BUFFALO ZOO WELCOMES A BABY GIRAFFE!

On Wednesday, December 22, 2010, the Buffalo Zoo was pleased to host members of the media to photograph the latest addition to its animal family—a baby reticulated giraffe!

The male calf was born on Saturday, December 11, 2010 to mother, Agnes, and father, Cain. Agnes, who was born at the Buffalo Zoo in 1994, is taking good care of her little one. This is Agnes’ third calf. Female, Jumoke, was born in 1998 and now resides at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, and male, Abu, was born in 2005 and now lives at Zoo Atlanta.

To ensure proper bonding between mother and calf, the inside doors to the Giraffe House are locked. However, visitors may view Agnes and her calf, as well as the other members of their herd, Jennie and A.J., through the glass doors of the Giraffe House vestibule.

Found in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, giraffes can reach a height of approximately 14 to 18 feet, making them the tallest living mammals in the world. While giraffes’ necks are greatly elongated, they consist of seven vertebrae, just like humans.

Though giraffes are not endangered, they are listed as “near threatened” due to habitat loss and poaching.

Buffalo Zoo—Revised Hours and Admission Fees

Buffalo, NY – Please note that the Buffalo Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The grounds remain open one hour after gates close.

However, there are some revisions regarding the Zoo’s holiday/winter hours:

Christmas Eve (Friday, December 24): Admission gates close at 1:30 p.m.

Christmas Day (Saturday, December 25): CLOSED

New Year’s Eve (Friday, December 31): Admission gates close at 2:30 p.m.

New Year’s Day (Saturday, January 1): OPEN regular schedule (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

The Buffalo Zoo will also be CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays during the months of January and February.

Additionally, beginning Wednesday, January 5, 2011, admission fees will be increased for the first time since 2008.

New admission rates are as follows:

Regular Admission (ages 15-62) $10.00

Youth (ages 2-14) $7.00

Seniors (ages 63+) $8.00

Full-time Student (up to age 22) with valid student ID $8.00

Under 24 months FREE

Parking fees for cars will also increase to $3.50. A portion of the parking lot proceeds support worldwide conservation projects.

As always, Buffalo Zoo members receive free admission to the Zoo year-round.

For more information about admission rates, please call (716) 837-3900. Visitor information is also available on the Zoo’s website at www.buffalozoo.org.

Winter Nature Camp 2010 -- Still Space Available

Are you looking for a place where your child(ren) can have loads of fun over their holiday break? Why not bring them to Winter Camp Workshops at the Buffalo Zoo! Presented by Perry's Ice Cream, morning and afternoon workshops allow great family flexibility; sign up for one half day session, a full day or all seven workshops. Activities include a combination of exhibit visits, animal information, games, songs, stories, crafts, and live animal contact.

Days: Monday through Thursday
Dates: December, 27^th, 28^th, 29^th, 30^th, and 31^st, 2010
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
and afternoon sessions run daily 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Explorer Groups:
Giraffes (Ages 5-6)
Rhinos (Ages 7-8)
Elephants (Ages 9-12)

Winter Nature Camp Topics:

Monday, December 27th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Snowlympics
Can you run as fast as a snow leopard or hop as far as a snowshoe hare? Test your winter sporting skills as we compare ourselves to animals from the coldest areas on earth.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tracks, Scats & Scrapes
The snow provides a perfect canvas for animal tracks, scats, and scrapes. Explore the zoo and learn how to identify the resident and wild animals that roam the grounds in winter.

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Migration Challenge
The temperature isn't the only thing that changes in winter - explore the many reasons and ways that animals migrate and see if you have what it takes to survive the long journey south.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Herp-a-palooza
What better way to shake off winter's chill than by spending time with animals who like it hot! We'll discover all that is scaly and slimy at the zoo as we examine the fascinating lives of reptiles and amphibians.

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cool Cats
Lions and tigers and leopards - oh, my! Check out our coolest cats, big and small.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
This workshop is all monkey business. We'll play, communicate, and explore the zoo just as the monkeys do!

