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Cougars in Michigan: Fact or Fiction?

July 13, 2011

For many years there has been a long standing debate about the existence of cougars living in Michigan. Recent evidence provides some proof that the myth may indeed be a fact, but where these animals came from and how many there are in Michigan is still a mystery. Join Binder Park Zoo and the BC Brigham Audubon Society for an informative presentation to shed a little light on these fascinating animals. Steve Chadwick, a Wildlife Biologist at the Crane Pond Field Office, will provide his expertise on this topic Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 7:00pm.

Steve Chadwick has been with the Michigan DNR for 10 years starting as a Wildlife Technician in Lansing. Currently, Mr. Chadwick is the Wildlife Biologist at the Crane Pond Field Office. Steve’s responsibilities include wildlife management recommendations in southwest Michigan, state game area planning, and habitat mapping. Prior to working in Michigan, he held positions in Missouri and Alaska working on various field projects. In addition, Steve holds a bachelors degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University.

A short BC Brigham Audubon business meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, with the presentation beginning immediately afterwards at 7:15 pm. The meeting will take place in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). The event is free to the public. For more information, please contact Binder Park Zoo: 269-979-1351.

ATTENTION ALL CHEETAH CHASERS

June 22, 2011

Binder Park Zoo’s Cheetah Chase is a popular event. Online registration will continue until 5:00pm on Thursday, June 23rd and day-of registration is available from 6:45am to 7:45am Saturday, June 25th. Binder Park Zoo is expecting record breaking crowds this year and needs racers’ help to make the parking plan go smoothly. This year more vehicles will be parked in the upper lots behind the start/finish line and runners will also be shuttled from the Harper Creek High School parking lot.

Zoo staff are asking that Chase participants planning on being at the event until at least 9:30am to please visit www.binderparkzoo.org to print off the “Upper Lot” flyer to place on your dashboard as you enter the zoo. In past years these upper lots have been largely unused due to having the start/finish line across the road and the Zoo now needs to use these spaces.

Binder Park Zoo is encouraging participants to be at the zoo by 7am to park in the zoo lots but once those are full, participants will be directed to the Harper Creek High School parking lot. Shuttles will run from the high school parking lot continuously until 7:30am when the last shuttle will depart the lot. Binder Park gates will also be closed at 7:30 am to prepare for the start of the race. Post-race shuttles will run continuously until 11am and depart from the circle drive at the zoo entrance booths. The first shuttle will be able to depart the zoo as soon the last 5K participant has cleared the course at the entrance booths.

Binder Park Zoo staff appreciates your help in making this a great event and making sure everyone gets a chance to participate. For more information please call 269-979-1351.

Binder Park Zoo’s Animal Fountains Get a Facelift

June 15, 2011

If you have visited Binder Park Zoo over the years, you may have noticed the animal shaped drinking fountains. The iconic Lion outside of Beulah’s Restaurant and the Hippopotamus in the Miller Children’s Zoo have called Binder Park Zoo home for the past 25 years. Being exposed to the elements for over two decades had definitely proven to be harsh on those fiberglass friends and the time had come for a facelift.

Recently local businessman Steve Smead of Phil Smead’s Auto Body generously offered his time and service to completely repair and refurbish these kid-favorite fountains. Mr. Smead and a couple of his best employees took hundreds of painstaking hours to re-fiberglass, paint and clear coat both animals.

“I have two kids that absolutely love Binder Park Zoo,” stated Steve Smead. “In my mind, there is no reason why the zoo should have to pay for repairs like these. The Zoo brings enjoyment to so many people, it’s the least I could do to donate my time and service.”

“All of us here at Binder Park Zoo can’t thank Mr. Smead and Phil Smead’s Auto Body enough for their generosity,” stated Michelle Walbeck the Director of Graphics, Facilities and Construction. “The fountains look even better than they did 25 years ago. The craftsmanship and hard work that went into each fountain is simply amazing. We honestly can’t thank him enough!”

