Louisville Zoo

Louisville Zoo receives 50,000 UPS grant to help fund School at the Zoo

The Louisville Zoo recently received a $50,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The grant will be used to help support School at the Zoo, a week-long “hands-on,” “minds-on,” interdisciplinary experience designed primarily for fourth and seventh grade students using the Zoo as a “living classroom.”

Cash in on Zoo savings!

The Louisville Zoo and WAVE3.com have teamed up to offer an exclusive discounted family membership to the Louisville Zoo.

Timmy turns 50!

Timmy, the oldest male gorilla in North America, celebrated his 50th birthday in style today, January 17, as a packed crowd gathered inside Louisville Zoo’s Gorilla Forest to honor his significant milestone.

Timmy turns 50!

Oldest male gorilla in North America celebrates birthday milestone at the Louisville Zoo.

Zoo gets top honors for cell phone recycling efforts

The Louisville Zoo was recently recognized as the No. 1 zoo in North America for cell phone recycling efforts in 2008 by ECO-CELL, North America’s premiere cell phone recycling program. This designation surpasses last year’s honor as the No. 1 zoo in the United States.

Project Polar Bear

Louisville Zoo teens reduce more than 9.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions through website pledges.

Bear it all

Be sure to “bear” it all this holiday season with Louisville Zoo’s new exclusive Glacier Run ties and totes featuring polar bears—icons of the Arctic. These special one-of-a-kind ties and totes were created through collaboration between the Zoo, Vineyard Vines and local retailer Parallel 38.

Louisville Zoo mourns loss of female tiger Sinda

Amur tiger Sinda, who just turned 17 on Nov. 3, died at the Louisville Zoo this morning. Seventeen is considered to be geriatric for big cats. In September, Sinda was diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma on the roof of her mouth. This is a very aggressive oral cancer in cats.

Be a hero

Free statewide publication teaches kids how to care for the environment

JCPS Live Video Conference from Canada

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), superintendent Sheldon H. Berman, along with Louisville Zoo, director John Walczak, are currently on an expedition in Churchill, Manitoba, to study polar bears, to talk to scientists, and learn how we can make a difference in saving these iconic animals.

Zoo animals celebrate Halloween with pumpkins

Louisville Zoo’s Amur tiger and warthogs will be celebrating Halloween with a special pumpkin enrichment from keepers. Louisville Zoo Supervisor of Animal Training Jane Anne Franklin will also be on hand to talk about the importance of animal enrichment and answer any questions.

Cookies with Santa at the Zoo

Join Santa Claus, his elves and some costumed friends at the Louisville Zoo on December 13-14 and 20-21 for some warm cocoa, juice and donuts.

St. X teen returns from Canada with up-close polar bear experience

Sam Leist, 16-year-old Saint Xavier High School junior, just returned from observing polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.

Louisville Zoo gains capital campaign momentum

The Louisville Zoo just received a boost in its Glacier Run capital campaign when The Kresge Foundation, a Michigan-based private, national foundation, awarded the Zoo a 900,000 dollar capital matching grant—150,000 dollars more than requested.

He's a Celebrity: Baby elephant Scotty makes "People" magazine”

Nicole Richie and Angelina Jolie aren’t the only stars featured in the current October 20 issue of “People” magazine.

Kosair Kids to spend special, private night at the Louisville Zoo during “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!”

In partnership with the Louisville Zoo, Kosair Charities sponsors a special, private “Halloween Party” experience.

What’s it like caring for a 1,400 pound teething baby elephant?

The Louisville Zoo’s 18-month-old baby African elephant Scotty just reached another milestone—he is teething!

Three-banded armadillo rolls into the Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo has a new resident who guests are already gushing over. “He’s so cute!” a group of children cried out as they spotted Primo, a 1-year-old male armadillo who recently arrived from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Primo, who lives in the MetaZoo Education Center, is the Louisville Zoo’s first three-banded armadillo.

