Latest news with #AnneShimerdla
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Adorable baby animal on the brink of extinction is born at Iowa zoo
An adorable baby animal on the brink of extinction was born at a zoo in Iowa last week. Henri, a male addax, also known as a white antelope, was welcomed to the herd at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines Thursday. Henri was born to his parents, Adeline and Po, who were both relocated to the zoo from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Addax Species Survival Plan for a breeding recommendation, WHO13 reported. There are fewer than approximately 100 Addax left in the wild, making them ' critically endangered species,' the zoo said in a Facebook post. 'Henri might be hard to spot while he's resting. Addax calves often hide or "nest" when they're young. Be sure to say hi if you see him!,' they added alongside precious pictures of him exploring the zoo grounds. He is the second Addax calf born at Blank Park Zoo as his older sister Bonnie was born in 2023, the outlet said. Addaxes are native to the Sahara Desert and are known for their large, spiral horns and pale skin. Male addaxes can grow up to 41-45 inches tall while females can get to 37-43 inches. Although they are known for their light colored skin, it is known to change to a greyish-brown color in the winter. The white or sandy blonde shade typically comes back in the summer for the species. Anne Shimerdla, the President and CEO of Blank Park Zoo, shared her joy in welcoming Henri into the world, especially because he is part of an endangered species. 'Every birth like Henri's is a step forward for a species on the brink of extinction,' Shimerdla told the outlet. 'It underscores our ongoing dedication to species conservation and education. We hope that this, along with our temporary transformation into Dino Park Zoo this summer, will inspire guests to take action to save animals from extinction.' The zoo is set to open a new site, Dino Park Zoo, in July, according to the website. The exhibit is 'a prehistoric experience 65 million years in the making' that will allow visitors to 'walk among 15 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and explore dino-themed exhibits, activities, and events that bring the ancient world roaring to life.' Although Henri's birth is especially exciting for the zoo, he is not the only new arrival welcomed this summer. Just days before Henri was born, two bamboo sharks, named Snoopy and Pluto, made their debut in the zoo's big reef aquarium in the Discovery Center Home. Henri was born to his parents, Adeline and Po, who were both relocated to the zoo from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Addax Species Survival Plan for a breeding recommendation Bamboo sharks, also known as longtail carpet sharks, feed on bottom-dwellers and smaller fish. Zoo officials said their births marked the first time the zoo has ever housed sharks. A tiger shovelnose catfish was also recently welcomed to the Amazon aquarium in the zoo's Discovery Center. And just about a week before the sharks were born, a new rhino arrived at Blank Park Zoo. On June 11, a four-year-old eastern black rhino named AJ joined the crew after his transfer from Cincinnati Zoo. AJ, which is short for Ajani Joe, stands for 'he who wins the struggle' in Swahili. Guests are welcome to see all the new animals and more at the zoo, which is open daily.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blank Park Zoo breaks ground on roaring new lion conservation center
DES MOINES, Iowa — In April 2024, the Blank Park Zoo announced plans for the largest renovation project in its 60-year history, and on Tuesday morning, zoo leaders broke ground on phase one. The new lion conservation center will triple the space for the zoo's lions, while adding a trio of viewing experiences for guests, and even an immersive VIP viewing area. The exhibit is the first addition of the zoo's ongoing 'Expand the Impact' capital campaign an $18 million renovation project aimed at enhancing animal and guest experiences and conservation efforts. Quarry Springs Park in Colfax adds 40 new RV sites 'We're a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and so those are partners that we have throughout the United States that partner with not only best practices for animal management, but also for conservation programming. And so we're excited to be a part of this network. This new space will allow us to become one of the leaders in lion conservation. So, our work will be done, not only here in the United States, but we also work with the African Lion Safe Program, which stands for Saving Animals from Extinction. And that'll be, our work will extend internationally into the wild as well,' said Anne Shimerdla, President and CEO of the Blank Park Zoo. Leaders with the zoo say once the lions are moved into this new area, their existing exhibit will be used to expand the tiger area. The zoo says they're hoping for the new lion conservation center to be open to the public beginning late spring/early summer of 2026. Metro News: Blank Park Zoo breaks ground on roaring new lion conservation center Juvenile assaulted at Walnut Creek Campus in West Des Moines MercyOne releases statement about split with Medical Center Anesthesiologists Exile Brewing Company wins gold at world beer competition Some metro trails closed because of flash flooding Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dino-mite experience coming to Blank Park Zoo
DES MOINES, Iowa – A prehistoric adventure is in store for visitors to the Blank Park Zoo this summer. The zoo will, temporarily, become Dino Park Zoo. Beginning in July, the zoo will be home to an exhibit of 15 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs. The realistic animatronics will breathe, roar, and some fart and pee according to zoo officials. The animatronics aren't the only way the zoo will take guests back in time. The dinosaur theme will be extended throughout the zoo experience with educational programs and special events. 'Dino Park Zoo will be an immersive experience where guests can encounter new dinosaur-themed attractions, hands-on learning opportunities, and exciting events for the whole family,' said Anne Shimerdla, President & CEO of Dino Park Zoo. Zoo Brew is getting in on the fun as well, with Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath in Decorah being served. The ale is named after the famous T. rex 'Sue' whose fossilized skeleton is displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago. The Dino Park Zoo experience will run from July through the end of October, and even stick around for the 35th annual Night Eyes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
