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 Zooniversity eNewsBack to School Issue - Fall 2010
 
  From Our Director
Allison & MangoIt's been a tough year for most of our clients. The recession has dramatically trimmed your budgets. Yet; you've worked hard to protect us from feeling the pinch. You've continued to support us with enthusiasm and we are grateful for your repeat reservations and your positive referrals to lots of new clients -- you are amazing! The recession has also triggered a record number of exotic animal rescues. Folks just don't have the money to keep their pets anymore or they've been "setting them free." We'll continue to care for these animals or to place them in other qualified sanctuaries. Our mission will always be to educate others about these amazing creatures and about the responsibilities of exotic animal ownership. Our staff of zookeepers and 100+ animal ambassadors thank you for your unwavering love and support.--Allison Blankenship
In This Issue
Fall Zoo Schools
Animal Cake Contest
Favorite Nature Escape
African Cave Spiders?
Wildlife Education
Book for Next Summer
Meet "Tuck"
Become a Facebook Fan
 
Creature Feature:
"Simon"
Our Mascot

Green Iguana

   Other animal folks probably question why in the world we would have selected an iguana as our mascot and logo animal. After all, they are a dime-a-dozen in the exotics business and they are the #1 most abandoned animal in the pet industry. That's EXACTLY why we selected him as our mascot. Who better to illustrate our mission of education and responsible pet ownership than an iguana?
   Now, about "Simon." He's nothing short of amazing. He just turned 16-years old (books say they live 10-12 years) and he came to us an a very ill hatchling. Here's his early story, "Simon -- The Iguana Who Started It All." My 6-year old son convinced his zookeeper Mommy to "save" this little sick lizard. Well, my son is now 6'3" and is in graduate school in Australia (conservation, of course) and Simon...well, he's still here with me.
   Their large size, very specific captive requirements, and their sometimes cranky attitude, cause lots of well-meaning folks to give up on their iguana. They give them away to someone else or they "set them free," a guaranteed death sentence. We picked-up two young iguanas last week -- one found drinking out of a puddle along the Dallas Tollway and one from a Fort Worth golf course. They have both been sent to an iguana rescue and are recovering from their months of surviving on the streets.
   Have an exotic pet you can't care for anymore? Give us a call -- we can talk about your options.
 
Animal Fun Fact
Iguanas can dive 20-foot straight to the ground and land, without hurting themselves!
Quick Links...
 
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Register Now! Zoo School is Back for Fall
 
Zoo SchoolZoo School is back for another animal-filled Fall semester. Registration is underway, with NEW locations. Join our homeschool program in South Denton or our afterschool program at St. John's Episcopal School, Dallas. Registration has been extended until September 8th, so don't delay! Want to bring a Zoo School to your after-school or homeschool group? Here's how.
Enter Our Animal-Themed Cake Contest!
 
Animal-Themed Cake ContestWe're searching for fun, animal-themed party cake ideas to share with other eager party-planning parents! Dig out those pictures and enter our animal-themed cake contest. The entries already received have been so inspiring, that we've extended the entry deadline to September 15th. Winner will receive a $50 gift card to the store of their choice, which might just pay for those back-to-school supplies!
Favorite Nature Escapes: Colorado Bend State Park
 
Colorado Bend State ParkWhere do you find a tropical waterfall, hundreds of unexplored caves, fly fishing, hill country hiking, and cooling spring-fed pools here in the Lone Star State? At Colorado Bend State Park, of course. Here are all the nitty-gritty details of how to enjoy a weekend nature escape at this hidden oasis. But, shhhhh...don't tell anyone else, it's our secret retreat.
New!  African Cave Spiders Anyone?
 
African Cave SpiderThey were tortured in Harry Potter and they were eaten in Fear Factor, but you can actually hold these gentle giants at your next Zooniversity event! These African Cave Spiders are totally harmless -- invite them to your Halloween party and see who's fearless!
What It REALLY Takes To Be a Wildlife Educator
 
Wildlife Education CareerEvery week we get questions from young, or not-so-young, folks who want to do what we do for a living. Glad you ask, because It may not be the career that you think it is! Here are the brutal facts of what it REALLY takes to be a wildlife educator. Follow our advice and we might just hire you when you're all done!
Librarians! It's Time To Book for Next Summer
 
"Animals That Dig"It's time again to book for next summer's library programs before our calendar fills up. We'll be featuring "Animals That Dig" to match the TSLC theme -- or ask for one of our other 20 popular courses. Need to save on travel charges? Check our public calendar -- schedule on the same day as a nearby show and we'll split the travel charges!
Meet "Tuck" -- Our South American Armadillo!
 
"Tuck," Our 3-Banded ArmadilloThis is no Texan. This tiny, grapefruit-sized guy is "Tuck," a three-banded armadillo. He traveled to more than 60 libraries this summer as one of our "Animal Locomotion" teachers, displaying his unique ability to curl into a tight ball to hide from predators...or scary audiences! Invite him to your next event.
We've Topped 1,000 Facebook Fans!
 
FacebookBecome a facebook fan! Just click on the "Like" button at the top of the our facebook page and you'll be able to post your favorite Zooniversity pictures, join in discussions, and read about our newest rescues. Join us to meet other animal-loving people and be the first to get all our news! We love our facebook fans!