News Releases

 

 

May 10, 2012

 

Mothers honored Sunday at Abilene Zoo

 

ABILENE, TX. – The Abilene Zoo would like to wish all moms a happy Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 13 by offering free admission to every mom accompanied by a paying child. In addition to free admission, the first 100 mothers to enter the zoo will receive a free flower courtesy of Baack’s Plants and Greenhouse.

 

“This is our way of joining this annual celebration of moms,” said Bill Gersonde, Director of the Abilene Zoo “It’s also a great opportunity to see some of our zoo moms like Rosita the maned wolf and our prairie dogs who just had pups. Zoo guests might also spot some ducklings following their mom through the Wetlands of the Americas exhibit.” 

 

The Abilene Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Lane and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the front ticket office closing at 4:30. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 60 years of age and older, $2.50 for children ages 3 to 12 and kids under 3 are free. For more information about the Abilene Zoo, visit www.abilenezoo.org.        

 

May 3, 2012

 

Abilene Zoo celebrates Cinco de Mayo

 

ABILENE, TX. – The Abilene Zoo is celebrating Mexico’s wildlife this Saturday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo. Each animal at the zoo whose native range includes Mexico will have an identifying marking by its exhibit.  Zoo keepers will also host keeper talks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and share interesting facts about these Mexican species which include the beaded lizard and cougar.

 

“Many of the animals on exhibit at the zoo are from Mexico,” said Zoo Director Bill Gersonde.  “Cinco de Mayo is a great time to come to the zoo to visit these extraordinary animals, so many of which are also native to Texas.”

 

Also new to the zoo are informational graphics at the Elm Creek Backyard outdoor exhibits which offer animal facts in both English and Spanish. 

 

“We want all our guests to be able to learn about the animals,” said Gersonde. “As we add and change informational graphics throughout the zoo, we’ll include animal facts in both languages.”

 

The Abilene Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Lane and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the front ticket office closing at 4:30. For more information about the Abilene Zoo, visit www.abilenezoo.org.             

 

May 1, 2012

 

Fifth annual Mayor’s Hike coming Saturday

 

ABILENE, TX. – The 5th Annual Mayor’s Hike will take place Saturday, May 5 beginning at 8:30 a.m.  The hike will take participants along the banks of Cedar Creek this year showing a side of Abilene few have seen before.  This is a FREE, family friendly event that is open to the public and leashed dogs are welcome to join. Due to the terrain of the trail, strollers and bikes are not allowed.

 

The hike will begin where Cedar Creek crosses the 100 block of ES 11th Street, just east of Joe Allen’s Bar-B-Que. Hikers will travel north along the banks of Cedar Creek to Stevenson Park then return by the same trail.  The hike is approximately 3 miles long.  Parking will be available at 170 ES 11th St. Signage will be on location to direct participants to the designated parking area.

 

Here are some recommendations to ensure a fun-filled and safe hike:

  • Bring water and sunscreen along
  • Wear light colored clothing and comfortable shoes; no flip flops or sandals
  • Wear a hat
  • Wear long pants
  • Before starting any wellness program or engaging in physical activity, consult your physician

 

In coordination with the Mayor’s Hike, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a trash clean-up as they hike along Cedar Creek. Collection supplies will be provided.  Those who would like to participate in the trash pick-up are encouraged to bring work gloves.

 

This is a FREE event but participants should e-mail MayorsHike@abilenetx.com or call 325-676-6677 to let organizers know how many hikers will be participating.   

 

A map with parking information and hiking directions are available at www.myfitnessabilene.com or on the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com by clicking on ‘Hot Items’ under the City Spotlight heading.  This fitness opportunity is sponsored by the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness.