For Immediate Release

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 15, 2013) – Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo is a popular place to ‘tie the knot,’ and on May 5, the Zoo will be holding a bridal show to show off the many options for saying “I do at the Zoo.”

There will be 25 vendors that will help brides to be with photography, wedding desserts, hospitality, catering, DJ and lighting services, decoration rental and so much more! Blank Park Zoo will be the featured location and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is the featured caterer.

Details:

What: Say I do at the Zoo Bridal Show
When: Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Blank Park Zoo’s Zooplex (inside the Zoo)
Admission: Admission is free for brides and one guest, regular Zoo admission applies for additional guests.
Register: Register online at www.blankparkzoo.com or call 515-285-4722

The supporting partners for the show are InnovativEvents Inc., Red Door Photo & Design, and Classic Events.

About Blank Park Zoo

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Blank Park Zoo sets up April Fool's Hotline

Blank Park Zoo — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Blank Park Zoo takes a 'if you can't beat them, then join them stance' on long-time phone prank.

For Immediate Release

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 29, 2013) – Iowa's Blank Park Zoo announced today special phone numbers and is preparing to take thousands of phone calls on Monday.

"Several years ago, we were getting several hundred prank phone calls on April 1, and our people that answered the phone were frustrated, so I thought it would be fun to set up voicemail messages that the pranksters could call instead," said Ryan Bickel, zoo spokesperson. "What happened next was almost unbelievable."

The promotion went viral and the zoo received an estimated 25,000 - 30,000 phone calls on April 1, 2009, and thousands more in the years that followed.

"We received phone calls from across the United States," said Bickel. "Radio DJs were talking about this in New York and California."

The prank goes like this; a prankster leaves a written message on an unsuspecting co-worker's desk to call a Mr. Lyon or a Don Key and leaves the local zoo's number. The unsuspecting person seriously calls the zoo and finds out it is a prank.

This year's numbers feature a 'best of messages' from previous year’s plus a new number in honor of Blank Park Zoo's new Rhino exhibit opening May 4. Bickel cautioned would be pranksters to not play the prank on someone that wouldn't see the humor in it or might get upset by being pranked.

These are the zoo's special numbers (please do not use the zoo’s main phone number):

Ryne O., 515-974-2670

Anna Conda, 515-974-2671

Don Key, 515-974-2672

Wally B. Hoppin, 515-974-2673

About Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. seven days a week this winter. Winter Admission rates are $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and $6 for seniors and active military. Children two years and under and Blank Park Zoo members are free. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at . 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.

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Blank Park Zoo releases its spring and summer lineup for 2013

Blank Park Zoo — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

For Immediate Release
(Scroll to bottom for Zoo B-Roll)

DES MOINES, Iowa (February 12, 2013) - Iowa’s only accredited Zoo announced today its spring and summer lineup that includes the grand opening of a $4 million Africa exhibit that will feature rhinoceros, eland, kori bustards, spurred tortoise and an aviary with African birds.

“There will be more going on at the Zoo than ever before,” said Mark Vukovich, CEO of Blank Park Zoo. “In addition to literally ‘tons’ of new animals this year at the Zoo, we will be holding many events that Zoo fans love. You’ll want to ‘Do the Zoo’ many times this summer.”

Blank Park Zoo will also continue its expansion efforts with construction of a new camel exhibit in the front entrance of Blank Park and a new indoor home and winter viewing area for penguins and Aldabra tortoises.

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

Jaama Kwa Africa- Blank Park Zoo’s new exhibit will be a ‘connection to Africa’ this summer. Not only will the public see many new animals, they will experience Africa through the theming elements and educational interactives. The aviary is based on a home. The exhibit also includes a Maasi hut and a pavilion for education programs. (Opens May 4)

Cinerous Vultures- This Eurasian vulture is among the largest of the true birds of prey in the world and will take up residence with Blank Park Zoo’s white handed gibbons.