Be Seen. Not Scared

On October 4-5, 9-12, 16-19 and 23-26, 2008, Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” at the Louisville Zoo where you can dress up in your wildest costume and set off on a magical journey through the Zoo.

Artwork created by elephant Mikki of the Louisville Zoo to be auctioned during live interactive webcast

Worldwide audience of animal lovers and art enthusiasts expected to watch and bid to support wildlife conservation.

Louisville Zoo sends St. X teen to Canada to study polar bears

Saint Xavier High School junior Sam Leist, 16, will soon join 15 other high school students from around the world as he travels to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, to study polar bears during their fall migration and collect field data with scientists.

ZOO POOPY DOO!

The Louisville Zoo will host fall mulch and Zoo Poopy Doo sales on September 20, 27 and October 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Come meet Sasha!

Sasha, a 350-pound male Amur tiger, is meeting Louisville Zoo visitors with open paws.

Zoo’s winter schedule starts Sept. 2

Starting September 2, the Louisville Zoo will begin operating on its winter schedule. From September 2 to February 28 the Zoo’s admission windows will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (exit by 5 p.m.)

It's ZooTember!

Don’t miss the exciting array of special events and activities planned during ZooTember at the Louisville Zoo presented by McDonald’s featuring costume character appearances, a movie night and more!

Louisville Zoo mourns 44-year-old ailing silverback's passing

Thursday afternoon Louisville Zoo said goodbye to Frank, a 44-year-old geriatric silverback western lowland gorilla. He had been suffering from chronic arthritis and heart disease.

Giraffe passes away at the Louisville Zoo

Zahara, a 3-year old Masai giraffe at the Louisville Zoo distinguished by her crooked neck, passed away Monday.

Brew at the Zoo and Wine too. fundraiser to feature more than 50 different restaurants and vendors

The fifth-annual Brew at the Zoo and Wine too! fundraiser on Aug. 23 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Louisville Zoo Oasis field will feature more than 50 different restaurants, vendors and products for sampling.

Save on Zoo membership!

Now through Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, simply log on to WAVE3.com to purchase a new Louisville Zoo Family Membership for only $70 (a $5 savings). The first 500 purchasers also receive a $25 dining certificate to Max and Erma’s Restaurants. Note: This exclusive on-line promotional offer is only available for brand new memberships, not for renewal of existing memberships.

Media Photo Opportunity: Chillin' Out

Louisville Zoo’s orangutans will be avoiding the heat and having fun by cooling off with a special ice pool enrichment from keepers. Louisville Zoo Supervisor of Animal Training Jane Anne Franklin will also be on hand to talk about the importance of animal enrichment and answer any questions.

Luau with SpongeBob!

On Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., SpongeBob SquarePants will be visiting to help the Zoo Crew host a one-of-a-kind event at Calistoga Splash Park at Glacier Run. The Family Twilight Beach Party, presented by National City, begins with a fun and educational scavenger hunt that can be redeemed for a prize. There will also be a hula hoop contest, Palm Tree Plunge and Hawaiian Hustle dance off. And be sure to bring your camera, because SpongeBob SquarePants will be available to have his photo taken with guests.

Brew at the Zoo and Wine too

The fifth-annual Brew at the Zoo and Wine too! fundraiser will be held Aug. 23 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Louisville Zoo Oasis field. It will feature beer tasting from local and regional breweries, a selection of wine and food from more than 25 local restaurants and vendors. A selection of non-alcoholic products and water will also be provided. Food is available from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and beer and wine tasting is available until 8:30 p.m.

Special DVD commemorates baby elephant’s first year

Baby African elephant Scotty, the first baby elephant born in the state of Kentucky and the Louisville Zoo’s history, is featured in a new DVD documenting his first year of life.

Scotty takes to the water

Scotty, the Louisville Zoo’s 1-year-old baby African elephant, hit a big milestone today when he went swimming in the elephant yard pool.

