| Meet Kim & Max! |
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Kim, a 38-year-old orangutan and her baby, Max, moved to the Indianapolis Zoo from the Jackson Zoo in Mississippi this fall. At 9-months-old, Max was showing signs of slow development and Indianapolis was selected as a new home based on the strength of the Zoo's state-of-the-art facilities, expert veterinary staff, skilled ape caretakers and management philosophy.
Kim was overweight when she arrived and has steadily lost weight and her mobility has increased drastically. The vet team and ape caretakers have worked diligently to care for Max and he is responding well with a marked increase in his appetite, activity and coordination. Everyone is very pleased with his progress. The two will move into the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center soon, but you probably won't see them right away. First will be some behind-the-scenes introductions to other orangutans. As Kim is comfortable, she'll make her way out into the Atrium with baby. |
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| Member perk alert! |
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Exclusive early camp and preschool program registration
Open Jan. 16 for members
The new year starts with a member benefit! Camps are a fun and educational way for the youngsters in your life to experience the Zoo. Your little one too young for camp? We've got engaging preschool programs for kids ages 3 and 4. And guess what? Zoo members receive a special rate AND exclusive early registration beginning Jan. 16! Find out more... |
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| Vote for your favorite |
Here are our six finalists for the Shutterbug Challenge. Vote now by clicking on your choice below, or on Facebook – polls close on Jan. 16! The image that receives the most votes will be featured as an 11-by-17 pullout poster in the Spring+Summer issue of the Indianapolis Zoo Magazine, arriving in homes in early March.
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| Zoolala: Party like a King |
Jan. 28 • 7:30pm-midnight
Enjoy the crème de la crème of Indianapolis food and drink while mingling with other philanthropically minded young professionals. From 7:30pm-midnight, enjoy an open bar with beer provided by Sun King Brewing Co., while sampling delicious foods from Zoo Executive Chef Joe Hsu and other area restaurants. Find out more... |
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| We're Bayou bound this summer! |
Treat yourself to seven days and six nights immersed in the dynamic wildlife, culture and cuisine of New Orleans and its surroundings. Visit a wildlife refuge, explore the renowned Audubon Institute, see the work The Nature Conservancy is doing to restore marine life in the Gulf of Mexico, and spend a relaxing afternoon on the oasis of Grand Isle. You'll discover history, good food and diverse American wildlife on this affordable, escorted family-friendly trip. Contact Jennifer Barker at 317-630-2014 or jbarker@indyzoo.com for more information or to book your adventure! Let the good times roll next summer! Find out more... |
| Elegant Vintages Wine Auction |
Nineteenth Annual International Wine Auction
presented by Fifth Third Private Bank
March 25 • Conrad Indianapolis
Indianapolis' premier annual wine event features live and silent auctions and non-wine items such as art, trips, private dinners and more. Festivities include the Turkle & Associates and Phases Skin Care & Laser Center VIP Patrons' Reception, multi-course gourmet dinner paired with exquisite wine and live entertainment. For more information, visit ElegantVintages.com.
Thank you to our wine sponsor, Republic National Distributing Company. |
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| Fun takes flight |
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Zoobilation 2017 – Tropical Adventure
presented by Indianapolis Power & Light Company
June 9 • 7pm-midnight • Tickets required
Tickets on sale to the general public on Feb. 1 at 9am
Get ready to soar into Zoobilation in celebration of more than 30 years of partying for animal conservation! In 2017, flutter your feathery, colorful, dazzling frocks and join us for an evening of rocking musical groups (thanks to our friends at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP), one high-flying Indy DJ, more than 70 indulgent restaurants and their marvelous cuisine, remarkable wine and sensational specialty drinks. |
The Premium Experience presented by Ice Miller LLP • 5:30-7pm
Enjoy full access to Indiana's premier philanthropic event when you join us at 5:30 pm for the Premium Experience presented by Ice Miller LLP! Premium Experience guests will receive exclusive amenities including priority parking, Entry Plaza cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a special arrival gift and private access to the air-conditioned "Oasis Lounge" in the Dolphin Gallery. |
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| Attention, all you awesome artists! |
Naturally Inspired Paint Out
Applications due by March 1
Creative folks, we're looking for you! Each spring, the Zoo invites a group of 15 juried artists to make art on grounds during the Naturally Inspired Paint Out Day. This signature Zoo event is a great opportunity for an artist to showcase his or her talent in front of thousands of Zoo patrons while also supporting the Zoo's mission of animal conservation. Find out more...
