NEWSFLASH FROM
THE MONTGOMERY ZOO
July 8, 2010 – Montgomery, Alabama 36110
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT…
New male reticulate giraffe born at the Montgomery Zoo. The Montgomery Zoo has wonderful news. We are introducing a new giraffe calf to the giraffe exhibit Friday, July 9, 2010. The giraffe calf was born June 9, 2010. If you would like to see him and his mom enter the Giraffe exhibit for the first time, make plans to be at the Zoo at 10:00 a.m, Friday July 9. We can’t wait to see you there!
More info about our giraffes. The Montgomery Zoo proudly announces the birth of its latest family member. On June 9, 2010, a male reticulated giraffe was born weighing in at 150 lbs. and standing 5 and ½ feet tall. Both mother and calf are doing well. The new arrival is nursing and appears to have bonded with its mother, Melissa. This is the fourth offspring for 11-year-old Melissa; all four calves born have been healthy and well cared for. The father, Willy is 7 years old and this is his first offspring born at the Montgomery Zoo.
Giraffes are the world’s tallest land mammal and the males can grow up to 18 feet tall. Giraffes have extremely keen eyesight and can see great distances: they can spot a moving person a mile away! They also have excellent hearing. In the wild these sharp senses help giraffes stay alert for predators - like lions! Giraffe are usually silent. They bellow, grunt or snort when alarmed, as when confronted by lions, and can also moo in distress.
Giraffes are known for their spotted coats. Different subspecies (types) of giraffes have different patterns of spots. Reticulated giraffes (the kind we have at the Montgomery Zoo) have large brown spots separated by cream-colored lines. Males are darker than females.
The giraffe calf and its mother can be seen in the African Giraffe exhibit near the Overlook Café, pending any severe weather conditions or health related issues.
---------------------------------
TWO ATTRACTIONS, ONE LOCATION…
Hot, cold, rain or shine, it is always 72 degrees and clear at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Despite the weather outside, the weather inside the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is always pleasant and welcoming. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience while remaining in the comfort of the great indoors. View the largest collection of preserved North American wildlife in the southeast. Located adjacent to the Montgomery Zoo, this touch-and-feel museum is full of surprise and wonder. Learn about the variety of wildlife from North America, as well as, from the State of Alabama. Get up close and personal with a large bull elk, stand toe-to-toe with a giant polar bear or get a nose-to-nose experience with a deadly hammerhead shark. All this and more await you during your next visit to the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum at the Montgomery Zoo.
---------------------------------
MOMMA, I WANNA DO THAT…
Fun times, Zoo times. There is nothing more fun and exciting than having personal interaction with the residents at the Montgomery Zoo. So, how do you become a river otter’s best friend? Give him a snack. Don’t you know it! Located at both our North American River Otter exhibit and our Asian Koi Fish pond, the Zoo features feeding stations. For a mere 50 cents, you can purchase a handful of snack food and have the experience of a life time. The interaction is great for you… and the enrichment for the animals is awesome.
Giraffe Feeding Stations. Starting June 9, the Montgomery Zoo will be opening a new Giraffe Feeding Station. That is right! Get literally inches away from these magnificent, HUGE… but gentle creatures. Walk over the moat on a deck and be eye to eye with a 17 foot giraffe. Watch out for that long tongue. It might just get you. LOL. This is sure to be a great addition to any Zoo trip. Fees to apply for participation, feeding station will be open 10am to 3:30pm daily.
Faster, faster… pedal boats. Are those cool breezes of the Zoo lakefront calling you? Grab a friend and head for the lake... the Zoo lake that is. These new pedal boats will give you an experience like none other during your visit to the Zoo. Cruise around the lakefront area, visit with the ducks, turtles and other lake creatures. Pedal, rest, pedal, rest and get you a tan while having a great time. Fees apply for participation, boats limited to four people, 30 minute ride.
Ahhhhhh… cool breezes, look at that. Check out the miniature train during your next visit to the Montgomery Zoo. For two bucks, you can enjoy a nice ride around the perimeter of the Zoo. It is a great adventure or break for the parents. Sit back, enjoy the stories from the conductor and take in the Zoo. The train depot is located near the center Zoo beside the Overlook Café.
Meals and refreshments. Enjoy a picnic on our many shaded lawn areas or grab a table under one of our shelters. The Zoo is cooler-friendly environment. Feel free to bring lunch, snacks, drinks and more; however, we do ask for the safety of our animals, please do not bring cups with cooking devices, lids or straws and balloons. Or if you are looking to grab something quick and easy, check out the Overlook Café for a wonderful meal, drink or refreshment. From hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and chicken strips to cool drinks, ice cream, popcorn, candy and much more.
---------------------------------
JOIN THE FAMILY….
Membership has its privileges. Support the Zoo and make a great economic decision by joining the Zoo today. Memberships start off as low as $35 per year. An annual membership allows unlimited day time admission to the Zoo. Memberships are available for singles, families and grandparents. Also, you may add guest passes and annual train ride passes. If I may, if you have children, I would highly suggest purchasing the additional train ride pass. Ride the train when you arrive at the Zoo, while taking a break, before you leave… heck, ride it as much as you want. It is a definite value added option.
Members are also given discounts for summer camp, brick pavers, animal adoptions, memorial benches and gift shop purchases. Members also receive a 50% discount on Zoo Boo admission and FREE admission to Zoo Weekend and Christmas Lights Festival. For more information, please call (334) 240-4900 or check out www.montgomeryzoo.com. Become a member today!
---------------------------------
EVENTS AROUND THE CORNER…
Animal Enrichment Day – July 17. Join us at the Montgomery Zoo on July 17 for Animal Enrichment Day. The event is held from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Like humans, animals also require treats, toys and items to keep them entertained. It is good for the animal’s cognitive and physical well-being to have a variety of different stimuli on a regular basis. It keeps them active, allows them to practice hunting skills and it gives them a way to burn off some energy. And considering the time of the season – SUMMER -- many of the items given to the animals JULY 17 will be cool-down treats, like jell-o mountains, bone and meat ice cubes, frozen fruit and mazes.
So, make plans to join us on July 17 for a great treat the entire family will enjoy. It is great for the animals and it is great for the family too. See how the animals react, and see if you pick up any ideas for your next SUMMER TIME outdoor event. See you there.
---------------------------------
MORE INFO….
Hours. We are open 7 days per week, 9:00am – 5:30pm daily. The last ticket and major exhibits begin closing at 4:30.
Admission prices for the Zoo are:
Adults are $10
Children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old are $7
Toddlers 2 years old and younger are FREE
Senior citizens 65 years and older are $9
Combo admission prices for the Zoo and Museum are:
Adults are $14
Children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old are $10
Toddlers 2 years old and younger are FREE
Senior citizens 65 years and older are $14
Military and group discounts are available.
Contact us. Give us a buzz at (334) 240-4900 or check out www.montgomeryzoo.com. You can also follow the Montgomery Zoo on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.