Woodland Park Zoo Blog

It was “For the Birds” at this year’s annual fundraiser, the always fun outdoor extravaganza known as Jungle Party , held last Friday. Many playful guests got into the spirit by donning feathers, while a flamingo-styled stilt walker danced through the crowds and a steel drum band called The Toucans set the mood. Fabulous weather, delicious food, and up close encounters with the zoo’s raptors made the night memorable. But it’s the tremendous success of the evening’s auctions that made the night important—important to the animals at Woodland Park Zoo and to the wildlife of the world that will be helped by the conservation projects funded through this event. This yea r, we raised $1.75 million! Of th ose con tributions raised, $ 662,000 is specifically earmarked toward this year’s Fund-Our-Future: “Projec t Aves.” The project will bring additional birds to the zoo such as Chilean flamingos and Humboldt penguins, support the suc cessful recovery of threatened bird species in the

Many people don't realize that everyday at the zoo we have many talks by zookeepers, detailing the natural histories and conservation status of the different animal species at the zoo. On any given day you might be treated to everything from learning about Malayan tapirs to seeing a flight demonstration by the zoo's raptors. The keepers detail a wide array of info during their presentations, from the diets of the animals in their care to what their populations are in the wild. Make sure to check out the schedule of daily activities online, or check the information kiosk at each zoo entrance on your next visit. (Photo by Ryan Hawk)

Did you hear? We're the 2008 NWSource.com People's Picks winner for Best Family-Fun Spot . Woo hoo! (We're also a finalist for best museum/attraction .) Thanks to all those fans out there who voted for us!

Animal Planet has teamed with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the accrediting organization for more than 200 zoos and aquariums throughout the U.S., including Woodland Park Zoo, to create a public service announcement. The announcement is currently running on Animal Planet and promotes personal action on the part of its viewers. One of those actions is visiting AZA-accredited zoos, learning about their conservation efforts, and becoming an active participant in conservation through every day actions, from recycling to saving water. Even though it may seem like taking a shorter shower, composting or reusing items instead of buying new may be a long stretch from helping save a tiger or preserving a panda, reducing our consumption does have positive ripples throughout the world. Do your part. We can't protect the wonders of nature without your help!

Wild bald eagles have been nesting on grounds for several years and this year has been no exception. In 1999, a pair nested in a large Douglas fir in our elk yard and fledged one youngster. In 2001, they again nested, this time fledging two young. In 2002 and 2003, the eagles nested again, successfully raising two young each year. Although they nested again in 2004, but the nest failed. It's not known why the egg failed to hatch. Up to seven eagles were seen flying around the area and this activity may have caused the pair to abandon the nest, however no one can know for sure (except the eagles!). This year, a pair again nested and laid eggs around March 27 and the eggs hatched around May 1. The two eaglets have grown and are now in the process of fledging (leaving) the nest. There is no way of knowing if the birds that nested were the same pair each year, although bald eagles typically have long-term bonds. One of more of the birds may have changed mates and used alternate nesting

This Sunday, more than a dozen zoo staff, volunteers, Zoo Corps teen interns and friends participated for the first time in Seattle's Pride Parade. Despite the 90 degree temperatures, everyone was decked out in their finest pink duds to promote the zoo's new Chilean flamingo exhibit. We received an overwhelming response from parade-goers with nearly a dozen people asking if they could march along with us! Our contingent grew to nearly 50 people as we made our way through an estimated crowd of 400,000 people to Seattle Center. We want to express our appreciation for everyone who turned out for the parade, both those who marched and those who cheered us on. Hopefully we'll return next year with a penguin-themed group to celebrate Pride and our new Humboldt penguin exhibit!

Even the animals at the zoo are getting into the act, including our Ossabaw island hogs making "pigs" of themselves, and celebrating the upcoming Fourth of July with picnic-themed treats. Watermelons, star-shaped popsicles, corn on the cob and more will be the featured enrichment items this Saturday and Sunday. Novel, but healthy, items will be given to a variety of the animals to chop, nosh and otherwise enjoy. Visit our Red, White and Zoo page for a complete schedule. (Photo by Ryan Hawk)