Zoo Blog

Gators on the Green to benefit Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:52:26 -0600

On Monday, May 20, thirty foursomes are set to tee off at Blank Park Zoo’s second annual Gators on the Green Golf Tournament, held at the Wakonda Club. As the host of the 2013 Principal Charity Classic May 28-June 2, the Wakonda Club is giving the Zoo’s golfers their chance to play the course just a week before the pros.

From securing golfers to sponsorships to silent auction items, the Blank Park Zoo Ambassadors have worked hard to make this fundraising event a successful one. The ambassadors are a group of professionals dedicated to supporting the zoo. They strive to fundraise and plan zoo events, participate in volunteer projects, network and socialize with other like-minded professionals and promote the zoo’s mission.

The participation of the golfers and supporting organizations in Gators on the Green helps the Zoo further our work to inspire an appreciation of the natural world. We are thankful for the support of everyone involved!

The day includes lunch, mulligans, games, contests, prizes and post-game hors d’oeuvres. And, there will be special animal appearances including camels, a donkey – and of course, gators!

Eloise the opossum receives gift from Moulton students

Blank Park Zoo — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:57:39 -0600

One of the Zoo’s education specialists, Kathy McKee, recently visited Moulton Extended Learning Center in Des Moines, Jill Gilmore's third grade class. As part of the program, Kathy had brought Eloise the opossum, one of the Zoo’s education animals, to the classroom that day.

Shortly after her visit, she received a special surprise as a thank you and gift to Eloise: a homemade quilt!

I asked Kathy a few questions about her school visit.

What did the kids learn about Eloise that day?

They were focusing on habitats, so I used our habitat boxes and shared an animal from each of the five habitats represented by the boxes (wetlands, woodlands, rainforests, deserts, and grasslands). Eloise was our woodland animal and I talked about what she eats, her adaptations, and the fact that opossums are North America's only marsupial.

Eloise wrapped in her blanket

Was there a memorable moment when you were at the school?

I was impressed at how much the students already knew about animals and habitats, how well they identified what each box represented and the evidence they gave for their decisions.

What is your favorite part of doing school visits?

I enjoy meeting the students of the teachers that I have worked with in my teacher workshops and doing classroom programs that fit each class' curriculum. I love how excited the students get when they can learn about and touch the animals, and it is a great opportunity to dispel misconceptions people have about some animals.

Eloise checks out her new quilt

What was your reaction to receiving the homemade blanket?

I was very touched by the gift Ms. Gilmore's students made. I am so glad that they enjoyed and learned from their zoo program, and that they loved Eloise so much! Eloise is one if my favorite animals, too, and seeing her snuggled in her new quilt will remind me of a delightful class I was fortunate enough to visit!

Ms. Gilmore's 3rd Grade classroom with the homemade quilt

Guest post: Limbe Wildlife Centre

Blank Park Zoo — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:15:19 -0600

Guest post by Limbe Wildlife Center

Limbe Wildlife Centre, a rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction/release project, is jointly managed by Pandrillus and the Government of Cameroon and is a conservation project the Blank Park Zoo supports.

In Cameroon, one of the highest areas of biodiversity in the world, the illegal animal trade is widespread, and along with deforestation is one of the greatest threats to the survival of wildlife species. When animals are killed for meat, infants are taken and illegally sold as pets in the market. Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC) provides a solution to the problem of what can be done with the infant primates and other wild animal species when they are lucky enough to be seized from criminal traders by customs, police, or conservation officials. In doing so, we support and encourage the enforcement of the wildlife laws of Cameroon. Without this support, confiscating agencies would soon tire of prosecuting wildlife crime as they would have nowhere to place the animals which they seize. In addition, we run a conservation education outreach program that reaches more than 1,000 children in each, and work with local communities on conservation-based projects.

Lolo, an orphan of the bushmeat trade, was confiscated after a hunter
tried to sell her as a pet in a hotel.She currently lives in our chimpanzee
nursery with four other individuals.

LWC’s conservation education program includes school outreach and
a nature club, reaching more than 1,300 children in total.

Aframomum is an important part of the primate diet. We work to
provide ex-hunters with an alternative, sustainable livelihood of
harvesting aframomum, which also helps them to appreciate the forest.