Bactrian Camels- This camel not only doubles the ‘humps’ of the dromedary camels Zoo visitors are accustomed too at the Zoo’s camel ride but also is much larger and hails from desert regions of Mongolia and China.

Critter Corner- The Critter Corner is a new place in the Zoo where our education animal collection can go outside and meet the public and enjoy the sun when they are not traveling around the state as the Zoo’s ambassadors. (times and hours vary based on travel schedule)

Return of Expanded Zoo Hours – Due to popular demand, Blank Park Zoo will be returning to its expanded summer hours, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. beginning May 1. (May through September)

EDUCATION:

Field Trip Pricing- Blank Park Zoo is continuing its $2 price of Kindergarten through grade 12 field trips. School groups that wish to participate must pre-register at www.blankparkzoo.com and be from a recognized school.

Summer Safari Day Camps- expanded all-day camps will return this summer for children ages 5-13. Half-day camps will also be available for children ages 3-6. Registration for camps begins March 1.

ZooTots- Join some furry, feathery, slimy and fuzzy animal friends in an exciting, hands-on adventure. We will read books, make crafts, and eat some yummy animal snacks. Classes are held at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Ages 2-4 with an adult (Now through February 23, register at www.blankparkzoo.com; Classes are also held in the fall)

Zoo Tots Cooking- Classes consist of exciting cooking lessons right here at the Zoo. Each week, you and your toddler will cook a treat and participate in fun activities. These classes will be held on Fridays at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Ages 2-4 with an adult. (Now through March 1, register now at www.blankparkzoo.com; Classes are also held in the fall)

ZooTunes- ZooTunes is a music class for ages 6 mo.-2 years with an adult. Participants in this class will sing songs, play instruments, dance, join in hands-on activities, and enjoy animal visitors. Adults will be actively involved in the class, helping to engage the young children in music. Classes will be held alternating Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Classes are about 30-45 min. in length. (Now through February 27, register now at www.blankparkzoo.com; Classes are also held in the fall)

Zoodlers! is a drop off class for children, three - five years of age. Children will attend every Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday for four weeks. Classes will be held from March 11-April 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. During Zoodlers!, children will participate in fun games and crafts, explore the Zoo, read a story, have a snack and meet an animal friend! Zoodlers! is a great way to get ready for pre-school and spend some time at the Blank Park Zoo! Children must be potty trained.

Teacher Workshops- Blank Park Zoo is a leader in state-wide education and will be holding workshops at locations throughout the state to help train teachers on issues of environmental conservation and animal science.

Library Programs- Every summer, Blank Park Zoo educators hit the road with animals and travel to 180 libraries in Iowa for summer education programs.

STEM- Blank Park Zoo is teaming up with the Iowa Math & Science Education Partnership to be a location for “Parents Night Out.” The event will take place in October.

EVENTS:

Eggstravaganza- Kicking off Blank Park Zoo’s 2013 event season is “Eggstravaganza.” Children embark on a safari Easter egg hunt. Some of the animals will participate in an egg hunt of their own. Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny will be available. Plus check out our twitter page beginning March 25 for clues about the Golden Egg Hunt. (March 30, 2013)
Out of Africa: Our Journey to Save Okapi, Lion & Rhino- Blank Park Zoo is excited to announce three conservation events in 2013 focused around three majestic African animals. The evening events include John Lukas speaking on saving okapi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (February 28, 2013), Dr. Amy Dickman (March 28, 2013) will talk about her work with lions and large carnivores in Africa and Bill Konstant (April 25, 2013), program officer with the International Rhino Foundation, will talk about the threats to and efforts to save the Rhinoceros.
Walking Club- Blank Park Zoo will be a wild place to exercise this year starting in May. (more details to be released soon)

Adventure Days- This summer families will enjoy added education, activities and themes during four Saturdays with Adventure Days at Blank Park Zoo. This year, themes revolve around the concept of healthy living, including healthy people (May 11), healthy planet (June 8), healthy minds (July 13) & healthy animals (August 10).

