Six zoo keepers hold onto Jed, the reticulated python, while Dr. Joe Smith gives the snake a thorough exam.

We go to great lengths…

…To care for our animals at the zoo, and zoo keepers proved that point last month when Jed, our reticulated python, got his annual physical from Zoo Veterinarian Joe Smith.

As Jed's primary caretaker, Zoo Keeper Dave Messmann gets the honor of holding Jed's head while Dr. Smith examines Jed's teeth.

It took six zoo keepers to hold onto Jed while he was measured from nose to tail, examined, then weighed.  This impressive fellow weighed 98 pounds and measured 15 feet, nine inches long.  That’s three inches longer than last year, according to Zoo Keeper Dave Messmann, who serves as Jed’s primary caretaker.   Jed’s weight dropped by a few pounds, but that was to be expected:  Jed had not eaten since the summer, but according to Messmann, that’s not unusual for large snakes.  The exam must have stimulated Jed’s appetite, because the following week, he downed a huge meal.

Buy a Ride Pass and get two free rides.

Are You a “Frequent Rider?”
Buy a Ride Pass and Save!

“Mom, Dad, can we ride the train?  Pleeeeease?”  Buy a Ride Pass and you’ll say “Yes!” to that question next time you visit!  With a $20 Ride Pass, you get 12 rides for the price of 10—that’s like getting two free rides!  Your Ride Pass is a punch card that you can carry in your wallet and present directly to the ride operator – no need to visit the token machines.

Purchase your Ride Pass at the Zoo Entrance, then use your Ride Pass at the Sky Safari, Train Ride, River Ride, or Endangered Species Carousel.  Sorry, Ride Passes are not valid at the Pony Ride.

Where are the Prairie Dogs?

If you’ve visited the zoo this spring, you’ve probably noticed that the prairie dog exhibit is gone.  What happened to it?

Last fall, heavy rains and floods damaged the prairie dog exhibit, which would have cost thousands of dollars to repair.  When we factored in plans for a major renovation at the zoo entrance (which would eliminate the prairie dog exhibit) in the next few years, we decided to eliminate the exhibit this year.

As one of the few exhibits original to the zoo when it opened in 1965, the prairie dogs were a popular feature with visitors, so the decision to remove the exhibit was thoroughly evaluated.  “We always think long and carefully about changes that will affect our visitors,” says Zoo Director Jim Anderson, noting that while the zoo strives to improve, we must also be financially responsible since we receive no tax dollars for operation.

The zoo is open everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Admission is $9.50 for adults, $6.50 for children age 2-14 and $8.50 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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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 © 2008 Fort Wayne Zoological Society. All Rights Reserved.