Zoo's Elephant Tracking Program
wins International Conservation Award
Nearly 10 years ago, the N.C. Zoo Society began sponsoring an Elephant Conservation Program that linked the Zoo's Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Mike Loomis, with biologists working for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Cameroon. The sponsorship sent Dr. Mike to Cameroon once or twice each year to place satellite/radio-tracking collars on elephants living in and around national parks. The collars broadcast where the elephants and their herds travel, and the researchers share this information with rangers who protect the herds from poachers and steer the elephants away from crops.
When the program began in Waza National Park, local people regularly killed 10 elephants a year trying to keep them away from farms. On average, these skirmishes left about 10 people dead or injured and saw $120,000 worth of crops trampled and destroyed. Today in Waza, crop losses are down by 60 percent—and battles between people and elephants are rare. Now, on average, only one elephant is killed raiding crops and no people are injured.
Dr. Mike has replicated this program in 6 national parks in Cameroon and is working with the Cameroon government, WWF and local communities to help maintain and develop sustainable and effective protected areas where people and elephants can live as neighbors.
Last week, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognized the impact of this partnership by awarding the International Conservation Award – Significant Achievement —to the Zoo for this program.
Our congratulations to Dr. Loomis, the Zoo, WWF and the government of Cameroon for protecting elephants and people, together. We want to thank all of the individual donors and foundations who funded this extraordinary project.
Learn MoreAdd Your SupportGiraffe Calves Still in Quarantine Have Gone on Exhibit
Cute and little at 10-feet tall, the Zoo's new Giraffe calves are adjusting well to their new surroundings. Zoo staff has already introduced them to each other and will begin introducing them both to Julie, the Zoo's adult giraffe, sometime after October 8. While the three get use to each other, keepers will also begin acquainting the two youngsters with their new, expansive exhibit.
If you want to receive an e-mail that tells you when Turbo and Tafari go on exhibit, send us an E-mail telling us your e-mail address.
We will put you on a list and give you a virtual tap on the shoulder when the Giraffes make their debut. Click here to see photos of the cute duo on exhibit.
What's Happening at the Zoo
For Member's Only
October10 - 11 Snore & Roar
Sleep Out and Sleep Over at the Zoo. Strictly B.Y.O.T. - Bring Your Own Tent
11 Adult Photo Safari
(Sorry, SOLD OUT, but let us know if you want to go on a waiting list.) Spend the day with professional photographers Vinny Colucci &
Melissa Southern, learning tips and techniques to capture amazing
photographs of wildlife.
18 Interactive Veterinary Tour
It's back. Our annual tour of the Zoo's veterinary hospital and wildlife rehabilitation center.
November
6 - 12 Explore Manitoba
Polar Bears and other Polar Stars!
7
- 8 Safari Zoo Snooze
An overnight safari adventure for Zoo Society parents and their children.
Fun For Everyone - Zoo Programs
September 
27 & 28 Play Outside Weekend
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Take a pledge to play outside and get a copy of the Zoo's activity guide. Got Questions about the day?
Send us an E-mail and ask for more information.OctoberZooFEST Every Saturday in October - N.C. Zoo Programs
Come celebrate the wild and the wonderful.
4 - Native American Art, Dance, Music and Mystery
11 - African Art, Dance, Music and Mystery
18 - HOWL-O-Ween – Hear the howls and tales of the Red Wolves.
25, 26 - BOO at the ZOO - A magical weekend featuring games, music, face painting, treats, costume contests and plenty of Halloween fun.
October 25 & 26 
Celebrate the magic of Halloween with safe, fun daytime activities
throughout the Park. Kids can come dressed in their favorite costume
and enter the costume contest. No scary adult costumes, please!
9 am – 4 pm - Games, Tricks, & Treats (N.A., Junction, African Plazas)
9 am – 4 pm - Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin (N.A Plaza)
9 am – 4 pm - Mural Coloring (African Plaza)
9 am – 4 pm - Face Painting (N.A. Plaza, kidZone, African Plaza)
2 pm - Costume contest (Amphitheater)- registration begins at 1pm, kids to age 12
11 am & 1 pm - Kazoobie Show (Amphitheater)
10 am – 2 pm Steel Drums by Tracy Thornton (Junction Plaza)
10 am – 3 pm - Molly Anne the Clown (N.A. Plaza)
10 am – 3 pm - Magic by Chaz (African Plaza)
November 
1 & 2 - Batology 101
Discover the good nature of bats at Sonora Desert. Watch Zoo Keepers feed the Vampire Bats -- yes, they do eat blood--and find out why you have nothing to fear.