Zoo Brew returns with even more fun evenings every Wednesday this June, July & August. Each 21-and-over event will feature beer or wine sampling, live music and, of course, all of the animals at Blank Park Zoo. The event is FREE with paid Zoo Admission and free to Blank Park Zoo Members.
Gators on the Green- Help Blank Park Zoo continue its mission of conservation, education and recreation by participating in this golf tournament. After all, where else in Iowa can you golf while viewing ‘real’ alligators on the green! This event is held about a week before the Principal Charity Classic, so participants will enjoy some of the improvements made to the course before the Classic. (Wakonda Country Club, May 20, 2013, $300 single, $1,200 foursome, $2,000 foursome with hole sponsorship).
ZACC Conference- Blank Park Zoo is excited to host the 2013 Zoos and Aquariums: Committing to Conservation conference. This biennial conference provides opportunities for zoo and aquarium personnel and field researchers to meet and develop partnerships that benefit wildlife and wild places around the globe. The mission of the ZACC conference is to encourage and promote increased involvement of zoos and aquariums in support of field conservation - locally, nationally and internationally. (July 8 through July 12, 2013, registration at blankparkzoo.com)

Campout at the Zoo- This outdoor overnight adventure will be an unforgettable night with Blank Park Zoo’s animals. Enjoy the Zoo after hours to see animal behaviors you may not have seen before, plus campfire stories, s’mores, interact with the Zoo’s small animal friends and more! (June 21, 2013)

Rhino Rampage- Lace up your shoes for 5k race, an obstacle challenge or a kids dash. This one-of-a-kind course through Blank Park Zoo includes something for the whole family – whether you feel up for a jog, a walk, an obstacle course or a dash. (June 15, 2013)

I Do at the Zoo Bridal Show – Blank Park Zoo is inviting soon-to-be brides to meet dozens of vendors in the wedding industry. The ZooPlex will be set up with vendor booths including DJs, local cake shops, dress boutiques, photographers, and more! Blank Park Zoo will be featured as the location venue. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse will provide food samples. (May 5, 2013)

Zoobilation- Our annual gala is returning this September. Whether guests enjoy the Zoo for the animals, education or conservation, this event will allow guests to support your favorite aspect while enjoying cocktails, food stations and fun entertainment. (Friday, September 20, 2013)

Zooktoberfest- Zoo Brew is back for one last blast with an Oktoberfest twist. This event features the best seasonal beers, Oktoberfest-style food, live entertainment and the animals of the Zoo. Ages 21 and over only. (Wednesday, October 2, 2013)

Night Eyes- Everyone’s favorite trick-or-treat event returns this October for its 23rd straight year of “merry not scary” fun. Over 500,000 treats will be passed out at the number-one family Halloween event. (October 17-20, October 24-27, 2013)

Santa at the Zoo- This international celebrity is rumored to make another appearance at Blank Park Zoo with a couple of his reindeer friends. Plus, watch animals open some of their early presents from Santa - they have been waiting all year! (December 7 & 14, 2013, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

MEMBERSHIP

Blank Park Zoo, Living History Farms & Science Center of Iowa Tri Membership Pass- This is the eighth anniversary when three great Iowa non-profits combined forces to offer a unique pass for the greatest attractions around. For only $219, a family can experience the fun and excitement of all these attractions for a whole year.

Blank Park Zoo Membership - The $89 Blank Park 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 members will receive one free train ride and bring one additional guest for free (one guest per family membership) on “Member Mondays.” Members also receive free admission to Zoo Brew.

RENTALS

Group Safari Packages- 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. Ask about our special group tours and meal packages.
Weddings – Say ‘I do’ at Blank Park Zoo. The Zoo is the perfect venue for a unique and memorable wedding. From an intimate ceremony in the aquarium, to renting out the entire Zoo for your guests, Blank Park Zoo will make the wildest wedding day dreams come true. Blank Park Zoo has booked over 30 weddings for 2013. Dates are still available.