Thursday, December 30th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Arctic Adventure
Embark on an arctic adventure as we meet the animals that live in the coldest areas on Earth.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Down on the Farm
Old MacDonald doesn't have anything on our farm. Become a 19th-century child as we meet farm animals that were common in our area more than one hundred years ago, and make a popular 1800's toy to take home!

Friday, December 31st, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Jungle Boogie
Party with the animals in the jungle! Get ready to ring in the New Year animal-style as we twist, turn, and sing like the animals in the jungle.

Registration Fee::
Morning OR Afternoon Workshop
Non-members = $25 per child
Members = $20

Full Day (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Non-members = $45 per child
Members = $36 per child

General Camp Information
Activities will include a combination of exhibit visits, animal information, games, songs, stories, activities and live animal contact. Students will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods from our Education Department animal collection. This provides each camper with the experience and thrill of live animal demonstrations under well-supervised conditions.

Arrival/Departure: Doors will be open 10 minutes prior to the beginning of each winter camp workshop at either 8:50 a.m. or 12:50 p.m. Campers must enter through the Drew Science Magnet School entrance on Meadow Drive no later than 9:15 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. and be picked up at the same entrance promptly at 12:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Campers will be directed to their appropriate room from this location. Campers will not be allowed to leave the Zoo without a parent or guardian signing for their child. Please be prepared to show ID upon request.

Appropriate clothing: Winter Nature camp involves activities that may take the children outdoors. Appropriate clothing must be worn and should include; winter boots, hats, scarves, mittens/gloves and winter jackets. All outerwear should be labeled with the camper's name.

Lunch Time: If your child is registered for both the morning and afternoon workshops, they must bring a bag lunch. Lunch time is from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. with adult supervision.NO LUNCHES ARE PROVIDED.

Due to dietary restrictions/allergies, no snacks will be provided by the Zoo for the health and safety of our campers. Please provide a snack for your child for the morning and afternoon. ZOO CAMP IS NUT FREE. Please be considerate of this when choosing your child's snack and lunch options.

Cancellation: Requests must be made in writing at least one week prior to the start of the Winter Nature Camp. Fees will not be refunded for any reason after the first day of camp.

Any additional questions or information should be directed to the Education Department at (716) 995-6128.

How to register…
a) Mail your registration - Payment MUST accompany your registration and may be made in cash, by check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Please make checks payable to the Zoological Society of Buffalo. Mail the completed form and registration fee to:

Education Department
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214-1999

- OR -

b) Fax your registration - You may also fax completed registration with credit card payment to (716) 834-1106.

- OR -

c) Download registration form

b) Register on-line

To provide the campers with individual attention, group size is limited. Register early to save your camper’s spot!

Cancellation requests must be made in writing at least one week prior to the start of the Spring Nature Camp. Fees will not be refunded for any reason after the first day of camp.

Any additional questions or information should be directed to the Education Department at (716) 995-6128.

The Buffalo Zoo…There’s an App for That!

It wasn’t so long ago that your cell phone had a small display that resembled a calculator, and it was used for phone calls after you put the antenna up. But with all the technology changes, especially in recent years, cell phones are now so much more powerful. The abilities of iPhones and Droid model cell phones to not only place calls but also play video, text, hold music and take pictures have made them much sought-after devices. And now, you can even have the Buffalo Zoo on them!

As part of Erie County Executive Chris Collins’ tourism initiative, the Buffalo Zoo and Odysseus Mobile Computing have collaborated on a phone tour unlike any other. While other cell phone tours act purely as audio guides around an attraction, the Buffalo Zoo’s “app” provides visitors with a new interactive experience.

Using all the smartphone capabilities, this new Zoo tour not only tells you where everything is located, including exhibits, gift shops, concession stands, but, it also incorporates built-in GPS technology, so visitors can be guided around the Zoo.

