Penguin flock welcomes a new chick

Penguin Chick

At five weeks old, this penguin chick's weight increased almost 14-fold since hatching on July 7.

A fuzzy and very noisy black-footed penguin chick hatched on July 7! Parents Left Pink and Right Pink cared for their hatchling for a few weeks, then zoo keepers brought the baby into the Animal Clinic so it can become accustomed to hand feedings - a routine procedure for all penguin chicks. (Penguins are named for the colored bands clipped around their wings).

The chick, which weighed just 62 grams (about two ounces) at hatching, weighed a whopping 850 grams (almost 2 pounds) just five weeks later! Keepers feed the chick chopped raw fish three times a day.

"He's very vocal and very active," says Zoo Keeper Rachel Smith of the chick. Keepers won't name the chick until it's a little older and its gender is revealed by a blood test. The chick will join the flock on exhibit in a few months.

Penguin breeding at the zoo is managed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The SSP seeks to manage the genetic diversity of captive endangered animals like the black-footed penguin. These penguins are endangered in their native South African coastal habitat.

Jelani is focused on his tasty birthday cake while the TV cameras roll.

Willow leaves, carrots, and two pears carved into the number 11 are the perfect birthday treat for Jelani.

Jelani turns 11 years old

It was a party to remember as we celebrated Jelani the giraffe's 11th birthday last Thursday. Dozens of well-wishers were on hand to sing "Happy Birthday," but Jelani only had eyes for the delectable birthday "cake" held just out of reach by a zoo keeper. Once the singing was over, Jelani dug into his cake -- a huge tray of tasty willow leaves decorated with carrots and topped with two pears carved into the number "11." Jelani even downed the toothpicks holding the pears upright (giraffes do eat tree branches, so a tiny toothpick is no problem!)

Plan a late-summer family adventure at the zoo.

Summer's not over yet!

School may be starting soon, but it's still summer at the zoo! Bring the kids to the zoo before school starts, or regroup with some family time over the weekend. We're open every day until October 11 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Z-Tips for Green Living

By making smart choices, you can make the world greener and help wild animals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Beginner:	Obey speed limits to increase gas mileage
Amateur:	Only replace your home décor when necessary
Pro:	Travel by train instead of plane

You can make a difference!

Hours and Prices

The zoo is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 11, 2009.
The African Journey exhibit is NOW OPEN!

Admission is $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for children age 2-14 and $10.00 for seniors age 60 and over. Babies age one and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free.

For more information visit our web site.

Helpful Links

Renew Your Zoo Membership
Renew for 2 years and save $10!

Adopt-an-Animal
The perfect gift for Mom, Dad, or anyone!

Member Change of Address
Have you moved? Update your membership information to continue receiving our mailings.

Please do not reply to this message. It was sent by an automated system and replies will not be received. If you have a question that is not answered by our website click here to contact us by e-mail.

If you would like to stop receiving this newsletter, click here to be removed from our list.