Junior Paint Out
April 22 • 9am-noon • $30 members/$35 nonmembers
The young people in your life ages 9-12 years can get inspired and access their creative side with the Junior Paint Out program. They'll explore nature with an artistic eye and let their imagination soar! Spaces are limited, and registration opens Jan. 30 on IndianapolisZoo.com! |
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| I wonder ... |
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With bodies that are sometimes only a few cells thick, how do jellies manage to move themselves through the water? Recent studies have shown that the key lies in the expansion and contraction of a jelly's bell-shaped body. Instead of pushing forward through the water, the jelly is using suction to displace the water behind them. When the water rushes back in to fill the void, it pushes the jelly forward. They don't go far, but they also don't use much energy. This makes jellies some of the most efficient natural movers on the planet, and could help humans discover better ways to move through the ocean.
What animal fact are you wondering about? Keep those questions coming! Yours just might get answered in a future issue! |
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| Members-only Breakfast with the Bunny |
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April 15 • 8:30-10:30am • Reservations open Feb. 6
Enjoy a fun-filled spring morning complete with a buffet breakfast, crafts, live music, cookie decorating and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. This event sells out quickly, so be ready to make your reservations on Feb. 6 by calling the Membership office at 317-630-2046. |
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| In the know |
 I hope you've been enjoying watching the Bicentennial Pavilion gradually take shape as much as I have. Generously supported by a Lilly Endowment grant, the season-extending structure will be the home for a host of new activities and experiences starting in early summer.
There's something exciting and fascinating about seeing a project of this size start from a hole in the ground to become a roughly 40,000-square-foot community hub for the Zoo. Keep an eye on it as it continues to grow,  then join us starting this summer to fill its spaces and enjoy all it will have to offer.
See you at the Zoo! |
| What's Growing On |
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The Dark Side of Earthworms
Come spring most of us gardeners will be getting outside, anxious to work the soil. As we dig, we will be happy to see the ever-present earthworm. These soil-dwelling creatures are so good for our soil, aerating and fertilizing the earth as they tunnel along. Perhaps not all of us realize, however, that these wriggly contributors to good garden soil are not native to the United States and are actually a cause of great concern in some settings. How can this be? Read more ... |
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| This photo is not faked! |
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| Special thanks to Stephanie Santo |
Send us your favorite original/unaltered/not-Photoshopped picture from an Indianapolis Zoo visit to membership@indyzoo.com, post it on Facebook or on Instagram (#indyzoo). We'll feature our favorite in next month's eNews. |
| Due to renew? Step up to the plate! |
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| Double Secret contest |
 Every month, we hide a little surprise in our eNews. In the December issue, we were in love with mistletoe! Did you find all 10 bundles on grounds for Christmas at the Zoo presented by Teachers Credit Union and Donatos?
This month, are we looking for a cat or something with fins? Does it swim or does it pounce? Hmmm, we can't tell just by its name. Can you find this interesting animal?
Congratulations to last month's winners: Dayana S., Avon; Angela S., Indianapolis; Marci R., Indianapolis; Amanda F., Fishers; Amanda B., Indianapolis; and our wild card winner, Faith R., Noblesville!s! |
| Don't miss out |
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Elegant Vintages Nineteenth Annual International Wine Auction
presented by Fifth Third Private Bank
March 25 • Conrad Hotel Indianapolis • Tickets on sale now |
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DONORS ONLY: Conservation Club & Nussbaum Society
All-new Twilight Walkabout!
April 14 • 5:30-7pm • Reservations open March 1
Not a Conservation Club member yet? Contact Alicia at 317-630-2059 or acornett@indyzoo.com to learn about the additional benefits and impact and to upgrade today! |
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MEMBERS ONLY
Breakfast with the Bunny
April 15 • 8:30-10:30am
Tickets on sale Feb. 6 |
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SAVE THE DATE! Zoobilation 2017: Tropical Adventure
June 9 • Tickets on sale Feb. 1 |
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| Special thanks |
Click here to view a complete list of Indianapolis Zoo sponsors! |
