Z-mail from the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo!

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April 28, 2011
No brains, no bones, no problem! Pacific sea nettles have long stinging tentacles. Some describe them as "a pulsing sac of goo."  Others say they're delicate and beautiful.  But all agree that jellyfish are fascinating. "Jellyfish are 95% water," says zoo aquarist Gary Stoops.  "They have no blood, no bones, and no brains."  Despite the lack of complex body parts, jellies are very successful predators.  Equipped with tiny stinging cells called nematocysts at the ends of their tentacles, jellies paralyze and capture prey, which is passed to the stomach cavity and digested. The zoo's jellyfish tanks have special filters and a circular water flow to protect the delicate jellies as they float in the tank.  Twice a day, the aquarium crew squirts tiny brine shrimp into the tank for the jellies' meal.   Look closely and you might see the light brown or pink brine shrimp in the jellies' semicircular gonads. The moon jellies and Pacific sea nettles displayed in the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium are just two of the hundreds of jellyfish species found in the world's oceans. More than a hundred moon jellies drift lazily in their tank.     Party for the Planet Saturday Celebrate Earth Day at the zoo on Saturday, April 30!  From 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., enjoy activities that will help kids understand the importance of recycling, energy conservation, and have some fun, too.  Visit all the stations and receive a prize!  Activities are free with zoo admission.     Adopt a Giraffe for Mom or Dad! Looking for the perfect Mother's Day or Father's Day gift? Adopt a giraffe and help the zoo while giving a unique gift!  Click here to adopt a giraffe or any of our 50 adorable, adoptable critters.  Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Coming Up Apr. 30 Party for the Planet Jun. 13- Aug. 5 Summer Safari Day Camp Hours Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. every day through October 9 Helpful Links Renew Your Zoo Membership Renew for 2 years and save $10! Adopt-an-Animal The perfect gift for Mom, Dad, or anyone! Make a Donation You too can make a difference at the Zoo by making a donation. Member Change of Address Have you moved?  Update your membership information to continue receiving our mailings.

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