First Baby Born in African Journey

This sitatunga, resting with its mother Shiloh, is the first baby to be born in the African Journey.

A baby sitatunga (sit-uh-TUN-guh), also known as a marsh antelope, was born on July 14 - the very first baby to be born in the new African Journey exhibit.

This baby sitatunga is important because of its conservation significance.  "We are excited about this birth because only seven other zoos in the U.S. exhibit these animals," said Animal Curator Mark Weldon.  The Association of Zoo & Aquariums (AZA) recommended the breeding.  The AZA oversees the management of rare animals in zoos nationwide to ensure genetic diversity among captive animals, through special programs like the Species Survival Plan and Population Management Program.

For the first few weeks of life, the baby remained hidden in the tall grass most of the day and nursed in the morning and evening.  In the wild, sitatungas navigate swampy African forests in search of tender grasses and reeds.

Kroger/Scott's

Local Kroger and Scott's stores - along with thousands of customers - have done it again!  In July, store officials announced the result of their May Zoo Day promotions and presented a check for $70,540 to the zoo!  The check represents a percentage of store sales on Zoo Day May 13 plus direct donations from shoppers.

Since the first Zoo Day in 1993, Scott's and Kroger have donated more than $1.1 million to support the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.  "Kroger and Scott's are important community partners," said Zoo Director Jim Anderson.  "We are thrilled with their continuing support."

Help celebrate Jelani's 11th birthday next week.

Celebrate Jelani's Birthday August 6

Many of you have gotten to know Jelani the giraffe on the new feeding platform in the African Journey.  Now you can help celebrate his 11th birthday on Thursday, August 6!  Sign Jelani's birthday card, join our "Happy Birthday" sing-along, and more from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Activities are free with zoo admission.

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: When printing, choose the "draft" option to save ink Amateur: Take reusable bags to the store Pro: Purchase a fuel efficient vehicle  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.

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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

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