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.

OPPORTUNITIES

‘Wild’ Summer Jobs- Blank Park Zoo will be seeking to fill over 70 seasonal positions this summer in the areas of guest services and education. Potential applicants can find more information at www.blankparkzoo.com, or attend a job fair at Blank Park Zoo on March 16, noon – 4 p.m.

Volunteers- Volunteers work in many areas of the Zoo including horticulture, exhibit interpretation, Kids’ Kingdom, events and more. Visit www.blankparkzoo.com for more information.

About Blank Park Zoo

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2013 Wildlife Conservation Series

Blank Park Zoo — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Click here for a picture of John Lukas.

DES MOINES, Iowa (February 7, 2013) – Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo announced today its Wildlife Conservation Series for 2013 and features speakers on three endangered African animals: okapi, lions and rhinoceros. The first of the series will be on February 28 when John Lukas, founder of the Okapi Conservation Project in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will speak about saving the okapi.

“With the opening of Blank Park Zoo’s new Africa exhibit this spring, it’s a great time to focus on the threats to these animals in the wild. These speakers are experts in working to save these highly endangered animals. You’ll learn what they are doing and how you can help them in their efforts,” said Mark Vukovich, CEO of Blank Park Zoo.

John Lukas
Active in international conservation, John Lukas is the president of White Oak Conservation Center, Inc. which raises funds for conservation projects, including the Okapi Conservation Project in the rain forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project protects the wild population of okapi by supporting rangers and assisting local communities.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Blank Park Zoo

Dr. Amy Dickman
Dr. Dickman is the Kaplan Senior Research Fellow in Felid Conservation at Oxford University, and has over 15 years of experience working on large carnivores in Africa, specializing in big cats. In 2011, she was awarded the Rabinowitz-Kaplan Prize for the Next Generation in Wild Cat Conservation.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Blank Park Zoo

Bill Konstant
Bill Konstant is the Program Officer for the International Rhino Foundation and has held positions with the World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife Preservation Trust International and Conservation International, and has helped establish endangered species conservation programs at the Philadelphia Zoo and Houston Zoo.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Blank Park Zoo

Ticket bundles are available. Purchase at www.blankparkzoo.com or call the zoo at 515-285-4722.

Non-Members:
$20 per session
$50 for all three sessions

Members:
$15 per session
$40 for all three sessions

The events start at 6 p.m. with a social hour and appetizers and the guest speakers start at 7 p.m.

About Blank Park Zoo

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Blank Park Zoo Releases Ad in Honor of Big Game

Blank Park Zoo — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

DES MOINES, Iowa (January 31, 2013) – Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo released a new ad in honor of Sunday’s Big Game. The ad depicts what some Blank Park Zoo animals think about football and specifically, the Big Game.

“The commercials are such a big part of the game, I thought it would be fun to have one of our own,” said Ryan Bickel, Zoo spokesperson. “Spending $4 million to air it would be ridiculous and not possible but we could put it on the internet and let Zoo fans have fun with it in social media.”

Bickel said that he had three requirements for the ad: it would be fun, something different than Blank Park Zoo’s regular advertising and a little bit controversial. Bickel said some animal experts frown upon animal anthropomorphization.

To see the ad, go to http://youtu.be/ov96zuH5ciw

In addition, Blank Park Zoo will have the RED PANDAS pick the winner of the Big Game tomorrow (Friday) morning at 10 a.m., Blank Park Zoo animals have a perfect record (3-0) of picking the winner Big Game. Members of the media and public are invited to watch who they will pick.