Media Photo Opportunity - Baby elephant Scotty goes swimming

The Louisville Zoo’s 1-year-old baby African elephant Scotty has reached another milestone—learning how to swim! His keepers have been introducing him to the elephant yard pool by filling it up a little more each day, but on July 16 the pool will be filled to the top. This is the first summer Scotty has ever gone swimming.

Manning Warren appointed to the Louisville Zoo Foundation Board

Manning Warren, who serves as the H. Edward Harter Chair of Commercial Law at the University of Louisville School of Law, was recently appointed to the Louisville Zoo Foundation Board of Trustees.

Lions, tigers, prizes, oh my

WAVE 3 TV and the Louisville Zoo have teamed up for a digital online photography contest that runs until Aug. 17. One winner (chosen by representatives of WAVE 3) per week will receive two Louisville Zoo admission passes and one 25 dollar dining certificate to any Max and Erma’s Restaurants.

Come find adventure at the Louisville Zoo and meet Dora, too

Do you want an amazing summer adventure. Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer does, too. That’s why she is coming to the Louisville Zoo July 4, 5 and 6 from noon to 4 p.m.

Louisville Zoo welcomes new female gorilla

Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Gorilla Forest recently became home to 25-year-old female gorilla Kweli (pronounced quay lee), bringing the total number of gorillas to 12.

Louisville Zoo seeks volunteer teachers

The Louisville Zoo is currently seeking docents, volunteer teachers who work with the Louisville Zoo Education Department to provide knowledge and information to Zoo guests. They help teach school groups, day camps, share information with Zoo visitors and even get to conduct educational outreach presentations in the community.

Bye, Bye Bo: Louisville Zoo’s 3-year-old giraffe relocates to Wisconsin

The Louisville Zoo recently said goodbye to Bo, the Zoo’s 3-year-old hand-raised Masai giraffe, when he relocated to Racine Zoo in Wisconsin.

Louisville Zoo Foundation welcomes three new board members

The Louisville Zoo Foundation Board of Trustees is excited to welcome three new board members to the organization—Robert K. Holmes Jr., Dr. Heidi Hulon and Kerry Stemler.

Pirates Ahoy

Your little buccaneers can party with the pirates at Louisville Zoo’s Calistoga Splash Park at Glacier Run on June 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. as National City presents Family Twilight Beach Party: Pirates Ahoy

Louisville Zoo’s polar bear leaves

Aquila, Louisville Zoo’s one remaining polar bear, left for vacation this week. He was relocated to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio where he will join two other female polar bears.

Louisville Zoo holds Grand Opening for renovated Tiger Tundra exhibit

On June 2, the Louisville Zoo held a “Grand Opening” for its Amur tiger exhibit after undergoing a $250,000, 5-month renovation.

Louisville Zoo extends its hours in June, July and August

National City presents Family Twilight Hours and Family Twilight Beach Parties.

Grand Opening of the Zoo’s renovated Tiger Tundra exhibit

Grand opening of the Louisville Zoo’s newly renovated Amur tiger exhibit, The Alice S. Etscorn Tiger Tundra is scheduled for June 2, 2008. This is an integral part of the Glacier Run project and represents an innovative new trend of turning the Zoo experience inside out.

Tony Stewart’s former pet monkey, Mojo, now resides at the Louisville Zoo

Mojo, a 3-year-old patas monkey previously owned by NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart and Krista Dwyer, recently made the Louisville Zoo his home.

Baby siamangs celebrate 1st birthday with presents, goodies

The Louisville Zoo’s youngest baby siamang, Zain, will turn 1-year-old on Tuesday, May 27. He is the last to hit this milestone. Now all three baby siamangs are 1-year-old. They will celebrate with special goodies and presents.

Iron Man superhero headlines Zoo’s May 31 Health and Safety Safari

A superhero who fights for justice with his scientific genius will visit the Louisville Zoo on May 31 as part of Becker Law Office’s Health and Safety Safari. Zoo visitors can meet Iron Man, the Marvel character who is currently on the big screen in a new Paramount movie, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Oasis field stage. So don’t forget your camera.

