What's New at the Zoo and Gardens

Breaking News!

Excellent Beverages from Hubbard & Cravens Benefit Zoo!
From now through the end of September thirsty Hoosiers can enjoy some truly spectacular beverages at their local Hubbard & Cravens Coffee Co. store and benefit the conservation mission of the Indianapolis Zoo at the same time!  For every one of the special drinks  purchased, Hubbard & Cravens will donate $0.25 to the Zoo.  Choose from Tangerine and Mango Tiger Melmoso, The Healthy Elephant, Lemur-licious Ice Tea and Grizzly Stout.  Pick up these tasty items at the Meridian Kessler Hubbard & Cravens at 49th and Pennsylvania or the Broad Ripple store at 62nd and Carrollton (behind The Vogue).  Drink up!

Operating Hours Change on September 8; Butterflies Have Flown Away
Don't forget that fall means that the Zoo's operating hours change with the seasons.  Beginning on Tuesday, September 8, the Zoo and Gardens will be open from 9am to 4pm, Monday-Thursday, and 9am to 5pm on Friday to Sunday.  The Butterflies show is now closed, and White River Gardens will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, September 9 and 10, in order to prepare for the Art in the Garden show that opens on September 25.  The Hilbert Conservatory is closed until September 17, while the outside DeHaan Tiergarten will reopen on September 11.  Do come and visit the Gardens to see the beginning of the colors of autumn as summer finally begins to fade away.  The Zoo grounds are also very pretty at this time of year, with lots of color and textures in the many plants, trees and flowers.  In every way, the new season will be COOL.

Two Kudu Calves Make Their Debut!
This summer, the Zoo was lucky to have not one, but two, births in our kudu herd. Taraja, a six year old kudu, gave birth to a 42 pound male calf in the morning of Saturday, July 17. When keepers checked on her at 7:15 am Taraja was in labor and 45 minutes later, the calf was born. This is her fourth calf, and the father is 5-year-old Jester. The calf was named Biton, which is Bambara for "born after a long wait," since he was born two weeks later than keepers expected.  

Thandi, our three year old kudu, gave birth to a 27.5 pound female calf on Thursday, July 22. The calf was dry and standing when the keeper checked on her in the morning. This is Thandi's first calf and she has been a very attentive mother.  The father of this calf is also Jester. The calf was named Teshi, which is a Kiswahili name meaning "cheerful, prone to laughter." Even though she is noticeably smaller than her big brother she has no trouble keeping up with him.

This past Monday was the first day on exhibit for both calves.  They spent some time exploring and napping together with at least one mother always in sight. Greater kudu are a species of least concern according to the IUCN, meaning that the populations are currently remaining steady in the wild.  Stop by to see them in the large mixed species yard in the Plains Biome.

Zoo Babies at the Indianapolis Zoo are sponsored by Community Health Network.

New Male Lion Makes His Debut
The Indianapolis Zoo's two lionesses - our "senior" lady Shamfa and our relatively young lioness, Zuri, have been joined on exhibit by our new male lion!  His name is Nyack, and he is being gradually introduced to the exhibit, so we hope you will be able to see him as he becomes more and more comfortable with his new Indiana home.  He is every bit the male lion, with a large mane, heavy frame, and a look in his eyes toward the ladies!  Nyack came to us from the San Diego Wild Animal Park, and he is 2 1/2 years old.  His estimated weight is 380-390 lbs., but he may reach 400 lbs. by the time he reaches maturity at age four.  Nyack has been officially approved by the African lion SSP® (the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums) to breed with Zuri, so we are hoping for little lions one of these days.  Come and meet Nyack on your next Zoo visit!
Thanks to Zoo friend Susan Lang, we have this fabulous new photo of Nyack.  He's adorable!
African lions at the Indianapolis Zoo are sponsored by Harris Bank.

Hear the radio ads for the new Cheetah: The Race for Suvival exhibit:   60 second spot, version #1,  60 second spot, version #2

Get a preview of the Tony Stewart commercial for Cheetah: The Race for Survival!

