FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 11, 2008
Contact: Debbie Rios-Vanskike
Phone: 734-7184, ext. 1043
Email: dvanskike@sazoo-aq.org

SAN ANTONIO ZOO GOES WILD FOR SPRING BREAK!

San Antonio, TX – The San Antonio Zoo celebrates spring break with new animals, the newly renovated aquarium, the reopening of the butterfly exhibit, and several interactive keeper connections.

The Zoo is proud to announce the arrival of two new African black leopards. “Sam” and “Gina” arrived at the Zoo in mid-January and are getting used to their new home. Leopards have relatively short legs and a long body, with a large skull. Physically, it most closely resembles the jaguar, although it is usually smaller and of slighter build. Its fur is marked with rosettes, which lack internal spots, unlike those of the jaguar. Leopards are either completely black or very dark in coloration.

The crested porcupine is one of the largest rodents in Africa and is covered with long, barbed quills and short, stout quills. The tips of the quills on the tail are narrow and hollow. Porcupines cannot shoot their quills at predators. Porcupines are nocturnal animals that have long whiskers on their face and feet that help them feel their way at night. new exhibit.

The Red River Hog, also known as the Bush Pig is a wild member of the pig family that lives in the rainforests, mountains and brushes of Africa. Its leaf-shaped ears have long, black and white tassels and a mane that runs the length of the spine. The upper tusks are relatively small and almost invisible, while the lower tusks are razor sharp and can grow to 3 inches long.

After a short closure for remodeling…the Aquarium has received a complete makeover and is now reopened! Look for new sea life such as chocolate chip starfish, pencil urchins, bamboo and bonnet head sharks, a variety of new eels, and unique and mysterious seahorses. COME SEA WHAT’S NEW!

Butterflies! Caterpillar Flight School is now open. The butterfly exhibit is known as a photographer’s paradise where visitors will once again experience a garden immersed in a lush butterfly habitat surrounded by hundreds of new butterflies moving freely throughout the exhibit. Get your camera ready, you never know when you’ll get that perfect butterfly photo you’ve always wanted.

AND, connect with keepers this season as they demonstrate their expertise on animal care. Keeper Connections will take place at several locations through out each week and will include many crocodilian-feedings. Visit the Zoo’s website for more information on scheduled times.

The San Antonio Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for the animal and plant collections while offering a recreational and educational experience for our many visitors. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is open 365 days a year. Admission for children ages 3 – 11 is $8. Admission for visitors ages 12 and older is $10. Seniors over the age of 62 pay a discounted rate of $8 and children two and younger are free. Family memberships are $65 good for the entire family.

Photos courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo.