FORT WORTH, Texas – Whether you think love is bitter or sweet, the Fort Worth Zoo has festive ways for you to recognize Valentine’s Day this year. Give your Valentine the gift of adoption with rockhopper or African penguins, which will benefit from the care and feeding that your gift helps to provide. Your sweetheart will adore one of our creative gift packages filled with a photo, plush penguin, a personalized adoption certificate and more, packaged in a festive animal carrier box. Those looking to display their love (or disdain) in an unconventional and lighthearted way can adopt a Haitian cockroach and send an e-card for Valentine’s Day.

The Zoo is also hosting two Valentine’s Day dinners, one for lovebirds and the other an offbeat option for singles and friends. The Zoo’s first-ever Bitter Dinner is an anti-Valentine’s Day celebration, featuring an evening of dinner, drinks, live animals, and more. The Zoo’s wildly popular Penguin Party includes a meet-and-greet and professional photo with the Zoo’s penguins and an interactive game, in addition to dinner and drinks for couples. The Penguin Party also includes a Love Birds-level adoption package.

Penguin Pals — $40

• Choice of penguin – African or rockhopper (one plush penguin)
• Adoption certificate
• Animal fact sheet and photo
• One Zoo newsletter

Love Birds — $70

• African and rockhopper penguins (two plush penguins)
• Adoption certificate
• Animal fact sheets and photos
• One Zoo newsletter
• Two Zoo tickets

Cockroach e-card – $10

• Adopt a Haitian cockroach to show your unwavering love. For just $10, your recipient will receive a festive e-card with a customized message. Adopting one of the Zoo’s animals contributes to its care and feeding for one full year.

Penguin Party — $175/couple

• Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m.
• Treat your sweetie to dinner, drinks and a show, plus our feathered guests of honor, African penguins, in the Portraits of the Wild Art Gallery at the Fort Worth Zoo. The purchase of tickets to this event includes a Love Birds-level adoption package.

Bitter Dinner — $55/person

• Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m.
• Are you unattached and looking for a fun evening with your friends? Join us for an anti-Valentine’s Day celebration at the Fort Worth Zoo. You’ll enjoy dinner, drinks, a flipbook booth and a show, plus some pretty sweet animals in the Zoo’s Portraits of the Wild Art Gallery.

Bitter Dinner and Penguin Party guests must absolutely be age 21 or older, no exceptions. The parties have limited availability and historically sell out quickly, so don’t wait to order. Ticket sales end February 7. Menus can be viewed online.

Penguin adoption orders must be received by noon on February 10 to ensure mail delivery by February 14. Otherwise, packages may be picked up in person at the Fort Worth Zoo’s Administration Building.

For more information on the Penguin Party and penguin adoptions, click here. For details about the Bitter Dinner and Haitian cockroach adoption, click here.

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For further information, contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, Texas – At the Fort Worth Zoo, gift-giving isn’t black and white – our packages come in a variety of spots and stripes. Give an animal adoption and help provide its care and feeding for one year, or share the gift of unlimited Zoo visits with a membership. Starting at just $40, the Fort Worth Zoo’s personalized holiday adoption packages are filled with unique photos, adoption certificate, a plush animal and more. From gorillas to cheetahs to zebras, there’s something for every animal lover on your gift list!

Your adoption of a gorilla, cheetah or a zebra will be delightfully arranged in an animal carrier box in one of the following packages:

$65 Santa Safari

•    Personalized adoption certificate
•    Animal fact sheet
•    One Zoo publication
•    4×6 color photo
•    Plush animal
•    Two Zoo passes

$40 Santa Safari

•    Personalized adoption certificate
•    Animal fact sheet
•    One Zoo publication
•    4×6 color photo
•    Plush animal

$35 Santa Safari (for Zoo Members only)

•    Personalized adoption certificate
•    Animal fact sheet
•    One Zoo publication
•    4×6 color photo
•    Plush animal

Visit the Zoo’s website to order your holiday adoption or Zoo membership online. Orders must be received by end of business Monday, December 19 to ensure mail delivery by December 24. Please allow two days for processing.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the brand new Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

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For further information, contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

Silver Spring, Maryland – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the Fort Worth Zoo has received 2011 Top Honors in exhibit design for its Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The AZA Exhibit Award recognizes excellence in the area of live animal display and exhibit design by an AZA-accredited Institution (U.S. or International) or Related Facility member.

