Fozblog

Tuesday Trivia - Ocean Fun

The ocean is connected to major lakes, rivers and waterways because all major watersheds on Earth drain into the ocean. There are many rivers here in Missouri, such as the Missouri River. These rivers support diverse wildlife, including animals such as River Otters, which you can see here at Dickerson Park Zoo.

So this week's Tuesday Triva question focuses on water:
True or False -- The Missouri River flows directly into the ocean.

E-mail your answer by Wednesday at noon to trivia@dickersonparkzoo.org for a chance to win two admission passes to Dickerson Park Zoo. Remember to include your mailing address for your chance to win.

Check out FOZblog on Wednesday for the correct answer and for more information about rivers in Missouri and their connection to the ocean.

Happy Chinese New Year

In honor of Chinese New Year festivities last week heralding the Year of the Rabbit, we want to introduce you to the zoo’s Flemish Giant rabbit, Sterling.

Sterling is a two-year-old, steel gray, 10-pound male. Flemish Giant rabbits originated during the 16th century in Belgium. They are a cross breed of Belgium and French species.  Ranging in seven different colors, which are black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray and white, Giant Flemish rabbits are popular pets because of their size (some grow to 20 pound our more) and color. Sterling’s diet consists of rabbit pellets, garden greens and the occasional fruit treat. 

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.

Locavore Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, considered celebrating with a locavore meal. As previously discussed in our Oct. 8 blog post, a locavore is someone who eats food grown within approximately 100 miles of his/her home.

Several of the traditional Thanksgiving fruits and vegetables are currently in season in Missouri and will be the most fresh in markets. Apples and pumpkins will be the most ripe of the fruits in the next few weeks, but you might also find fresh grapes, plums and raspberries.

A large range of vegetables ripen during November and December -- beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, greens, horseradish, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and turnips.

And, "The Ozark Locavore" Sandy Clark, reminds us about Missouri's staple (and very available) -  black walnuts. They add a nutty crunch to holiday dishes as diverse as dressing and cookies.

Considered using fresh foods in your holiday meal. Locate markets sell organic foods, where you can also find meats and natural ingredients for dishes such as turkey, dressing and rolls. In the Springfield area, look for locavore items at Akin's Natural Foods Market and MaMa Jean's Market.

Photo credit: The turkeys at Little Portion Monastery Farm, Barryville, Ark. Photo used with their permission.

What's a Locavore?

In a recent issue of WildTimes magazine, contributing writer, Sandy Clark, defined the word "locavore" and explained how to be one. Below is an excerpt from his article.

In 2007, the Oxford English Directory chose "locavore" as the word of the year. Coined by Jessica Prentice in the San Francisco Bay area, the word describes eating within about 100 miles of where you live.

As a concept, it reflected a commitment to eat locally, eat in season and support your community. The arguments can be made that the benefits are flavorful, nutritional, environmental and economic as well.

For more information on how to become a locavore check out local farms, farmer's markets and locally grown foods, and which food are in season.

Photo caption: Emma Maxwell Clark (Sandy's daughter) shows off a bunch of locally grown carrots.

Where is it in the zoo? Part 2

The castle is located in the northwest portion of Dickerson Park Zoo. Set into the tree line, the castle borders Pea Ridge Creek, a tributary of Dickerson Lake. A ride on the Titus Express miniature train allows for a glimpse of the castle near a small cave and spring that feeds into Dickerson Lake, which is one of the few remaining structures from DIckerson Park Zoo's history.

Where is it in the zoo?

This concrete castle was a landscaping feature in front of Swinea Hall, which was a landmark at Dickerson Park Zoo from the late 1880s until it was condemned and demolished in 1998.

Swinea Hall functioned in several different capacities during its existent. Originally a summer resort hotel, Swinea Hall transitioned into the "Old Snake House," housing for the zoo's superintendent and office space for the administration staff. During which time, the castle was known and admired by Dickerson Park Zoo's staff and guests.

Now that Swinea Hall is gone and the Titus Express Train Depot is in its location, the castle has been relocated.

Where is it in the zoo?

Going Green With Cleaning Supplies

Keeping a clean house is important but can be time-consuming and expensive. That's why we want to tell you about green cleaning supplies that allow you to tidy your surroundings with fewer products, while at the same time preserving the environment.

Companies such as Seventh Generation, Simple Green and Eco Concepts distribute green products that range from household cleaners to heavy duty automotive and janitorial cleaners. All three companies sell an all-purpose household cleaner that ranges in price from $4.99 for a 32-ounce bottle to $24.95 for a cleaner and degreaser combo pack. Seventh Generation and Simple Green offer online and store coupons when users register for the savings.

For those of you who want to try your hand at making your own cleaning supplies, Green Planet offers tips on how to create cleaning supplies with vinegar and baking soda.Simply add warm water to either of the household cooking products, and you have an all-purpose cleaner.

Keeper Notes: Antlers or Horns?

Deer grow and shed their antlers each year. Antlers are bone tissue structures. This is different than horns of other animals, such as antelopes, that keep their horns year round. Horns are made of keratin (the same substance as your finger nails).

Male deer (bucks) use these antlers to attract females (does), to show dominance to other bucks, and also as protection or defense against other deer and predators.

Why do deer lose their antlers?

A deer’s antlers will begin growing in late April and continue growing through early September. Deer shed their antlers as early as December or as late as March. Shedding does not hurt the deer. It is like a child losing a tooth.

The size and number of points depends on health, genetics, age, and how well the deer ate during the winter.

Once a deer loses his antlers they become food for rodents, squirrels, rabbits and other small mammals. The calcium and other minerals in the antlers are great for these creatures.

Written by Bethany Gates, Zookeeper