Fozblog

Recycling After the Holidays

After the celebrations end and the trash is full and ready to be taken out, remember to recycle everything possible. Springfield-Greene County Health Department outlines on page 5 of its E-magazine a few "green" ways to dispose of live (cut) Christmas trees.

Electronics - computers, monitors, keyboards, phones, speakers, DVD players and more - can be recycled at Computer Recycling Center on North National Avenue. It accepts other recyclable items such as fluorescent light bulbs, Styrofoam, bicycles and power tools.

Basic paper, plastic, tin, aluminum, glass and cardboard can be recycled at area recycling centers.

Christmas at the Zoo

Now that we are all in the holiday spirit and preparing to treat loved ones to gifts of all kinds, consider adding a zoo animal or two to your shopping list. The zoo has more than 675 animals, and each one receives something different for enrichment. For that reason, zookeepers have compiled a list of enrichment items that stimulate and encourage the animals' natural behaviors and instincts.

The suggested enrichment items are located on the “Tree of Giving” in the education building and Safari Trading Company gift shop. Each tree has ornaments identifying an enrichment item for one of the animals. The ornaments will be available through the end of January. Enrichment items should be returned (new and unwrapped) by Jan. 30. For the complete “wish list,” visit the zoo’s enrichment Web page.

Looking for gifts for those humans on your list? The Safari Trading Company gift shop is having its annual sale through Dec. 24. Merchandise is 10 percent off to the general public and current Friends of the Zoo members receive a 20 percent discount. You can visit the gift shop during normal admission gates hours, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Operations are weather permitting; the zoo is closed when the walks have ice or snow.)

And, remember, a Friends of Zoo membership or ADOPT An Animal package brings year-round enjoyment for a recipient who receives 12 months of joy.

Look Who's Hanging Around the Zoo

Take a look at the cute new additions hanging around the zoo. Two joeys enjoy the comfort of their mothers' pouches, where they will stay for four to six months.

As you can see, fur colors of kangroos are not the same though they are both female; this is due to genetics and the fur color both of their parents. Although the name of the species is red kangaroo, generally females are more of a bluish gray and males are redder.

During the winter months at Dickerson Park Zoo, the kangaroo mob comes and goes from its heated housing area rather than being rounded up by the zookeepers and confined to their barn. This allows for less panic and stress on the animals amid the extreme temperatures.

Go WILD with Holiday Shopping!

The annual sale at the Safari Trading Company gift shop kicked off on "Black Friday" and continues through Dec. 24.

The Safari Trading Company features a unique selection of plush animals, wildlife toys, figurines and zoo apparel for the animal lover on your list. And, your purchases support valuable zoo projects and conservation education programs.

The general public receives a 10 percent discount on gift shop merchandise. Current Friends of the Zoo members receive a 20 percent discount.

The Safari Trading Company gift shop is open during normal admission gates hours, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Operations are weather permitting; the zoo is closed when the walks have ice or snow.)

And, remember, a Friends of Zoo membership or ADOPT An Animal package brings year-round enjoyment for recipient receives 12 months of joy.

Follow us on Facebook for 10 days of "zoo-nique" gift ideas - a sampling of what you'll find in the Safari Trading Company gift shop.