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July 28, 2011
Can You Find the Bird? Doodlebug looked like a fluffy white marshmallow the first week of life. Just after hatching on June 30, the zoo's first-ever tawny frogmouth chick looked like a fluffy white marshmallow.  In just four weeks, the chick has transformed into a sleek gray youngster that blends in so well with its surroundings, you can hardly see it! Named Doodlebug, the chick depends on mom, dad, and zoo keepers for its daily care. "The chick's parents Max and Henson feed it bits of meat and insects," says Australian Adventure Area Manager Elaine Kirchner.  "Since tawny frogmouths are nocturnal birds, we've set up a light bulb near their exhibit to attract moths and night-flying insects.  Mom and Dad catch the bugs and feed them to Doodlebug." To ensure that the chick is well-fed, zoo keepers offer Doodlebug bits of meat from a pair of tweezers twice a day as a supplement.  The chick opens its huge mouth wide and gobbles up the tasty treats. Zoo keepers are able to monitor the chick's progress remotely through a concealed camera, where they've witnessed the nocturnal insect-catching behavior of the parents. Tawny frogmouths are among the most well-camouflaged birds around.  The chick spends nearly all its time in the nest, which is along the back wall of the exhibit outside the Australia After Dark building.  Sometimes, mom or dad will sit on the chick; at other times Doodlebug sits in the front of the nest, where it can watch the action on the plaza. Click here to read more about tawny frogmouths. Max sits in the nest with Doodlebug at his feet. Tawny frogmouths are among the best-camouflaged of all birds. Keepers offer bits of meat twice a day to supplement Doodlebug's diet.     Ride for One Token on Mad Mondays in August Visit the zoo any Monday in August 2011 and ride the Train, Boat, Carousel, or Sky Safari for just one token (regular price two tokens). Good for any zoo guest, members and non-members. Valid with tokens only (no ride passes). Tokens may be purchased with cash or credit card at any zoo ride. Sorry, this discount does not apply to the Pony Rides. Promotion ends Monday, August 29. Ride for one token every Monday in August.	Coming Up Now - Aug. 5 Summer Safari Day Camp Now - Aug. 7 Creature Features July 1 - 31 Early Bird Hours 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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