HELP Us name our alligator snapping turtle!

One of the most popular residents at the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park is more than 70 years old and he needs a name!

We are asking for your help in submitting a name suitable for this grand old guy.

The winner receives free annual passes for his or her family (up to two adult and four youth passes); an Adopt-An-Animal package for the turtle, including a photo; a sign at the exhibit announcing the turtle's and winner's names; and an invitation to attend the announcement of the winning name.

All entries must be received by: February 10, 2012 by 5:00 p.m.

Winner will be announced: February 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

ENTRY FORM

Dallas Zoological Society Announces New Koala Club

Come walkabout with us at our newest attraction! Koalas are coming to the Dallas Zoo, and you are invited to become a member of the Koala Club.

Opening in early March 2012, Koala Walkabout at the Dallas Zoo will feature koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, and lorikeets (in an interactive feeding aviary!).

Koala Club members not only will help fund the new exhibit but also the care and feeding of the koalas.

Each level of support provides exclusive benefits to the donor.

To join the Koala Club, simply fill out the form and return to the Dallas Zoological Society. For more information, please contact Nancy Saustad, director of development, at 469-554-7445 or nancy.saustad@dallaszoo.com.

Wish I may, Wish I might...

Kitchens are not just for foodies. The Dallas Zoo is constructing a new commissary where the nutrition department prepares meals for almost 1,500 animals every day. This kitchen is stocked with fresh produce, specialty meats, and bags of dry food as well as unusual items such as mealworms, crickets, and monkey biscuits. You’ll even find things in your own pantry, like peanut butter, juices, and applesauce.

All the critters get healthy, balanced diets. The Dallas Zoo is one of only 14 zoos in North America with a full-time nutritionist on staff, so we know how to create nutritious meals for animal appetites.

The Zoo rings up a hefty $680,000 grocery bill every year. That’s why we are asking for your help. We have the funds to stock the shelves; we just need your help to buy the $93,000 worth of equipment* to prep, prepare, and deliver the meals. Please consider funding one of the items on our wish list and contact the Dallas Zoological Society at (469) 554-7400 or at press@dallaszoo.com.

Check out the Dallas Zoo Commissary Wish List to see how you can help!

*Please note that the equipment on the wish list is very specialized, so we can only accept monetary contributions. We are not able to use donations of actual items.

Spring Registration

Now Open for Preschool at the Zoo

Start your child's nature education early at the Dallas Zoo! Registration is now open for all spring sessions, including Cub Club for little ones ages 15 months to 2 years, Nature Tykes for children ages 3 to young 4, and A-Zoo Preschool Safari for 4 to young 5 year olds. Sessions begin in late February and run through mid-May. Our Early Childhood slots are limited and fill quickly, so don't delay - register today!

DFW Attractions Pass

The Dallas Zoo and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park are proud to be included in the DFW Attractions Pass program, sponsored by the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tourism Council. The DFW Attractions Passes allow both visitors and locals a great way to enjoy some of the region’s best attractions in an attractive
value-based package. Each pass is activated the first time used at a participating attraction and is valid for one visit at each attraction associated with that pass.

There are four specialty passes available that present opportunities to experience DFW from a variety of perspectives and themes:

All About Kids Pass – includes the Dallas Zoo and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park along with other family-friendly venues.
Art Attack Pass – includes a bevy of museums and artistic experiences.
DFW Sampler Pass – grants access to a mixture of cultural, western heritage, and family fun attractions, including the Dallas Zoo.
Thrillseekers Pass – provides the ticket to adventure and exhilaration.

These specialty passes are simple to use and create a huge savings of up to 30 percent off general admission ticket prices to a bundle of North Texas venues. As an added bonus, pass holders receive additional
value-added discounts on other great area entertainment and shopping options. For more information or to purchase the passes, visit DFWandBeyond.com/save.

Enjoy year-round admission and parking benefits, special member activities, discounts and more, just for helping to support your animal friends through your Dallas Zoological Society membership. Join Now!