A New Joey Joins the Mob

The new wallaby joey hangs out in Mama Taco's pouch while she visits with one of her exhibit-mates.

There's a new face in the wallaby yard!  A joey, born in September to female Bennett's wallaby Mama Taco, is getting bigger by the day.

With its head and arms hanging out of Mama Taco's pouch, the joey is curious about the green grass, leafy branches, and puddles that comprise its brand new world.  For now, the joey experiences its surroundings from the comfort of mom's pouch. Soon, the joey will start venturing out of the pouch and take its first nibble of tender grass.

Our Bennett's wallaby joey is almost ready to leave mom's pouch.

Like all wallabies, the joey was the size of a thumbtack when it was born.  This tiny joey then crawled to its mother's pouch, where it began nursing and growing.  The new joey still nurses from Mama Taco, and will continue to nurse for many months.

Keepers are waiting to find out if the joey is a boy or a girl before they bestow a name.  More than likely, the joey's name will have a "south of the border" flair to match the other wallabies, which are named Little Jalepena, Quesedilla, Quesa, Rocco, and Gordita.

Come see the new joey when the zoo opens on April 18, then watch it grow up all season long.

The African Journey was named one of seven new must-see zoo exhibits by Family Fun magazine.

More National Recognition for Your Zoo

Last week, we shared the exciting news that Parents magazine named the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo one of the country's Ten Best Zoos for Kids.  (We were ranked #5—wow!)  This week, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's upcoming African Journey exhibit was named one of seven new "must see" zoo exhibits in the nation by Family Fun magazine.

Family Fun magazine included new exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo, the San Diego Zoo, and the Sedgewick County Zoo on its list alongside the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

National recognition is always exciting for the zoo, but it's really a reflection of our community and our supporters.  As a Zoo Member or friend of the zoo, you share in our success.  Thank you!

Birthday Parties at the Zoo!

Want your child to have an amazing birthday party, without all the work?  Celebrate at the zoo!  Our Birthday Party package includes:

Celebrate your birthday at the zoo.

• Zoo Admission for 12 children and three adults for the day
• Personalized ice cream cake & drink
• Birthday Card & an "I Partied with the Animals" t-shirt for birthday child
• Party wagon to use during your visit
• Zoo-themed plates & decorations
• Party favors for children in attendance
• Scavenger hunt activity sheets
• Choice of zoo ride (excludes pony ride)
• Downloadable invitations and thank-you cards
• Your own Party Host, who will greet you at the zoo gate, escort your group around the zoo, play games with the kids, clean up the mess, and keep your Birthday Party running smoothly!

Birthday Parties are available every weekend from April 18 - October 11.  Call 260-427-6808 or e-mail education@kidszoo.org to schedule your child's Birthday Party today!

Zoo Reopening Soon!

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo will reopen for the 2009 season on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

For more information visit our web site.

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This newsletter is produced by

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808 phone:(260) 427-6800
visit our web site at www.kidszoo.org

Copyright © 2009 Fort Wayne Zoological Society. All Rights Reserved.