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

Click here to read this message on our web site

June 9, 2011
But I Don't Want to Share! Kesi couldn't wait to munch on her yummy birthday treat, but her friend Mystic had other plans. Kesi the giraffe celebrated her first birthday in style, surrounded by her family and scores of friends.  But the highlight of the day, aside from the hundreds of birthday wishes delivered by Kesi's fans, was the presentation of Kesi's birthday cake. Created by Kesi's keepers, Kesi's yummy treat consisted of fresh willow branches, sliced carrots, and a sweet potato carved into the number 1.  Because Kesi is too short to receive her treat from the feeding platform (even though she is 9 ½ feet tall), keepers delivered it to her at the end of the day. Hey, that's MY birthday cake! At first, Kesi was too shy to approach her cake.  But once she realized how tasty it would be, she grabbed the whole cake in one bite!  As she chewed the delectable treat, her friend Mystic ambled over with tongue outstretched to nab a quick nibble - right out of Kesi's mouth!  In the end, Kesi ate most of the scrumptious snack, but Mystic's persistence resulted in a few yummy bites. Click here to see more photos of Mystic's sneaky moves on Kesi's birthday. Zoo Closes Early Friday June 17 The zoo will close at 4:00 p.m. and the Australian Adventure will close at 12:00 noon as we prepare for Zoobilee, our annual gala fundraiser, on Friday, June 17. Last year's event raised more than $133,000 to support zoo education programs, refurbish the Endangered Species Carousel, admit 5,900 disadvantaged children to the zoo, and more. For more information on Zoobilee 2011, click here.  Preview this year's exciting auction items here.  Thanks in advance for your support of this important zoo event. So Much to See and Do! Summer kicks off with exciting events and programs at the zoo - mark your calendars for these upcoming events: June 11-August 7        Creature Features Meet your favorite animals and the keepers who care for them.  New this year - Otter Chat, Lemur Chat, Mongoose Feeding, Marabou Stork Feeding, and more!  Click here for a schedule. June 14        Sea Lion Birthday Party Join us as we celebrate our sea lions' birthdays (Three of our four sea lions share this actual birthday!)  Wish them a happy birthday at the 11:00 a.m. show. June 15, 22, & 29        Wild Wednesdays      Members Only The zoo is open late for Members Only!  Gates close at 7:00 p.m.; rides, buildings and exhibits close at 7:30 p.m.; grounds close at 8:00 p.m. Creature Features begins June 11 -- look for new Keeper Chats at lemurs, otters, mongoose, and more.	Coming Up Jun. 13 - Aug. 5 Summer Safari Day Camp June 14 Sea Lion Birthday Party June 17 Zoobilee June 24 Iron Zoo Chef 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

Please do not reply to this message.  If you have a question that is not answered by our website click here to contact us by e-mail. If you would like to stop receiving this newsletter, click here to be removed from our list.