The app opens with a map of the main animal exhibits, and from there, you can tailor your Zoo experience. The tour is more than just a digital map. One tap on the exhibits tab reveals the list of the animal exhibits. Pick the one you are interested in, and one click later, you get fun facts about an animal species, its origins, directions to its exhibit and video of the animals themselves. Visitors who wish to add the premium content for $0.99, can also download keeper talks to hear about individual animals and learn more about their distinct personalities and likes and dislikes.

Want to play your Zoo visit even before you get here? The events tab reveals all the planned tours, keeper talks and schedule of activities and other encounters on a given day. All of the Zoo’s special events can be found here, including information on Howl-O-Ween Hayrides.

Other visitor information, including Zoo hours and admission prices, Beastro and Zootique hours, the history of the Zoo, conservation tips, details on memberships and even how to follow the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter, are all in the Zoo’s app as well.

To reach out to the increasing number of international tourists who visit the Western New York region each year, information about the animals and visitor amenities is available in six languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin and Japanese.

The Buffalo Zoo app is offered in the Droid marketplace for Droid model phones and on iTunes Store for use on iPhones.

For more information, please visit www.buffalozoo.org

Polar Bites 2011

Polar Bites 2011, February 17

For years now, the annual Polar Bites event puts some much needed fun in February. Taking place at the newly renovated Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on February 17, 2011, this annual benefit for the Zoo showcases some of the best restaurants, breweries, wineries and other specialty services in the Western New York Region. 1500 friends of the Zoo come together to help the Zoo and sample some of the best the area has to offer.

It is a great chance to make some of the Zoo’s friends your customer. If you want to bring the best of your establishment, join some longtime Zoo partners like Bravo Cucina Italiana, NorthAmerican Breweries, Long Trail Brewing, the Creekview Restaurant, Johnson Estate Winery, Risa’s Deli, Global Group, Rich Products Catering and others.

Click here to show off your best to Western New York and help the Zoo.

(Adobe Acrobat needed to download Polar Bites vendor registration form)

If you want to help both your appetite and the Buffalo Zoo, come enjoy our basket auction, a silent auction and a visit from some our animal ambassadors. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 pre-sale and $40 at the door. A limited amount of VIP tickets are available by phone only at a cost of $50. To get your tickets, call (716) 995-6133 or visit us online here. You must be 21 years or older to attend.

Web Site Hosting Provided by: Online Media, Inc.

Warm Up With the Cold Blooded

Come in out of the cold, and warm up with your favorite scaly friends in the Reptile House! Learn all there is to know about reptiles from our keeper talks, snake feedings, interactive enrichment activities, photo sessions and much more! This event is free with Zoo admission and will from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call (716) 995-6133 or visit www.buffalozoo.org

Winter Nature Camp 2010

Are you looking for a place where your child(ren) can have loads of fun over their holiday break? Why not bring them to Winter Camp Workshops at the Buffalo Zoo! Presented by Perry's Ice Cream, morning and afternoon workshops allow great family flexibility; sign up for one half day session, a full day or all seven workshops. Activities include a combination of exhibit visits, animal information, games, songs, stories, crafts, and live animal contact.

Days: Monday through Thursday
Dates: December, 27^th, 28^th, 29^th, 30^th, and 31^st, 2010
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
and afternoon sessions run daily 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Explorer Groups:
Giraffes (Ages 5-6)
Rhinos (Ages 7-8)
Elephants (Ages 9-12)

Winter Nature Camp Topics:

Monday, December 27th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Snowlympics
Can you run as fast as a snow leopard or hop as far as a snowshoe hare? Test your winter sporting skills as we compare ourselves to animals from the coldest areas on earth.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tracks, Scats & Scrapes
The snow provides a perfect canvas for animal tracks, scats, and scrapes. Explore the zoo and learn how to identify the resident and wild animals that roam the grounds in winter.

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Migration Challenge
The temperature isn't the only thing that changes in winter - explore the many reasons and ways that animals migrate and see if you have what it takes to survive the long journey south.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Herp-a-palooza
What better way to shake off winter's chill than by spending time with animals who like it hot! We'll discover all that is scaly and slimy at the zoo as we examine the fascinating lives of reptiles and amphibians.