And a look at the public service announcement by Tony Stewart promoting cheetah conservation in Africa - thanks, Tony!

Read a Special Report on an "Acres for the Atmosphere" event to help save the polar bears!

Got a Little Dolphin Trainer or a Little Train Engineer in the Family?
The young dolphin trainers and train engineers in the family get to participate in special Zoo activities.  As a Junior Dolphin Trainer, presented by Dippin' Dots, the lucky kids get to sit upfront, work with a real dolphin trainer and get a collectors card for their dolphin, all for only $10.00.  Junior Train Engineers ride upfront on the train ride and experience what it's like to tour the Zoo by rail!  This program is for children age five and up and includes sitting up front with the engineer on the White River Junction Express presented by Action Brace & Prosthetic, Inc., and a souvenir train conductors cap!  For more details on both programs, click here.

NEW - Child ID Program presented by Revol Wireless
Thanks to our partners at Revol Wireless, we have a new Child ID Program.  When you arrive at the Zoo, or at several locations on Zoo grounds, you may pick up a paper wristband for your child and register the name and your cell phone number with the Zoo.  If your child should become separated from you, this program will allow Zoo staff to call you on your cell phone so you can be quickly and safely reunited.  Only the child's first name is used.  We hope you take advantage of this program, and we thank Revol for their help in providing this new safety program at the Zoo!

Indianapolis Zoo Named One of the Nation's Top Ten Zoos!

The very popular travel web site, TripAdvisor, has named the Indianapolis Zoo as one of the top ten zoos in America for 2008. "These aquariums and zoos offer wonderful learning experiences about animals and their habitats, and truly let travelers take a walk on the wild side," said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.  The Indianapolis Zoo is proud and honored to be included on this exclusive list, which also includes the San Diego Zoo, the St. Louis Zoo, the Miami Metrozoo and the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, among others.  For more information on TripAdvisor, click on the logo.

Experience Dolphins Up Close and Very Personal

Is there a person who you care about who cares about dolphins?  One of the best ways to show your appreciation for that special person in your life is to give them a Dolphin In-Water Adventure – their personal opportunity to get in the water with dolphins and experience them as close as a human can get!  For information on this unique and very special program, click here.  You can book a Dolphin In-Water Adventure online with a specific date for yourself or someone else, or if you prefer, you can purchase a gift certificate by calling (317) 630-2076.  Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

You Can Support Conservation by Recycling Your Cell Phone!

The Indianapolis Zoo is working with Eco-cell on a program to recycle old cell phones.  The Indianapolis Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) receives money from every cell phone that is turned in at our front gate to support their programs in animal conservation and research.  So save the environment, save the animals and recycle your phone! Click here for the details.
Photo by Kerrie Best

Zoo Tickets Available Online!

You can purchase your Indianapolis Zoo tickets online!  In addition to the convenience of printing your tickets at home in advance or at the ticket kiosk at the Zoo entrance when you arrive, you have the bonus opportunity to reserve your spot at one of our popular Dolphin Adventure shows!  TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW, CLICK HERE!
Photo by Susan Lang

Nereus Update

If you've missed seeing the Animal Planet special program, "Growing Up Walrus," featuring our young male walrus, Nereus, the program re-airs from time to time; please check their web site for new information.  To update those of you who have seen the show, Nereus contines to do very well! From the time he arrived in Indianapolis in 2003 at barely 130 pounds, he has grown to approximately 840 pounds and has his own small tusks!  He is having a great time growing up with our adult walrus, Aurora. When you're at the Zoo, be sure to check out the underwater viewing area for the walruses.  Nereus enjoys interacting with the guests through the window, especially children.  In this newest photo, Nereus is showing off one of the many behaviors he has learned!  Nereus continues to be a favorite with Zoo staff and visitors!
Photo by Jason Wright

Get some valuable hints for a great visit to the Zoo!

Chasque aquí para traducir esta página a español.