Currently, Limbe Wildlife Centre cares for more than 360 orphans of the bushmeat trade, including 15 primate species native to Cameroon, such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and drills, as well as various small mammals and reptiles that have been brought in for rehabilitation and release. This year, it is clear that the environmental situation in Cameroon has reached a critical level; in only 3.5 months we have received 21 new arrivals, including 10 primates. Currently, we are working towards creating an LWC field site extension, which will provide an area for the reintroduction of endemic species currently at LWC (such as drills and Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees), protect essential habitat, and create an eco-tourism opportunity.

Drills, before the start of Pandrillus, were thought to be extinct in the
wild. Today Pandrillus projects care for more than 500 drills in
Cameroon and Nigeria.

LWC employs 35 local staff to care for all of the animals at our sanctuary and run our education program. In June, Blank Park Zoo provided our staff with nearly 100 uniforms, for which they are all very thankful!

We thank Blank Park Zoo for their continued support of our work at Limbe Wildlife Centre!

Limbe Wildlife Centre Staff

Elvis, a recipient of the Zoo's donated items

Mother goats and their new babies!

Blank Park Zoo — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:07:01 -0600

Happy Mother's Day to the Zoo's new goat mothers and mothers-to-be!

Claire is ready to have her babies any day!

New mama Twix and her two-week old girls, Dory and Peach

New mom Lily watching her two little month-old babies

Milo and Otis, Lily's one-month-old baby goats

And just for fun, an adorable picture of Peach!

Creature Feature: Tiger Salamander

Blank Park Zoo — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:11:33 -0600

You might describe this guy as a bit slippery, somewhat slimy, and maybe even a little cute.

The tiger salamander is one of the education animals at Blank Park Zoo. This time of year, it is used for a variety of programming, from classes at the Zoo to visits at schools and libraries all around the state.

Tiger salamanders are found in North American ponds, streams and other wet habitats. When they go on visits, they must be kept in a container of water and have their skin kept moist at all times – they have water we appropriately refer to as salamander water. They are amphibians, which means that they are an indicator species for water pollution.

Tiger salamander fun facts:

The tiger salamanders are secretive animals and spend most of their lives underground.
They gather in large numbers in the spring for courtship and egg laying.
Tiger salamanders have a long tail and webbed feet that aid in swimming.
Their mouth is generally a large opening, and they have no teeth or ear glands.
Tiger salamanders measure between six and eight inches and can even grow up to 13 inches long.
In the wild, tiger salamanders consume small insects and worms, though it is not rare for an adult to consume frogs and baby mice. At Blank Park Zoo, they eat crickets and sometimes worms.
Adult tiger salamanders are usually blotched with grey, green or black and have large, lidded eyes. They have short snouts, thick necks, sturdy legs and long tails.

Would you touch a tiger salamander if you had the chance? What do you think it feels like?

Make your own necklace at the Zoo to benefit Uganda

Blank Park Zoo — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:23:16 -0600

This summer, Blank Park Zoo will be opening a necklace-making station in conjunction with our new African exhibit. Families will be able to assemble a necklace using the handmade recycled paper beads from the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust project in Uganda while learning about sustainable livelihoods and conservation.

We recently received these photos of the women's group in Uganda making these beads. Blank Park Zoo's support is a huge boom for their local economy and furthers conservation efforts by providing these families with a sustainable income, instead of extracting rare natural resources from the environment.

Please stop by and make your very own necklace when it opens!

I Do at the Zoo Bridal Show Sunday, May 5

Blank Park Zoo — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:46:49 -0600

Your special someone popped the question, and ever since you’ve said “YES!” you’ve spent every waking minute thinking about your big day.

There are so many details – from a photographer to a DJ to cake to flowers, and then there are even more choices that keep you from knowing even where to start.

This Sunday, May 5 from 10 am to 2 pm, let Blank Park Zoo help make the “zoo” of a wedding planning process a little easier for you. We’ve got vendors from all areas of planning your special day:

Photography
Desserts
Hospitality
Invitations
Catering
Transportation services
Lighting services
DJs
Decoration rental

And so much more! Explore and experience Blank Park Zoo as you go on an exciting tour around the Zoo, viewing possible wedding event spaces and meeting vendors. Enjoy many giveaways and sign up to WIN a free wedding dress with custom tailoring from Simply Bridal!

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, the I Do at the Zoo Bridal Show at Blank Park Zoo is the place to be this Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm!

You’ll get the chance to:

Meet vendors showcasing bridal services and accessories

Have the opportunity to walk around Blank Park Zoo while viewing our event spaces

Enter to win giveaways and the grand prize free wedding dress from Simply Bridal!