“The AZA Exhibit Award recognizes the Fort Worth Zoo’s innovative leadership and dedication to excellence,” said AZA president and CEO Jim Maddy.  “The Museum of Living Art demonstrates how the Fort Worth Zoo, and all AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, are connecting people and animals – inspiring and educating in new and exciting ways.”

The Fort Worth Zoo’s Museum of Living Art (MOLA) is a 30,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor herpetological facility that houses more than 250 amphibian and reptile species, representing more than 5,700 animals. MOLA includes spacious, humidity-controlled exhibits and state-of-the-art conservation tools, such as quarantine rooms and hibernacula that facilitate the breeding of rare, endangered and critically endangered animals.

In response to the recent global amphibian crisis, the Fort Worth Zoo prioritized housing, research and breeding amphibians in a building specifically designed to meet the animals’ needs. Open encounter areas encourage discussion and education and allow guests to come face-to-face with exotic reptiles. Complete with educational programming and correlating activities such as backpack tours and keeper chats, MOLA shares messages of environmental stewardship with guests, students and teachers throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. MOLA is impressive not only for the diverse and rare animal collection it houses, but also for its rare architecture and building design.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the brand new Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more visit www.aza.org.

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For further information, contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Fort Worth Zoo’s family friendly Halloween celebration will continue as a daytime event, running from noon to 5 p.m. over two weekends — October 21-23 and October 28-30.

Boo at the Zoo will feature Halloween décor, events, games and candy, and the most popular attraction: Zoo animals! Daytime event hours will make the entire Zoo open to Boo at the Zoo guests, allowing keepers to incorporate Boo-themed activities into the animal exhibits throughout the entire park.

The main portion of Boo at the Zoo—games, entertainment, Wild Wonders animal shows and trick-or-treating—will take place at the Zoo’s Chesapeake Pavilions special event site. Admission to the site is $3 per person. Other Halloween-themed animal enrichment throughout the park can be enjoyed with the price of regular Zoo admission—$12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3-12, $9 for seniors ages 65 and up, and free for children 2 and under. Admission to the Boo event site is charged for all ages.

Children are welcome to wear their favorite Halloween costumes, and, guests are encouraged to submit photos for the Boo at the Zoo Wildlife Costume Photo Contest! Guests can upload photos captured at the event to the Zoo’s website from October 21-November 2, 2011. More information, including full contest rules, will be available on the Zoo’s homepage.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the brand new Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

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For further information, contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Fort Worth Zoo now boasts its first solar array, thanks to Green Mountain Energy Company and its customers. Green Mountain, Texas’ first competitive retail electric provider to offer cleaner energy, donated $140,000 to the Zoo through the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club (formerly the Big Texas Sun Club) to fund its first solar array system. The new 47.5 kilowatt (kW) solar array is installed on the roof of the Zoo’s administration building.

Green Mountain CEO Paul Thomas and Super Earth Mascot joined Fort Worth Zoo Executive Director Michael Fouraker to officially “flip the switch” of the solar array today during a ceremonial dedication. The Fort Worth Zoo is located at 1989 Colonial Parkway.

The new 47.5 kilowatt (kW) solar array is the largest solar system to help power a zoo in Texas and one of the largest in Fort Worth. It will help reduce the Zoo’s carbon footprint and energy costs, as well as be used to educate visitors and patrons about the benefits of solar energy. The solar array is the fourth one donated by Green Mountain’s Sun Club in Fort Worth.

Green Mountain’s Sun Club, which funded the Fort Worth Zoo’s solar array, is a unique program in which Green Mountain’s Texas customers can choose to support solar energy installations in Texas by paying an additional $5 on their monthly Green Mountain Energy® electric bill (for information, visit www.gmsunclub.com).  This is Green Mountain’s 30th solar installation through the Sun Club since 2002 when the program was launched.

“We are thrilled that the Fort Worth Zoo, an extremely valuable and iconic institution in Fort Worth, is the recipient of the 30th solar installation through the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club,” said Paul Thomas, CEO of Green Mountain Energy Company. “More than one million visitors to the Fort Worth Zoo each year will be able to see a solar array and learn about the important benefits of solar energy. Donating solar installations like this one helps us give back to the communities where our customers live, work, shop and play, while supporting our mission to change the way power is made.”

“We are grateful for the donation from Green Mountain Energy,” said Michael Fouraker, Fort Worth Zoo executive director. “The Zoo is constantly looking for ways to incorporate conservation of all kinds into our daily operation. When we were approached about this opportunity, we thought it was a perfect fit as it demonstrates the use of natural power without disruption or destruction of animal habitat. We appreciate the partnership and donation, and we look forward to seeing how this initiative can expand.”

