Reid Park Zoo - Tucson Zoological Society

The flamboyance of flamingos that arrived at the Zoo last month have passed their health exams with flying colors (well, pink, at least).  Last week, Zoo Keepers moved the flamingos, one by one, from the Health Center to their new habitat and carefully released each bird into the water to join the existing flock.  See if you can count all 21 flamingos next time you visit!

It’s National Zoo Keeper Week! Maybe we’re biased, but we think our Keepers are the best. Thanks for all the hard work you do every day to care for our animal residents and to make Reid Park Zoo a destination for conservation, education, and FUN!

National Zoo Keeper Week is celebrated each year beginning on the third Sunday in July. During the week, zoos nationwide honor animal care professionals and the work they do in animal care, conservation, and education.  There are approximately 6,000 animal care professionals in the United States.

Our 2010 Summer Safari Friday Night series has ended, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in making this event a great success! A huge thank you to K-12 Arizona Virtual Academy for sponsoring the series, and also to event partners AZJazz.net, Walgreens, Mildred & Dildred Toys, The Home Depot at El Con, JumpMaxx Jumping Castles, and El Rio Health Centers. But most of all, thanks to all of YOU who came out to enjoy evenings in the Zoo!

Check out the latest installment of Zoo News, and get the scoop on poop!

http://www.tucson12.tv/programs/ZooNews/index.php

Stretching is good for people and elephants! Keepers encourage Connie, the Reid Park Zoo’s Asian elephant, to perform this natural behavior by hanging an irresistable food “puzzle” high in the air.

Reid Park Zoo and Tucson Children’s Museum members can get a reciprocal membership for only $25!

Malayan tiger “Baheem” celebrated his 9th birthday this month with guests who dared to brave the Zoo on a very warm summer morning!  What do you get the tiger who has everything?  How about a wrapped box, stuffed with meat treats and set afloat on a raft.  The gift enticed Baheem into his pool, where he made short work of the box and wrapping paper.

A flock of flamingos can also be called a colony, regiment, flurry, stand, or flamboyance. This flamboyance of flamingos is doing well in the Health Center, where they will spend at least 30 days for quarantine. They have indoor and outdoor rooms, a little pool, plenty of shade, and gaggle of Zoo Keepers giving them TLC.

Reid Park Zoological Society’s annual fundraising gala, ZOOcson Feasts for the Beasts! Sponsored by Sol Casinos will be held the evening of Saturday, October 2, 2010.

This annual gala is a night of great food, fun and entertainment with activities including food from local restaurants throughout the Zoo, live entertainment in various locations and silent and live auctions.

For more information or to get information about sponsorship opportunities or to donate a silent auction call 520-881-4753, ext. 19.

African spotted necked otter “Pacino” is currently on exhibit by himself, but will soon be joined by female otter “Makena,” from Phoenix. The pair’s first introduction will take place in the Zoo’s Health Center, so the exhibit will be empty–but just for a short time while the otters get acquainted.