"Colby"
the Amazon Parrot
"Colby" is our Double Yellow-Headed Amazon parrot (no, she doesn't have two heads -- just twice as much yellow as another kind of Amazon parrot). This stunningly beautiful and quick-thinking parrot used to be found in the rainforests of Mexico -- but not anymore. Due to over-collection for the pet trade and habitat loss, they are now gone from the wild. Are parrots an easy pet? Heck no -- they are notoriously noisy, messy, demanding, and they live a very long time. Colby is 12-years old -- she could live to be 80-years old. She was given to Zooniversity after the other two homes she lived in decided she made too much noise (imagine that). Colby likes to talk (incessantly declaring she's a "pretty bird"), she also sings, barks, meows, growls, and imitates every annoying cell phone and burglar alarm. She loves attention and knows she is the star. Her favorite way to steal the show? She likes to scream "MOM!!!" at the top of her lungs before it's her turn to meet the audience. Audiences love it, can't say that we do. Be sure to invite Colby to your next Zooniversity program and see for yourself! |
Scientists say that if we had a worldwide nuclear war and the Earth were destroyed, the humble (but strong) cockroach would be the only living thing left on the planet -- now that's a survivor! |
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You Gave Us "Straight A's!"
Thank you to all the wonderful clients who graded our wildlife education services using the new " Zooniversity Report Card." Hundreds of evaluations were returned and we blushingly report that you gave us "straight A's" in all 15 areas of evaluation. And, 100% of you said you would "most definitely recommend Zooniversity to a friend or colleague." We are truly humbled. We value your opinion -- and are already using your ideas to further improve our services! |
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"Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly Away Home"
 Springtime is here and the coolest present, hostess gift or party favor around is also a treat for the garden -- live ladybugs! Package up these little red darlings with release instructions and watch kids and adults frolic in the garden after them. And, these little aphid-eaters are a natural pest control, too. Purchase online or at your nearest garden or feed store. |
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Come See Us This Summer - Free!
 Summer is around the corner -- and it's the perfect time to beat the heat by seeing a Zooniversity show at your local library. We'll be teaching at more than 50 North Texas libraries this summer, so check our public calendar to see when we'll be in your town. And, don't be shy, come introduce yourself! |
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2008 is "Year of the Frog"
 Another reason to celebrate: it's the "Year of the Frog." Zoos around the globe are celebrating with special exhibits about amphibian conservation. You too can participate -- teachers and homeschoolers can download educational amphibian activities and anyone (even kids) can volunteer for FrogWatch USA, a citizen frog monitoring program that reports the intensity of frog calls. Listen...is that a chorus frog or a cricket frog? |
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More Fun Animal Holidays!
 Need a reason for an animal party, story time or special lesson plan: How about these holidays? Squirrel Appreciation Day (Jan. 21), Polar Bear Day (Feb. 27), Save-A-Spider Day (Mar. 14), National Ferret Day (Apr. 2), Zoo Lovers Day (Apr. 8), World Penguin Day (Apr. 25), Save-the-Rhino Day (May 1), World Turtle Day (May 23), Pink Flamingo Day (May 29), Rat Catchers Day (July 22), Elephant Appreciation Day (Sept. 22), Reptile Awareness Day (Oct. 21). |
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Critter Tales -- Our New Blog!
Read about what it's really like behind the scenes -- follow the growth of our foster babies, learn about some of our special needs animals, laugh at some of our more humorous predicaments, and imagine yourself doing what we do. Critter Tales is our new online blog. (One of our client-Moms reads the entries to her kids as bedtime stories!) You can also access it anytime from our home page -- check back often! |
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Wolf Simulation for 'Tweens & Teens
 Become a wolf living in Yellowstone -- learn to hunt, survive, find a mate, defend your turf, and establish a pack. WolfQuest is a cool, new 3D wildlife simulation game aimed at ages 10-18. The first episode, "Amethyst Mountain," is a free download. More episodes will be released later this year, all developed by The Minnesota Zoo and Eduweb. Watch out for grizzly bears! |
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Free Wildlife Wallpaper
 And, for us big kids, how about escaping the drudgery of your keyboard by staring longingly at breathtaking images of mountains, beaches, sunsets, penguins, tigers, and more -- nature at its purest. Free wallpaper downloads for your computer desktop from the World Wildlife Fund. | |
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