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July 7, 2011
A Tiny Ball of Fluff Arrives in the Australian Adventure The tawny frogmouths have a chick in their nest. The zoo's first-ever tawny frogmouth chick has hatched!  On June 30, zoo keepers found a tiny white ball of fluff in the nest of Max and Henson in their exhibit on the Australian Adventure Plaza.  The pair had been living in the Australia Welcome Center, but moved to an outdoor home this spring. The tiny chick weighed just 15 grams at five days old, and had not yet opened its eyes.  Though the parents are caring for the chick, zoo keepers offer two supplemental feedings every day to support the chick's development. Tawny frogmouths are some of the best-camouflaged birds around.  Their mottled brown feathers, along with their habit of posing stock-still with beak pointed to the sky, make them nearly impossible to see in their wooded habitat. Though there is a second egg in the frogmouths' nest, keepers are unsure whether it will hatch, since its due date has passed.  In the meantime, they are hopeful that this tiny chick will grow and thrive. The 5-day-old chick weighed just 15 grams.   Keepers offer bits of meat to supplement the chick's daily feedings. Enjoy Early Bird Hours all month long Members can beat the heat and enter the zoo at 8:00 a.m. for the entire month of July!  Enjoy the cool, quiet morning and see the staff prep the zoo for the busy day ahead.  Buildings and animal exhibits open at 9:00 a.m.; rides and concessions open at 10:00 a.m.   Register for Teacher Appreciation Day on July 19. Educator Appreciation Day is July 19 Calling all educators!  Join us for Educator Appreciation Day on Tuesday, July 19 from 1:00 -4:00 p.m. at the zoo. You'll experience workshops on reptiles, animal diets, operant conditioning, and animal observation, plus refreshments and giveaways. Teachers can receive two Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points for participating in all the workshops.  Admission to the event is FREE for teachers, pre-service teachers, and homeschool parents teaching grades preK-12.  Sorry, free admission and activities are not available for family members or guests. Educators should register in advance by contacting the Zoo Education Department at 260-427-6808 or education@kidszoo.org.   It's your last chance to register for Summer Safari Day Camp. Last Chance to Register for Summer Safari Day Camp Summer is in full swing, but there's still time to register your child for a week of Summer Safari Day Camp!  A few openings remain in our unique camps for ages 4-12.  Click here to see available camps and to register online.  Questions?  Contact us at 260-427-6808 or education@kidszoo.org.	Coming Up Now - Aug. 5 Summer Safari Day Camp Now - Aug. 7 Creature Features July 1 - 31 Early Bird Hours MEMBERS ONLY July 7 Backstage Pass July 13 Wild Wednesday MEMBERS ONLY sponsored by Fort Wayne Komets July 17-23 National Zoo Keeper Week July 20 Wild Wednesday MEMBERS ONLY sponsored by Fort Wayne Komets July 25 Zoo-Loo-Au MEMBERS ONLY 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.

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