Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by Kirsten Pisto, Communications This summer we asked artists of all ages to put their most creative coloring skills to the test with a MyZoo baby tapir coloring contest. With nearly 100 entries, it was reaallllly hard to choose since every single entry was exploding with love for the #SeattleWatermelon and mom, Ulan. However, your Woodland Park Zoo staff have decided and here are the grand prize winners as well as honorable mentions... Grand Prize (Ages 2-6): Troy, age 5 Complete with a rainbow and excellent color choices as well as attention to detail, Troy you captured Sempurna's summertime vibes perfectly! Honorable mention for ages 2-6: Sophie, age 5 Claire, age 6 Vanessa, age 3 Grand Prize (Ages 7-12): Zoe, age 12 We loved the way Zoe treated the lush green background and her detailing in Ulan's eyes is so clever, congrats Zoe! Honorable mention for ages 7-12: Talia, age 7 The little feet! Avery, age 12 Those watermelon colors! Elsa, age 8 "I love you mom,...

Posted by Kirsten Pisto, Communications This spring, we asked you all to show your love for Uzumma's baby gorilla by sending a wish as part of our gorilla baby wish book project. We received more than 100 digital entries, which we'll share with gorilla keepers, Kitoko's animal health care team and zoo staff. There were so many wonderful entries, and heartfelt wishes for little Kitoko and all endangered gorillas.  Kitoko with mom, Uzumma. Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo. Kitoko update: The little gorilla is back with his troop and spending some time outdoors. Depending on your luck, you may see him during your next zoo visit and you can share your wishes for endangered gorillas with Kitoko himself. Winners of the gorilla wish book coloring contest are...  Please show these artists some love! Adult (13 years or older) Grand Prize Winner is Camryn , age 14, with an incredible painting of Kitoko and Uzumma. Camryn, you absolutely outdid yo...

Posted by Terra Vleeshouwer-Neumann, Intern, Public Affairs Photos by John Loughlin, Woodland Park Zoo A volunteer leads a guided tour at hippos. Woodland Park Zoo is dedicated to providing experiences that connect everyone to wildlife and conservation. Blind and low vision guests can request a trained sighted guide for their visit.  Here at the Woodland Park Zoo, we want everybody to feel welcome. One way we are working to include more of our community is through a series of Zoo For All events. Our most recent event on July 2, Celebrating All Abilities, was a huge hit. Despite the drizzly weather, the zoo was buzzing with excitement! Service animals are welcome. Woodland Park Zoo is responsible for the health and well-being of all of its animals, including many sensitive species. Therefore, there are additional steps to bringing fully-trained service animals on grounds. Here are all the details for service animals. Visitors learn about the special shoes our giraf...

Posted by Kirsten Pisto, Communications Earlier this summer, in celebration of the opening of Assam Rhino Reserve, we asked artists of all ages to show us their vision of a healthy future for greater one-horned rhinos with the Rhino Lookout coloring contest. Over 350 amazing entries rolled in, and we realized that picking the winners would be very tough. Here are the very creative and inspiring winners... Grand Prize:  KIDS AGES 2-7:  Gavin Foglesong (5)  "They are living creatures and they are alive. And you need to save them when they’re in trouble. If you’re there, try to stop the bad guy."  We couldn't agree more, Gavin, and we loved your optimistic pot of gold representing a healthy future for rhinos. Wonderful drawing! Gavin will receive a ZooParent rhino adoption package and certificate for an up-close rhino experience. Grand Prize:  KIDS AGES 8-12:  Ally Munoz (12) "It is important to protect them from poache...

Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications If you've seen Joel Sartore's images before, you know just how captivating a single photograph can be. Whoa. An endangered Malayan tiger, Panthera tigris jacksoni , at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. © Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark Woodland Park Zoo will host the traveling exhibition, “National Geographic Photo Ark,” from April 20 through October 7. The National Geographic Photo Ark is an ambitious project committed to documenting every species in zoos, aquariums and animal rescue centers—inspiring people not just to care, but also to help protect these animals for future generations. Featuring the work of National Geographic photographer and Fellow Joel Sartore, National Geographic is showcasing this important project through multiple platforms. This exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. A compelling and visually powerful project, the Nationa...