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May 5, 2011
Edgar's Nest Edgar has lived at the zoo longer than any other animal. Edgar, the zoo's marabou stork, is looking for love.  But because he is the only marabou stork living at the zoo, it's unlikely he'll find it - but that doesn't stop him from trying. In hopes of winning a mate, Edgar has built a crude stick nest along the edge of the African Journey savannah.  And just to make his point (and perhaps improve the décor), Edgar placed an egg-sized rock in the center of his nest. "He's always done this," says Zoo Registrar Michelle Federspiel, who previously worked  in the old African Veldt.  "Unfortunately, he never had a chance to mate, because the other marabou storks we had were also males." Edgar arrived at the zoo in 1979, and has lived at the zoo longer than any other animal.  He came here from Africa, and was probably born sometime in 1977. You can see Edgar and his nest easily from the African Journey path.  Stand at the first overlook directly across from the wattled cranes, then look along the fence line to your left.  You'll see Edgar's little nest, and most likely see Edgar hovering protectively near his rock. Edgar the marabou stork built a nest on the edge of the African Journey savannah.   After Edgar constructed this crude stick nest, he placed a rock in the center.   New Signs Unveiled Thanks to ten talented Ball State University students, a BSU Provost Immersive Learning Grant, and a grant from the SIA foundation, 15 new signs will be unveiled this week in the Australian Adventure.  A team of student biologists, artists, and graphic designers created the signs as part of a semester long Zoology Immersive Learning class at BSU. "Our partnership with the zoo is a perfect model of how we are putting our students into challenging career development opportunities," says Dr. Gary Dodson, Professor of Biology, at Ball State.  "How confident was I that my college students could produce state-of-the-art exhibit signs?  I am learning never to underestimate what motivated people can achieve when community organizations collaborate." See the new signs in the kangaroo yard, the dingo exhibit, and part of the Walkabout Aviary.	Coming Up May 18 Zoo Day at Kroger & Scott's May 21 Kroger & Scott's Day at the Zoo Jun. 13 - Aug. 5 Summer Safari Day Camp Click for event details and mark your calendar! Hours The zoo is open every day, including holidays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 9, 2011. Admission Prices $13.00 for adults $8.50 for children age 2-14 $10.50 for seniors age 60 and over Babies age one and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free. 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. Stay Connected       Visit our web site: www.kidszoo.org

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