Admission is free for brides and one guest. Regular Zoo admission rates apply for additional guests.

Click here to register today!

Visit the I Do at the Zoo page for a full list of participating vendors and sponsors.

Behind the Scenes preview: Jamaa Kwa Africa Opens May 4!

Blank Park Zoo — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:41:47 -0600

We’re counting down the days to the Grand Opening of Jamaa Kwa Africa!

You’ve heard a lot about the biggest highlights of the exhibit, the two endangered black rhinos, and there’s so much more that we’re excited to unveil.

Interactive interpretive sign

Walking bridge to Africa

Our new $4.5 million exhibit, the largest expansion the Zoo has seen since 2001, will boast an antelope species called eland, spur-thighed tortoise, ostrich, an aviary and kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the world. The exhibit will also feature original artwork by Chris Vance and James Bearden.

James Bearden public art

Aviary and kori bustard yard

And this is just the beginning – phase one of a long-term, three-phase plan to expand the Zoo’s African exhibit.

The exhibit name, Jamaa Kwa Africa, means “Your connection to Africa”. We hope you will connect to not only the animals and the culture of Africa, but that you’ll also see 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.

One of the future outdoor rhino exhibit yards

Without the help of many generous donors, we would not have been able to come this far with this exhibit!

We will soon offer an ostrich feeding experience!

Maasai hut for viewing the ostrich up close

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

In the expanding Africa exhibit, there will soon be 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 continues on a new holding and winter viewing building for the penguins and Aldabra tortoises. And, we will soon begin work on a Bactrian camel exhibit that will be located just north of the Zoo in Blank Park – in the Zoo’s main entrance.

We are excited for all the changes to come and hope you’ll join us in our ever-expanding Wildest Adventure!

Out of Africa: Journey to Save Rhinos
5 questions with rhino keeper Lou Keeley

May is Membership Month at Blank Park Zoo!

Blank Park Zoo — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:11:23 -0600

Members, get ready for some big specials and events because:

May is Membership Month!

Every weekday in May, enjoy a special token of our appreciation just by being a Blank Park Zoo member.

May 1-10 Bring an additional friend for free (excludes Members Night)
May 13-17 Receive 30% off your Safari Grill purchase
May 20-24 Free cheek painting* with membership purchase**, or $2 full face painting for members
May 27-31 Carousel rides for $1 (50% off!)

These promotions are good on weekdays only. Enjoy the extra benefits of being a member all through May!

*Not eligible towards Members Wild Card
** Membership must be purchased May 20-24 to qualify

Members Night 2013: Friday, May 3

Members Night is this Friday, May 3! 5 pm to 8 pm

Join us as we unveil our new Jaama Kwa – Connection to Africa exhibit, featuring two endangered Easter black rhino, Ayana and Kiano. Zoo members have an exclusive opportunity to meet the Zoo’s new rhinos first – join us for our Members Night event Friday, May 3 for a special first look at this must-see exhibit.

This African-themed family evening will include:

Live music
Inflatable fun
African-themed games and crafts
New animals – including rhino, kori bustard and more!

Join us at this special members-only preview and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family! Members Night is free for Zoo members. Not a member? Sign up today!

The Members Wild Card is back!

At Members Night, we’ll be bringing back the Wild Card again this year! The Wild Card, available all summer long, is yours to take along with you as you Do the Zoo this summer. Get your card stamped with each train ride, giraffe feeding, gift shop purchase and more. Once your Wild Card is completed, turn it into admissions for prizes! We’ll draw winners each month.

For each Wild Card you turn in, you’ll receive one free train pass and your child can pick a special prize out of our treasure chest of toys!

And, for each card you turn in, you’ll be entered to win from a monthly drawing of a free Zoo membership renewal and special sponsor prizes! Sponsors include:

Orange Leaf
Carmike Cinemas
Iowa Cubs
Pagliai's Pizza
Noodles and Company
Chuck E Cheese
Fleur Cinemas
Fridley Theatres (Copper Creek)

The more Wild Cards you complete and return to admissions, the better your chances of winning our prize drawings for each month May through September.

Choose your adventure and the activities you complete – make sure you pick up and fill out your Wild Card when you Do the Zoo this summer!