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cool Cats
Lions and tigers and leopards - oh, my! Check out our coolest cats, big and small.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
This workshop is all monkey business. We'll play, communicate, and explore the zoo just as the monkeys do!

Thursday, December 30th, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Arctic Adventure
Embark on an arctic adventure as we meet the animals that live in the coldest areas on Earth.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Down on the Farm
Old MacDonald doesn't have anything on our farm. Become a 19th-century child as we meet farm animals that were common in our area more than one hundred years ago, and make a popular 1800's toy to take home!

Friday, December 31st, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Jungle Boogie
Party with the animals in the jungle! Get ready to ring in the New Year animal-style as we twist, turn, and sing like the animals in the jungle.

Registration Fee::
Morning OR Afternoon Workshop
Non-members = $25 per child
Members = $20

Full Day (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Non-members = $45 per child
Members = $36 per child

General Camp Information
Activities will include a combination of exhibit visits, animal information, games, songs, stories, activities and live animal contact. Students will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods from our Education Department animal collection. This provides each camper with the experience and thrill of live animal demonstrations under well-supervised conditions.

Arrival/Departure: Doors will be open 10 minutes prior to the beginning of each winter camp workshop at either 8:50 a.m. or 12:50 p.m. Campers must enter through the Drew Science Magnet School entrance on Meadow Drive no later than 9:15 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. and be picked up at the same entrance promptly at 12:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Campers will be directed to their appropriate room from this location. Campers will not be allowed to leave the Zoo without a parent or guardian signing for their child. Please be prepared to show ID upon request.

Appropriate clothing: Winter Nature camp involves activities that may take the children outdoors. Appropriate clothing must be worn and should include; winter boots, hats, scarves, mittens/gloves and winter jackets. All outerwear should be labeled with the camper's name.

Lunch Time: If your child is registered for both the morning and afternoon workshops, they must bring a bag lunch. Lunch time is from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. with adult supervision.NO LUNCHES ARE PROVIDED.

Due to dietary restrictions/allergies, no snacks will be provided by the Zoo for the health and safety of our campers. Please provide a snack for your child for the morning and afternoon. ZOO CAMP IS NUT FREE. Please be considerate of this when choosing your child's snack and lunch options.

Cancellation: Requests must be made in writing at least one week prior to the start of the Winter Nature Camp. Fees will not be refunded for any reason after the first day of camp.

Any additional questions or information should be directed to the Education Department at (716) 995-6128.

How to register…
a) Mail your registration - Payment MUST accompany your registration and may be made in cash, by check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Please make checks payable to the Zoological Society of Buffalo. Mail the completed form and registration fee to:

Education Department
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214-1999

- OR -

b) Fax your registration - You may also fax completed registration with credit card payment to (716) 834-1106.

- OR -

c) Download registration form

b) Register on-line

To provide the campers with individual attention, group size is limited. Register early to save your camper’s spot!

Cancellation requests must be made in writing at least one week prior to the start of the Spring Nature Camp. Fees will not be refunded for any reason after the first day of camp.

Any additional questions or information should be directed to the Education Department at (716) 995-6128.

Polar Bites 2011

February 17
Polar Bites 2011

Put some FUN in your February at Polar Bites 2011! Enjoy a fantastic evening event, which benefits the Buffalo Zoo. Join us for some culinary delights, along with wines, brews and specialty services from some of the area's finest establishments. This wildly popular fundraiser will take place at the newly-renovated Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on Thursday, February 17 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a basket auction, a silent auction and a visit with some of our animal ambassadors. Tickets are $30 pre-sale and $40 at the door. A limited amount of VIP tickets are available by phone only at a cost of $50. VIP ticket holders receive early entry and a goodie bag. Call (716) 995-6131 to get your tickets today!
Limited tickets available. You must be 21 years or older to attend.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online or call (716) 995-6133 for additional information and to purchase VIP tickets by phone.