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

Click here to read this message on our web site

September 1, 2011
It's a Boy! Just 5 days old, the baby sitatunga follows his mother through the thicket in the exhibit.. The normally quiet sitatunga exhibit in the African Journey was full of excitement on Thursday, August 25 when zoo guests alerted keepers that one of the females was giving birth right before their eyes!   The female sitatunga, Lucy, delivered a healthy male calf that day. Keepers spent the next few days watching closely to make sure the baby was nursing successfully.  Sitatungas can stand and walk shortly after birth.  "Mom and baby are doing great," says zoo keeper DeAnna Harris. In their native African habitat, sitatungas feed in marshy areas, slipping into deeper water at the first sign of danger.  Their curved, split hooves help them walk on spongy vegetation. You may have a hard time locating the new baby in the exhibit, because sitatungas hide their young in tall grass.  Mom visits the baby only at feeding time, and the calf spends remainder of the day resting in its hiding place.  Helpful hint:  Look for the tips of the calf's ears poking up above the grass. The baby sitatunga is already curious about the tasty plants growing just outside his exhibit. For a few weeks, Lucy will leave her baby hidden in tall grass.   Join us for storytime every Tuesday and Wednesday in September. Storytime begins Tuesday Preschoolers and their favorite adult are invited to Storytime every Tuesday and Wednesday in September.  We'll gather at 10:30 a.m. in the Australian Adventure Plaza to hear an animal-themed story, sing a silly song and meet a friendly zoo animal. Mark your calendars for September 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28.  Storytime is free with zoo admission!	Coming Up Now thru Sept. 15 Visit The Children's Museum in Indianapolis FREE - MEMBERS ONLY Sept. 1 Drive You Wild Golf Outing Tues. & Wed. in September Storytime Sept. 10 - Oct. 1 Fall Zoo School Sept. 21 Zoo Volunteer Training Oct. 9 Zoo Closes for the Season October 14-16, 20-23, 27-31 Wild Zoo Halloween 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.