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July 21, 2011
Hank the Hornbill Finds Love Again Hank the silvery-cheeked hornbill is very attentive to his new mate. Last September, we told you the story of Hank the silvery-cheeked hornbill and his mate Dolly, who had been together for 23 years at the zoo.  As Dolly's health failed due to a possible stroke and a thyroid imbalance, Hank continued to feed her, sing to her, and protect her.  When Dolly passed away over the winter, Hank seemed lost without his longtime companion. A few months ago, a female silvery-cheeked hornbill named Hollie arrived on the scene from a zoo in Florida.  Keepers allowed Hank and Hollie to live side by side separated by a mesh wall at first (hornbills can severely injure each other if they don't get along).  "When we saw Hank trying to feed Hollie bits of fruit through the mesh, we knew it would work out," says African Journey Area Manager Amber Eagleson.  Once the pair moved into the same enclosure, "They became inseparable," she says. The hornbills recently moved into the former owl exhibit in the African Village.  "Hank feeds Hollie consistently," Eagleson says. "That is how the pair reinforces their bond." Keepers plan to place a nest box in the exhibit, hoping that the pair will raise a family.  Until then, Hank and Hollie seem to be enjoying the honeymoon phase of their relationship.  "We're so glad we were able to find a mate for Hank," says Eagleson. "They are just so sweet together." Read more about silvery-cheeked hornbills and their unique nesting habits here. Hollie (left) and Hank have become inseparable since being introduced this spring.   Zoo-Loo-Au Members' Picnic Monday, July 25 Free Food and Fun for the Whole Family! For Zoo Members Only FREE picnic meal served 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. FREE zoo ride 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Train, Boat, Carousel, or Sky Safari) FREE entertainment on the picnic grounds Bring your Zoo-Loo-Au postcard (sent to you by mail) OR your Membership Card and a photo ID to get your food and ride tickets at the tents! Click here or call 260-427-6800 for more details Thanks to our 2011 Zoo-Loo-Au Sponsors: Armour-Eckrich Dairy Queen Aunt Millie's Bakeries Sweetcakes Comedy Entertainment Gordon Food Service Star 88.3 FM Ultrazone	Coming Up Now - Aug. 5 Summer Safari Day Camp Now - Aug. 7 Creature Features July 1 - 31 Early Bird Hours MEMBERS ONLY July 17-23 National Zoo Keeper Week July 25 Zoo-Loo-Au MEMBERS ONLY August 3 If I Ran the Zoo 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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