The Green Mountain Energy® Solar at Fort Worth Zoo is approximately 4,000 square feet and was built with 176 giant solar photovoltaic panels. It is expected to produce more than 93,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity per year by converting sunlight into pollution-free electricity.  Additionally, the solar array is expected to avoid more than 123,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. That’s the equivalent of taking 4,000 cars off the road for one day or more than 36,000 houses turning off all their lights for a day. It is estimated the system will save the Zoo nearly $300,000 over the course of its 30-year lifetime.

As part of the donation, an educational sign will be installed on the Zoo grounds to inform visitors about the solar array, how it works and its environmental benefits. The solar panels were installed by APS.

Fort Worth Zoo
The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

Green Mountain Energy Company
Green Mountain, the nation’s leading competitive retail provider of cleaner energy and carbon offset solutions, was founded in 1997 to “change the way power is made.” The company is the longest serving green power marketer in the U.S. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of clean electricity products from renewable sources, such as wind, as well as a variety of carbon offset products. Green Mountain’s largest customer is the “world’s most famous office building,” the Empire State Building in New York City. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid over 11.3 billion pounds of CO2 emissions. As a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, Green Mountain is backed by one of the nation’s largest renewable power producers. For more information, visit www.GreenMountain.com.

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For further information, contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, Texas – Attention shutterbugs! The Fort Worth Zoo wants to see your best photos taken at the Zoo in the Fort Worth ZOOm Lens Photo Contest.

The photo contest begins July 25 and ends September 16, and is open to amateurs and professionals over 18 years old. Photos may be entered in four categories: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and people and places. Contest participants may submit multiple photos; however, only one entry from each person may be deemed a winner.

To enter the contest,  fill out the Fort Worth ZOOm Lens Photo Contest entry form and upload your photos on the contest website. A panel of guest judges (experienced in the field) will select the top three photos from each category and Best in Show. All winning photos will be featured in the Zoo’s magazine, roar!, and on the Zoo’s website and Facebook page. Prizes include a custom painting by Rasha, the Zoo’s elephant artist, and gift certificates to Wolf Camera.

For additional contest information, click here.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the brand new Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

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For further information, contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, Texas – Help the Zoo celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Texas Wild! exhibit by adopting a native Texas animal.

For just $10 you can select and name your adopted animal, and the Zoo will send a Texas Wild!-themed adoption e-card on your behalf. The Texas Wild! animals available for adoption include: Aplomado falcon, bobcat, burrowing owl, coati, Texas horned lizard, indigo snake, jaguar, mountain lion, ocelot, otter, swift fox, Texas longhorn and Texas tortoise.

Home to nearly 7,000 exotic animals that represent more than 500 species, the Fort Worth Zoo spends more than $850,000 a year feeding all of its wild residents. “Adopting” one of the Zoo’s animals contributes to its care and feeding for one full year.

The Zoo is also hosting a members-only anniversary event on Friday, August 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Texas Wild!. Members and their guests will enjoy a barbeque dinner, western-themed entertainment, keeper chats, animal enrichment activities and more.

In 2001, the Fort Worth Zoo debuted Texas Wild!, an 8-acre exhibit that embodies the unique spirit of Texas, its natural history and ecological future. Built around a turn-of-the-century Texas town, the exhibit assembles six distinct regions of Texas and houses nearly 300 animals representing more than 100 species, including approximately 12 endangered and threatened species. The exhibit is also home to several of the Zoo’s conservation projects including the Texas horned lizard, jaguar and Kemp’s Ridley turtle.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

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For Further Information Contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, Texas – The T and the Fort Worth Zoo will resume the Safari Shuttle Zoo Trolley’s summer Saturday service from the downtown Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) to the Fort Worth Zoo starting Saturday, May 28 through October 29, 2011.

The Zoo sees larger crowds on Saturdays during the summer, so the Safari Shuttle offers environmentally-friendly, stress-free travel to the Zoo. Trinity Railway Express (TRE) passengers from Dallas and the Mid-Cities can conveniently catch the Safari Shuttle at the ITC and ride free of charge with their TRE day, weekly, monthly or annual pass. For non-TRE riders, the shuttle is the same as a bus fare.