Great Holiday Gifts
Hoppy Holiday
This holiday, consider giving holiday gifts that communicate your values as well as your friendship. Consider:
A tree ornament that will help the Zoo build a conservation and research institute to protect North Carolina's frogs.
Hand-crafted in North Carolina, this is a limited-edition, exclusive from the Zoo Society.
A Holiday Adoption that's all about Polar Bears...Look for it on the Web by the end of October
Our special adoption that's all about Saving Grace. Grace is a Green Treefrog and your adoption will help the Zoo in its efforts to protect North Carolina's frogs and toads from extinction.
A gift membership to the Zoo Society. We're
packing a plush Seal with this year's Holiday Gift memberships.
Check back on this Web site in November to purchase a gift membership or call the Zoo Society, toll free, during regular business hours and order your gift memberships now. Gift memberships are $5 more than standard memberships to cover the cost of the plus seal and holiday packaging.
Looking for a way to Honor or Remember a Friend? Sort through our Good Causes. 
Elephants of Cameroon
Cross River Gorillas
Helping Native Wildlife
Amphibian Rescue
Planning a Legacy
Protect Your Financial Future
Helping
others is as American as apple pie, and each year millions of U.S.
citizens make donations to support
charities. But are liquid assets the best option
for every charitable giving situation?
More
Little by Little: An Endowment Plan Can Make a Big Impact
In
a year facing economic instability, you may find it difficult to give
as your heart desires. Thankfully you can make a gift that will make a
lasting difference.
More
The Best Is Yet to Come...Will You Be Ready?
With
proper preparation, retirement can be a 30
year or more vacation. But, you need to prepare.
More
Russ's Blog
Russlings
— Visit the Zoo Society Executive Director’s personal blog site for
current photos and discussion on the N.C. Zoo, animals and conservation.
Reminders
Don’t Stand in Line at the Zoo!
New
Zoo policies are in place to streamline the entry process for Zoo
visitors. The policies require Society members to enter through the
Express Entry, Member’s Only Ticket Booths. These booths are on the
far left when you face either Zoo entrance.
To enter, show us
your membership card and a picture identification card. We require
picture identification cards to protect the value of Zoo memberships.
We appreciate your cooperation.
Password For Members section of the Web site is: ribbit.
Come Travel With Us
The
Zoo Society offers a travel program for people who care about nature
and enjoy the company of expert guides who have a history with the N.C.
Zoo Society. Only one trip left for 2008:
Manitoba Adventure
October 15-31
Don't
let the allure of Polar Bears alone draw you northward. Think, too, of
the northern lights, a setting Midnight Sun, sleigh bells and tundra
buggies.
Start Planning Your Wild Adventures for 2009
Journey to Costa Rica February 18-29, 2009
A
journey through tropical rainforests and down exotic waterways. The
trip explores Tortuguero National Park and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.
The Wonders of India, March 5-22, 2009
Travelers will visit ancient temples, explore exotic cultures and search for magnificent wild Tigers.
South AfricaJuly 3-17, 2009
Botswana’s
Tuli Circle and Kruger National Park, the grand lady of Africa’s wild
lands, mark the high points on this 14-day safari across southern
Africa.
America’s National Parks July 22 - August 6, $3,967
A
16-day tour, by motor coach, to America’s most acclaimed
Parks—Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon,
Bryce Canyon and Zion.
Whales & Wilderness Adventure to Alaska August 8-16, 2009
Slip down Alaska’s Inside Passage with Executive Director Russ Williams as he leads his fifth trip north to Alaska
Send questions and comments about the Society Web site or Z-mail content to
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Our
mailing address is: North Carolina Zoological Society, 4403 Zoo
Parkway, Asheboro, N.C. 27205. Phone 336-879-7250, toll free
888-244-3736. Web address: www.nczoo.com.
Thank you for your continued support of the North Carolina Zoological Society.
