Mesker Park Zoo AAZK

01/26/2025

01/19/2025

For our first Spotlight on Ambassador Animals Week post, we want to look at what makes an animal an ambassador! While there are many definitions, the AZA has a specific way to look at it–it’s not always as simple as designating a specific animal as an ambassador. Sometimes, animals whose primary role is being on habitat work as ambassadors in an encounter experience, or an animal that lives behind the scenes participates in a tour taking food from guests. The definition and flowchart here: https://buff.ly/40jlzj5 help us understand when animals are acting as ambassadors, and therefore what policies apply to them! Association of Zookeepers

01/16/2025

Why is Uno so smart? Because he axolotl questions!
You can visit Uno, our axolotl, in the Research Station of Amazonia.
📷 Keeper Hannah

01/14/2025

Last year, we watched from the safety of Evansville as Florida was hit with back-to-back massive hurricanes. Humans can leave their homes quickly if needed in an emergency; a herd of giraffes or a crash of rhinos cannot. And when they can't leave, humans remain behind to care for them. This is one of the ways that ZDR3 helps the zoological industry. This is a small reason that we donated a portion of the money you dropped into our Wishing Well found in The Kley Building to them. Thank YOU!

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a membership organization for animal care professionals. We recently received donations from several AAZK chapters and wondered what prompted them all. So we asked Nicole Pepo, the Board President for AAZK. Here’s what she told us:

“The threat of a hurricane hitting your hometown is always a terrifying feeling, but for those of us working at zoological facilities it hits an elevated level. Not only are we now worried about our personal homes and families, but we are also worried about our extended families at work. That not only includes our teams, but also the animals that we care for.

When the AAZK Board of Directors and Staff heard about the damage done by Hurricane Helene and the threat of Milton was on the horizon, we knew we needed to make a call to arms to help our Chapters and Institutional Members in the pathway of destruction recover. We knew that ZDR3 was in transit to the areas hit hardest, and as a valued Member Partner of AAZK we reached out to our phenomenal Chapters in order to encourage them to donate to their cause. Our Executive Director formulated an email that was sent out to all of our Chapter Leaders that outlined the process of donating to ZDR3 as a non-profit organization.

The response from our Chapters was immediate and full of such compassion. Thank you to ZDR3 for everything you did and are continuing to do, and thank you to the AAZK Chapters that rushed in to help each other in a time of need.”

We value how partners like AAZK can amplify our efforts to assist zoological colleagues on their worst days; and we appreciate the Chapters that chose to support our 2024 response efforts: Cape May County AAZK, Battle Creek AAZK, Little Turtle AAZK, Dallas Zoo AAZK, Memphis AAZK, Puget Sound AAZK, and Indianapolis AAZK.

We are Stronger Together

01/09/2025

Mila says Hi!
Sand cats are small, solitary cats native to deserts in Africa and Asia. They can live without water, mostly relying on the moisture from their prey to stay hydrated.
📷 Keeper Loretta

01/05/2025

While the desert horned lizard is still waiting to see the snow...the rest of us are watching it fall. The zoo will be closed at least today (1/5) & tomorrow (1/6) so that we can safely care for the animals while clearing the walkways.

01/04/2025

When you see your bestie messing up their New Year's resolutions already! 😏

Pictured: Grant's zebra, Sudoku
📷 Keeper Katrina

12/27/2024

Pssst! Hey there! Did you know that today is National Visit the Zoo Day? Zoos aren't just about having fun; they also contribute significantly to conservation efforts. It's crucial to recognize our duty in safeguarding wildlife and their habitats. So, take advantage of this day to learn more about how we can make a positive difference for the incredible animals we coexist with on this planet!
📷 Keeper Taylor

12/26/2024

📷 Keepers Amy, Jackie, & Rachel

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from all of our zookeepers, staff, and volunteers! The zoo is open today, if you need to run in and buy a last minute gift in the gift shop or a gift membership (best gift ever!)...or just visit the animals.

📷 Keepers Katrina, Lisa, Jackie, Randi, Hannah, Rachel, Gail & Docent Dee

12/25/2024

Sure, penguins look all cute & cuddly...

📷 Keeper Taylor & Docent Dee

12/25/2024

Harvey, our white-faced saki monkey, could be on the cover of the monkey equivalent of GQ magazine. But he also likes to lick his enrichment clean.

📷 Keepers Katrina & Jackie

12/25/2024

We're not sure that our male juvenile kudu, Journey, fully understands eating with your mouth closed.

📷 Keepers Katrina & Lisa

12/25/2024

Clementine could be an actress with her wide range of facial expressions.
📷 Keeper Katrina & Docent Dee

12/23/2024

Bantha, our male sand cat, loves his meals of fish & small rodents! Buy our cookbook to discover some of his zookeeper's favorite recipes!

The books are $13 each - to be picked up at the zoo (make arrangements when sending your payment), or $18 - to be mailed (if interested in more than 1 book to be mailed, message us here on Facebook for a total). PayPal ONLY. Please message us here on Facebook so we may set up a time for pick up or get your shipping info. Thanks!

Bantha 📷 Keeper Loretta

12/21/2024

Our scarlet ibises savor meal worms, BOP (ground meat specifically prepared for carnivorous birds), and small fish. Their keeper has a more refined palate. Buy our cookbook to see some of his favorite recipes!

The books are $13 each - to be picked up at the zoo (make arrangements when sending your payment), or $18 - to be mailed (if interested in more than 1 book to be mailed, message us here on Facebook for a total). PayPal ONLY. Please message us here on Facebook so we may set up a time for pick up or get your shipping info. Thanks!

Scarlet ibis 📷 Keeper Trevor

12/20/2024

Patty & the rest of the Sichuan takin herd love today's chilly Decem-brrr weather. Takins are made for these temperatures! In the winter, takins grow a thick, secondary coat that insulates them from the cold. Their skin secretes an oily substance that waterproofs their hair. And their large nasal passages warm the incoming air before it reaches their lungs, thus conserving their body heat.
Bundle up and come visit them!
📷 Keeper Hannah