Louisville Zoo extends Zoo Poopy Doo and mulch sale

Because of overwhelming response, the Louisville Zoo horticulture department has extended its spring Zoo Poopy Doo and mulch sales, adding Saturdays May 17 and 24.

Two rare Addax babies born just weeks apart at the Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo is now on baby duty with the recent births of two endangered Addax born weeks apart—one was born April 14 and the other on April 27. Addax, one of the world’s rarest mammals, are critically endangered and number close to just 250 in the wild.

Meijer Mondays at the Zoo

Get ready to save every Monday May 5 through Sept. 29, 2008, when you bring a Meijer receipt to the Louisville Zoo. During Meijer Mondays, when you purchase one adult Zoo admission you get one child’s admission for free just by showing a Meijer receipt! One receipt can be used by up to four adults for four free child admissions.

Take a run Throo the Zoo

Throo the Zoo 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by Norton Audubon Hospital, will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Proceeds benefit the Louisville Zoo, which is dedicated to its mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet.

Party for the Planet! Wrap-up

The week-long celebration educated visitors on caring for our planet through environmental displays, activities and presentations.

Priscilla the porcupine arrives at the Zoo

She has a big, round nose, sharp quills and a curly tail. “She looks a little odd, but is a very cute animal,” quipped Jane Anne Franklin, Louisville Zoo Supervisor of Animal Training, about the Zoo’s newest resident. !

Louisville Zoo plans “Party for the Planet!” April 6-13

Come celebrate the arrival of spring with a special “Party for the Planet!” at the Louisville Zoo. Sponsored by Coca-Cola with additional support from Toyota Georgetown and KAIRE (Kentuckiana Air Education), the week-long celebration April 6-April 13 will educate visitors on caring for our planet through environmental displays, activities and presentations. One can learn how to build a toad abode (toad home), get up-close and personal with some of our outreach animals and dig in the dirt while learning about the importance of earthworms!

Louisville Zoo offers special discounted tickets for corporations and associations through e-ticketing

Do you want to provide your employees and members with special perks and extra benefits? It’s easy with Louisville Zoo’s new e-consignment ticketing program where corporations and associations can register to receive special discounted Zoo tickets.

Zoo Poopy Doo

Plan now for the Louisville Zoo’s April mulch and compost sale

Louisville Zoo says final goodbye to Boris the tiger

Boris, a 17-year-old Amur tiger, died at the Louisville Zoo Sunday, March 16. Seventeen is considered to be geriatric for big cats.

Scotty the baby elephant celebrates his first birthday

Baby African elephant Scotty celebrated his first birthday today, March 15. His actual birthday is Tuesday, March 18, but we were so excited that we just couldn’t wait!

Louisville Zoo receives Assocation of Zoos and Aquariums AZA accreditation

Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet tough AZA accreditation standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The leadership and staff of the Louisville Zoo are to be congratulated for the hard work and commitment that they put into the accreditation process.”

Sign up now! Don’t miss the Louisville Zoo’s spring and summer camps and classes

The Louisville Zoo is truly a “living classroom,” and the Zoo’s Education Department offers exciting “hands-on,” “minds-on” experiences for Zoo visitors throughout the year.

Baby elephant Scotty is turning 1 year old

Louisville Zoo to throw a big birthday party bash for baby elephant Scotty on March 15; Zoo admission only $1 Turning 1 year old is a big deal—especially if you’re a baby elephant. Join baby Scotty on Saturday, March 15, as he celebrates his 1st birthday with a cake fit for an elephant and more!

Spend time with the polar bears!

The Louisville Zoo, in partnership with Polar Bears International (PBI), is involved in an amazing opportunity to select one Kentucky youth to represent the Louisville Zoo and become an “Arctic Ambassador” as part of PBI’s Teen Leadership Camp.

Siamang death investigation complete

A cause of death has finally been determined for the siamang couple—Ziggy, 15, and Sue Ann, 9—who died April 4, 2007. They died of acute systemic shock from Escherichia coli (E. coli) septicemia.

