Woodland Park Zoo Blog

Posted by: Nicole Aragon, Education Up against the lure of TV, video games and computers, it can be hard to get kids to replace screen time with green time. But it’s more important now than ever to help our kids connect with nature, so we can inspire and nurture the future conservation stewards of our planet. Here are some special opportunities Woodland Park Zoo has created this summer to connect kids of all ages with nature and get them involved in real conservation. Ages 2–4 Young Explorers With eight individual classes offered at Zoomazium during the summer, you and your child will have plenty of opportunities to explore nature themes with stories, puppets, animal contact, and nature exploration. Click here for more information or to register. Ages 4–9 Zooper Day Camp: One Can Make a Difference We are very excited to present a day camp theme this year that lets kids discover how they can make a difference in the world and improve their environment. Campers will not only engage in ec

Posted by: Ric Brewer, Communications A male red crowned crane brought new significance to Macy's Mom & Me when he hatched out last Friday. The fuzzy golden-brown chick is one of several that have hatched at the zoo. These cranes, also called the Manchurian or Japanese crane and are endangered, with only a few thousand left in their native Central Asian steppe habitat. The zoo currently teams with the Muraviovka Park for Sustainable Land Use in the Amur River region of Russia which works to protect cranes and their nesting areas in the park and work with local farmers to promote sustainable farming practices, instead of the slash-and-burn techniques that have traditionally been used. Learn more about this successful conservation project supported by Woodland Park Zoo. And don't forget to come and visit this little crane. They grown up fast! Photos by Dennis Dow

By Bug World keeper, Sue Andersen Looking every bit as fierce as their namesake, rhino beetles ( Dynastes granti - AKA the Grant's or Western Rhino beetle) are making their presence known in Bug World. These beautiful American beetles are found in the Southwest and are often found around mercury vapor lights near gas stations. After living as grubs for two-four years underground or in rotten logs, these beetles, olive green with numerous chocolate to brown spots on the wings, emerge to eat pollen, ripe fruit, and tree sap. The male beetle has impressive black horns with which he defends the hornless female against other potential suitors. These beetles are at increasing risk of over collection, habitat destruction, and eradication due to increased incidences of wildfires as a result of global warming. Our first two males recently eclosed, the third generation of zoo- bred beetles from ova laid in July 2007. A female pupa is being watched with eager anticipation!

Posted by: Ric Brewer, Communications Today marked the beginning of the ceremonies to open the zoo's new Humboldt penguin exhibit. Local dignitaries gathered to speak about the sustainability features of the exhibit, the hard work performed by zoo staff and contractors and, of course, about the penguins themselves which frolicked playfully as the speakers made their comments. Also on hand was 13-year-old Harrison Grad who, when 11, donated his birthday money to help towards the building of a new exhibit. Well, now his dream is a reality as donors and zoo members were treated to the opening, cupcakes by Cupcake Royale, music by Quicha Mashis, and, once again, the penguins that delighted everyone in their spacious new pool, complete with underwater viewing. Tomorrow, Saturday, May 2, is the official opening for the general public. Come and check out their new digs, learn about the conservation the zoo supports to help these endangered birds in the wild, and what YOU can do to help th

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications Keep an eye out for the fun Woodland Park Zoo busboards, billboards, and radio commercials featuring our new penguin exhibit--now "more colorful than ever" thanks to an all new exhibit design that lets penguins swim, sun, dive, splash and porpoise the day away. Explore the exhibit, play games, and download colorful penguin desktop backgrounds at http://www.morecolorful.org/ .

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications A family-favorite for more than a quarter-century, we’re proud to introduce our exciting summer concert series lineup and a new partner, BECU ! We’re also pleased to announce returning presenting sponsor Carter Subaru and our ticketing sponsor, Metropolitan Market . Without further ado, here are the performers for this year: June 17 – The B-52s June 24 – Mavis Staples with special guest Allen Toussaint July 1 and 2 – Three Girls and their Buddy featuring Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller July 15 – Ladysmith Black Mambazo July 19 – Los Lobos July 22 – Cowboy Junkies/Son Volt July 26 – Indigo Girls July 30 – Jewel August 13 – Joan Baez August 16 – Nanci Griffith August 19 – Susan Tedeschi with J.J. Grey & Mofro August 26 – Amos Lee Tickets will go on sale on Monday, May 4 at 8:00 a.m. at local Metropolitan Market stores, and in limited quantities at the zoo and BrownPaperTickets.com . For complete ticket informati

Photos and emails are trickling in from WPZ staffers who are currently up in the mountains of Papua New Guinea , celebrating what may be one of the most inspiring Earth Day stories this year. On Earth Day yesterday, thousands of Papua New Guinea villagers gathered in the Teptep village on the Huon Peninsula to hold a traditional Sing Sing, or celebratory gathering, to honor the creation of their nation’s first national Conservation Area . The new YUS Conservation Area—187,000 acres of tropical forest made up of land donated by 35 local communities—will be protected forever from hunting, logging and development. Joining them at the Sing Sing were Woodland Park Zoo Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program staff, representatives from Conservation International , and dignitaries of Papua New Guinea including the Acting Prime Minister—as it is the 12-year culmination of our work together with the villagers of PNG that has brought about this conservation milestone. Lisa Dabek, TKCP Director and WP