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September 8, 2011
The Great Escape Norbert the Aldabra tortoise is a wily escape artist. Zoo guests discovered last week that Norbert, the zoo's male Aldabra tortoise, is a wily escape artist.  The astonished zoo visitors discovered Norbert outside his exhibit, on the path beside the red-tailed hawk display. Witnesses described Norbert's not-so-subtle escape strategy:  the 550-pound reptile simply climbed over the huge boulders that surround his exhibit.  "He was surprisingly agile," one visitor said.  "Who knew a big tortoise could move like that?" Norbert's walkabout was short-lived.  Within minutes of the escape, zoo keepers wielding large steel panels herded Norbert into his night house, where he spent the remainder of the day.  Female tortoise Purdue, Norbert's exhibit-mate, calmly watched the commotion from the far end of the tortoise yard. Last week's escape was not Norbert's first.  He's been on the lam at least three times this summer.  But zoo keepers are eager to make Norbert's latest escapade his last:  that same day, heavy machinery was used to relocate the boulders and hopefully prevent another break out. Norbert has lived in the same zoo enclosure since he arrived here in 1994.  Zoo keepers are unsure why the bulky reptile has suddenly become interested in the world outside his exhibit.  "We changed Norbert's diet earlier this year," said Area Manager Shelley Scherer.  "Maybe he is feeling more energetic."  Others theorize that the 48-year-old tortoise may just be entering his prime:  Aldabra tortoises can live 150 years or more. Zoo keepers use steel panels to guide Norbert into his night house after the escape. Hoping to thwart a future escape, the boulders around Norbert's exhibit were rearranged.   Be a Zoo Volunteer Zoo volunteers connect kids and animals at the zoo. Looking for a way to connect with animals and kids?  The zoo offers an array of volunteer opportunities for adults age 18 and older, such as introducing children to friendly animals, assisting in the zoo kitchen, selling animal food, staffing special events, and more.  Get details on volunteering here. Plan to attend an initial training session on Wednesday, September 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Contact Kathy Terlizzi in the Volunteer Office at volunteer@kidszoo.org or 260-427-6828 to register.   Enter your creation in our new Scarecrow Safari Enter your creation in our new Scarecrow Safari contest. Your family, scout troop, or youth group is invited to enter our all-new Scarecrow Safari contest at the Wild Zoo Halloween!  Create your unique scarecrow and display it at the Wild Zoo Halloween for our 25,000 guests to view.  The Grand Prize is a FREE zoo field trip for the winning group (up to 10 children and 4 adults), a $137 value!  Click here for an entry form and details.  Questions?  Contact us at 260-427-6808 or education@kidszoo.org.	Coming Up Now thru Sept. 15 Visit The Children's Museum in Indianapolis FREE - MEMBERS ONLY 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.

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