Polar bear listed as threatened in Manitoba, Canada

Global warming and vanishing habitat are putting extreme pressure on existing polar bear populations, according to Canadian conservation experts. In February, the Canadian home to polar bears—the province of Manitoba—recognized polar bears as threatened under the Manitoba Endangered Species Act.

Norton Healthcare Get Healthy Walking Club Expo kicks off the walking season at the Louisville Zoo Feb 23

Want to get healthy this year? Come to the Zoo and find out how at the annual Norton Healthcare Get Healthy Walking Club Expo on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Amy Taylor joins the Louisville Zoo as Group Sales Supervisor

The Louisville Zoo recently hired Amy Taylor as its new Group Sales Supervisor. Taylor comes to the Zoo with a wealth of experience, including sales operations for the major league baseball team Atlanta Braves and special events management for the National Football League’s Super Bowl XXXIV. Taylor most recently served as the Louisville District Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Annette and John Schnatter make $1 million personal gift to Louisville Zoo’s Glacier Run project

Community leaders Annette and John Schnatter today announced a $1 million personal commitment to the Louisville Zoo’s Glacier Run project. This gift is in addition to the Schnatters’ $100,000 previous campaign gift, and brings the Glacier Run campaign total to more than $12.6 million toward its $25 million estimated cost.

Louisville Zoo's 45-year-old female gorilla passes away

The Louisville Zoo family is mourning the loss of Tunuka, a 45-year-old female gorilla. Tunuka passed away February 2nd from peritonitis, an inflammation of the thin membrane that lines the abdominal wall. When Gorilla Forest staff found Tunuka this morning, they said she looked as if she was sleeping. “She looked very peaceful,” said Gorilla Forest keeper Cynthia Cole. “It was the way she always looked when she was asleep.”

Louisville Zoo to make special capital campaign announcement

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Zoo Director John Walczak will make a special Glacier Run capital campaign announcement and special unveiling.

Amber Pics the 2008 Super Bowl Champion

Amber (a 20-year-old orangutan) has made her first ever Super Bowl prediction.

Who's Amber's Pick?

As part of animal enrichment, Amber, the Louisville Zoo’s 20-year-old energetic and inquisitive female orangutan, will make her first-ever sports prediction.

Exclusive WAVE3.com on-line offer provides special discounts

The Louisville Zoo has teamed up with WAVE3.com to offer an exclusive opportunity to purchase a discounted family membership to the Louisville Zoo.

Louisville Zoo is #1 in U.S. for cell phone recycling!

According to ECO-CELL, North America’s premiere cell phone recycling program, out of 100 Zoos the Louisville Zoo was listed as the No. 1 zoo in the United States for cell phone recycling efforts in 2007 and No. 2 in North America just behind Toronto Zoo!

Louisville Zoo receives $100,000 grant

The Louisville Zoo recently received a $100,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The grant will be used to help support School at the Zoo, a week-long “hands-on,” “minds-on,” interdisciplinary experience designed primarily for middle school students using the Zoo as a “living classroom.”

Louisville Zoo bongo baby welcomes in the New Year

Louisville Zoo staff received a special New Year’s gift on Jan. 6 when bongo Kaya gave birth to her second calf. “This is a special birth, because it is the first offspring for Forest, our male bongo,” said Louisville Zoo Assistant Mammal Curator Candy McMahan. “Forest was born here at the Zoo, and it means so much to see an animal you raised grow up and become a father.”

Baby Elephant Scotty Honored in National Photo Contest!

Louisville Zoo volunteer photographer Nick Bonura recognized for award-winning elephant photo.

Baby Brazilian Ocelot Kitten Born

El Conquistador was born at the Louisville Zoo September 23. He and mom Miguela are doing well.

Wishes Do Come True

The Louisville Zoo recently helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfill the dream of 13-year-old Elaney Pickering of Eudora, Kan.