National Volunteer Week Volunteer Spotlight: Colleen Chisman

Blank Park Zoo — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:46:36 -0600

Colleen Chisman has been a volunteer at Blank Park Zoo since 2007, volunteering to help the zookeepers with daily tasks in addition to working with the Zoo’s Conservation Alliance. When she’s not giving her time to the Zoo, Colleen lives in Urbandale and works at DuPont Pioneer as a research associate.

Nominated by coworkers to be placed into the DuPont Volunteer Recognition Program, Colleen was recognized by DuPont Pioneer earlier this year for her service demonstrated as a dedicated volunteer to the Zoo. In honor of Colleen, DuPont Pioneer awarded $1,000 to the Zoo.

Colleen and Barnaby, the Zoo's oldest and largest aldabra tortoise

Why did you start volunteering at Blank Park Zoo?

I had a variety of internships while in school [at UNI] and worked with a variety of exotics including big cats, sea lions, beluga whales and spider monkeys. Working with exotic animals is a passion of mine, and I knew I wanted to continue with that. I had wide range of hands-on animal experience, so I could help the zookeepers with their daily tasks.

Where in the Zoo do you volunteer?

I volunteer with the zookeepers, but more recently a lot of my time has been spent with the Conservation Alliance. This group reinforces the Zoo’s conservation message and supports a variety of local, national and international conservation organizations.

One of my own little Christmas traditions is volunteering with the zookeepers on Christmas Day. That day is always a little short staffed, and I know the zookeepers want to be at home with their families, so I like to go in and help them out.

Why do you love volunteering for the zoo?

I love animals! It is great that I have found a place where I can work with them. I love the people here also. Everyone is very friendly, and I have made a lot of friends with both the staff and other volunteers. The staff is always very welcoming and appreciative of the volunteers, which feels great!

How do your volunteer efforts help further the Zoo's mission to promote conservation?

You may be surprised by what a large impact you can make by volunteering in conservation. The impact I make is my favorite part about volunteering. What I do makes a difference to a child on the other side of the world. What the child learns will impact the way he treats the local environment around him…Knowing I can change the world by the little things I do is a great feeling.

I don’t think a zoo can be a zoo without demonstrating to the public they are dedicated to the message of conservation. The Blank Park Zoo fulfills this role well by supporting both local and non-local conservation organizations, educating the Zoo’s visitors and helping the staff go green.

What are some specific projects you have worked on?

A couple years ago, Health in Harmony approached the Zoo for help in developing educational programs for the villagers’ children. Health in Harmony is a group based in Borneo that involves the locals in reforestation projects and educates them about the animals they share the forest with. For Health in Harmony, I led the efforts in finding educational materials, books, crafts and coloring book pages. The Zoo also provided funds in order to send kids to day camps at Gunung Palung National Park. These kids have spent their whole lives within range of an orangutan, but never got to see one until they made the special trip the Zoo was able to provide for them!

I was also involved in properly outfitting the Ugandan Chimpanzee Ambassadors. This is a group of 25 men and women who perform chimpanzee census in Uganda. Before partnering with the Zoo, they had difficulty performing their jobs without raingear or proper footwear. With donations from the Zoo and surrounding businesses, we were able to present each ambassador with a pair of boots, rain gear, first-aid kits, waterproof watches, headlamps and a bike. We were able to make a great impact!

How do volunteers help educate and promote the Zoo's mission?

I would equate our volunteer force to being the Zoo’s ambassadors to the public. Name any Zoo event and you will see a volunteer there. We are always ready to answer questions, whether it be about a particular animal or how to navigate the Zoo.

Many Zoo volunteers are animal handlers –whether at a Zoo event or an off-site educational program, a volunteer will bring one of our educational animals and provide the public with that rich opportunity of experiencing an animal first-hand, providing memories for life!

Why are Zoo volunteers so important?

The Zoo really could not be where it is at today without volunteers. There is always so much to be done and so many events that could not happen without them. Volunteers fulfill so many tasks, such as registering guests at events like the Rhino Rampage, helping at kids craft tables during Adventure Days, bartending at Zoo Brew, planting gardens, helping Zoo staff during day camps and handing out candy at Night Eyes. There are even opportunities to do a little office work. The Zoo staff is always looking for help and is always appreciative of the volunteers. If you have a special interest or talent, the Zoo can use you!

Interested in volunteering?
Contact Chris Eckles, volunteer coordinator at volunteer@blankparkzoo.net or call 515-974-2551.

Get started and fill out your volunteer application today!