About Blank Park Zoo

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Blank Park Zoo's Red Pandas Picked Game Winner

Blank Park Zoo — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

DES MOINES, Iowa (February 1, 2013) – Blank Park Zoo’s Red Pandas picked the winner of the Big Game this morning. Keepers placed two boxes in the exhibit of the same size and labeled the boxes with the team’s logos. They were filled equally with healthy treats that Red Pandas enjoy, such as bamboo and raisins.

Berry the Red Panda studied both teams before quickly picking Baltimore to win, while Razz thinks San Francisco will beat Baltimore. Kitar the Red Panda stayed out of the picking process for a while and eventually joined Berry in the pick for Baltimore.

“These types of activities are part of our enrichment program and provide variety to the animal’s lives. Enrichment is a normal everyday part of zoo keeping duties, and it is fun to do public demonstrations of enrichment that people can enjoy,” said Kevin Drees, Director of Animal Care and Conservation.

Blank Park Zoo’s animals have had success in the past picking the winner of the Big Game as Papa the donkey correctly chose New York to win.

To view the video go to: http://youtu.be/qHcpkRtME-g

About Blank Park Zoo

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Lovebird Adoptions

Blank Park Zoo — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

DES MOINES, Iowa (January 30, 2013) – Have you and your sweetheart ever been described as ‘lovebirds?’ If yes, then Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo may have the perfect Valentine’s Day present for you. For $25, you can ‘adopt’ one of four species of Blank Park Zoo’s unique birds. The recipient will receive a personalized Valentine's Day Card with information about the adopted bird.

“If you describe your love as a classic beauty, you should pick the Trumpeter Swans,” said Audrey Daniels, who is leading this program at Blank Park Zoo. “If you like to dance, pick the Grey Crowned Cranes. They have an elaborate dance involved with their mating ritual.”

Daniels says that the Pink Pigeon is a good choice for those that are ‘a little out of the box,’ and the Scarlet Macaws are a good choice for those that have long-lasting relationships as they ‘mate for life.’

To adopt a bird, simply go to . Adoptions need to be made by February 10 to ensure on-time delivery for Valentine’s Day.

About Blank Park Zoo

Red, harbor seal, passes away

Blank Park Zoo — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Red, Harbor Seal, Passes Away
Longtime resident of Blank Park Zoo was a favorite of keepers

For video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yujh55RtXnA

For Immediate Release

Des Moines (December 18, 2012) – Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo has lost Red, a 27 year-old harbor seal during anesthesia for a veterinary procedure on Friday. Trainers described Red as a laid-back, friendly animal that always participated in training sessions. In fact, he was so well-mannered that he was the first animal many keepers would train when they started working at Blank Park Zoo.

“It is always difficult to lose an animal, especially one as wonderful as Red. To lose one during a medical procedure that was intended to help him is especially devastating,” said June Olds, zoo veterinarian.

Red recently exhibited a loss of appetite, weight-loss, showed signs of abdominal pain and was unable to keep food down. X-rays confirmed that Red had foreign bodies in his stomach, and a procedure was performed under anesthesia to remove them. Olds said that marine mammals like seals and sea lions face a greater risk from anesthesia than most animals because of how their bodies process oxygen and carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, Red stopped breathing during the procedure, and despite efforts to resuscitate him, he never recovered.

“Our hearts go out to all the staff, especially the aquatics team that worked closely with this amazing animal,” said Kevin Drees, director of animal care and conservation.

Red came to Blank Park Zoo on May 13, 1986 from Sea World in San Diego, California. Earlier this year, Blank Park Zoo opened the new $1.3 million Hub Harbor Seal & Sea Lion Pool and welcomed two young harbor seals to the pool, Ross & Meru, rescued animals form Vancouver. The median life expectancy of a harbor seal is 25.9 years.

About Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. seven days a week this winter. The Zoo will be closed Dec. 24 & 25, & Jan. 1. Winter Admission rates are $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and $6 for seniors and active military. Children two years and under and Blank Park Zoo members are free. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at . 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.

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