The Safari Shuttle will run on Saturdays, only, from the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) at 1001 Jones Street to the Zoo’s main parking lot entrance on Colonial Parkway.  The stop is just a short walk from the Zoo’s entrance gate.  The shuttles will run every 30 minutes beginning at 9:30 a.m. from the ITC. The last shuttle leaves the Zoo at 7 p.m.

The shuttle will operate an express service from the ITC directly to and from the Zoo. For those who wish to park and ride, street and commercial parking are available across from the ITC.  A day pass to ride the Safari Shuttle round trip is $3 for adults and $1.50 for children ages 5 to 18 and for seniors age 65 and older.  Children under age 5 ride free.  A TRE pass covers the Safari Shuttle fare.

For additional information, call The T’s Customer Service staff at (817) 215-8600 or visit The T’s website, www.The-T.com.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the new Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) provides quality public transportation to meet the mobility needs of Tarrant County and the North Central Texas region.  The T annually provides service to nearly 9 million passengers on buses, vanpools and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). For more information, visit www.The-T.com.

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For Further Information Contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Fort Worth Zoo’s 5th annual Beastro, presented by Pinnacle Bank, is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2011 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Proceeds from this annual tasting event support the Zoo’s local and international wildlife conservation and education efforts.

Beastro features Fort Worth’s finest area restaurants stationed throughout the Zoo serving sample appetizers, entrées and desserts. In addition to the delectable cuisine, the event will feature open bars throughout the park and live entertainment from Everclear, Micky & the Motorcars, Hudson Moore and DJ Willie. Several animal exhibits are expected to remain open until sunset, and the Zoo’s Wild Wonders Outreach animals will greet this year’s partygoers.

Beastro tickets, $95 for non-members and $85 for Zoo members, include ALL food, drinks and entertainment. Online ticket sales begin May 1, 2011 at www.fortworthzoo.org, and tickets may also be purchased at the Zoo’s Guest Relations office from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

To date, the 2011 participating restaurants include: Winslow’s Wine Café, City Kitchen Catering, Daddy Jack’s Lobster & Chowder House, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, Hot Chocolates, Cast Iron at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Mellow Mushroom, Starbucks Coffee Company at Montgomery Plaza, Chadra Mezza & Grill, Mac’s on 7th, Bonnell’s Restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, H3 Ranch, Blue Mesa Grill, Tokyo Café, Simply Fondue Fort Worth, Fred’s Texas Café, The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Genghis Grill, Chuy’s Fort Worth, Olenjack’s Grille and The Tavern.

Attire for Beastro is summer chic and comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as the event requires walking throughout the Zoo. All guests must be at least 21 years old to attend. Tickets may be purchased until June 10 at noon, and only a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the gate for $110 each.

For more information, contact the Beastro ticket hotline at 817/759-7373 or visit www.fortworthzoo.org.

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked the No. 5 zoo in the nation by USA Travel Guide and the No. 1 attraction in the DFW Metroplex by Zagat survey. The Zoo is home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, housed in the new Museum of Living Art (MOLA). The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.

For Further Information Contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org

FORT WORTH, Texas – Treat Mom and the rest of the family to a Mother’s Day celebration at the Fort Worth Zoo! The Zoo is offering brunch at 9 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 8, 2011, which includes made-to-order omelets and waffles, fresh fruit and more inside the Zoo’s Portraits of The Wild Art Gallery.

In addition to brunch, you and your family will enjoy a Wild Wonders animal meet-and-greet, entry into the Zoo on Mother’s Day, and keeper chats at select exhibits.

An Adoption package for the animal of your choice also includes:

• Personalized adoption certificate
• Animal fact sheet
• Zoo publication
• Photo of adopted animal

Adult tickets are $65, children’s tickets (17 and younger) are $25, and children 2 and younger are free. Order your Mother’s Day Brunch tickets by May 1, 2011. Visit www.fortworthzoo.org or call 817/759-7332.

Mother’s Day Brunch has limited availability and is sure to sell out quickly, so don’t wait to order. All proceeds benefit the Zoo’s Adoption program, which helps support the care and feeding of our animals.

Please note: Zoo passes and Adoption folder will not be mailed; they will be distributed at the Mother’s Day Brunch. Invitation to the brunch will be mailed upon purchase.

Cancellation policy: All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable.

For Further Information Contact:
Alexis Wilson, Communications Director
awilson@fortworthzoo.org

Remekca Owens, Public Relations Manager
rowens@fortworthzoo.org