When guests visit Binder Park Zoo they will be greeted not only by friendly staff and exotic wild animals but by a smiling Lion and Hippopotamus water fountain that will be sure to delight guests for years to come all thanks to generosity of one local man and his business.

It’s Time to Go Wild on Father’s Day!

June 19, 2011

Picture walking through Wild Africa and hand feeding giraffes with your father on Father’s Day for FREE. You can if you take him to Binder Park Zoo this Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Binder Park Zoo is hosting a Father’s Day celebration this Sunday, June 19th and dads are admitted free when accompanied by their children or grandchildren. So bring dad out to Binder Park Zoo and safari in Wild Africa this Father’s Day!

In addition, Binder Park Zoo’s Education staff will be putting on a special Father’s Day themed critter encounter program in the Conservation Discovery Center at 3:00pm and 5:00pm. These talks will be based on male animals that have some pretty interesting father facts. Don’t forget to check out the keeper talks that will also discuss fathers in the animal world.

Need the perfect Father’s Day gift idea? How about a family portrait at Binder Park Zoo Zoo? Craft Photography of Marshall, MI will be at Binder Park Zoo all day long offering special “Father’s Day at the Zoo” portraits. Each 5x7 or 8x10 portrait will come with a special Binder Park Zoo border and with every purchase, $10 will be donated directly back to the Zoo. The photographer will be located on the Snow Leopard Lawn in front of the Smith Snow Leopard Exhibit. In case of inclement weather, the photographer will be located in the Conservation Discovery Center. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted as forms of payment. This is the perfect opportunity to not only get a complete family portrait but to spoil dad with a fun and exciting day at Binder Park Zoo, too. You don’t want to miss out!

Binder Park Zoo is open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about upcoming events or Binder Park Zoo general information go to www.binderparkzoo.org or call 269-979-1351.

Binder Park Zoo is open!

6/1/2011

Binder Park Zoo has full power back and is ready for your visit! So bring out the entire family and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Native Plantings and Their Ecological Significance

June 8, 2011

Native plants and animals play a crucial role in the health and continued success of an ecosystem. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can help to ensure that local habitats and landscapes are around for many years to come. Join Binder Park Zoo and the BC Audubon Society for a presentation about Native Plantings and how they can positively affect surrounding habitats. Anna Kornoelje, the Director of Ecological Services at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, will discuss these topics on Wednesday, June 8th starting at 7:00pm.

Anna Kornoelje spends her career working with landowners to create native landscapes that benefit birds and butterflies, as well as people. In fact, she is currently managing an 80 acre prairie restoration and is working with local partners of the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s GLEM (Great Lakes Ecological Management) crew to restore 1500 acres of wetland in southwest Michigan. Ms. Kornoelje also performs biological inventories and water quality testing.

Anna Kornoelje recently earned a Masters degree in Biology from Grand Valley State University where she focused her research on endangered shorebirds. In addition, before completing her graduate degree, she worked as a field biologist throughout North and Central America.

A short BC Brigham Audubon business meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm, with the presentation beginning immediately afterwards at 7:15 pm. The meeting will take place in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). The event is free to the public. For more information, please contact Binder Park Zoo: 269-979-1351.

Help Binder Park Zoo Win $500,000 Through Facebook Challenge!!!

May 23, 2011

Binder Park Zoo is competing with charities nationwide for donations ranging from $20,000 to $500,000 through the Chase Community Giving program through Facebook. The great part about this challenge is that Facebook fans like you decide which charities are deserving of the prize money. On May 4, 2011 the Top 100 Charities were decided through these votes. Through an overwhelming show of support from Binder Park Zoo’s members, employees, volunteers and loyal guests, Binder Park Zoo was named as one of the Top 100 charities and became the recipient of a $25,000 grant.

As a result, Binder Park Zoo has been automatically entered in Round 2 where the Top 100 Charities are fighting for your votes and the grand prize of $500,000. Voting is officially open and will close on May 25, 2011 at 11:59pm. The concept behind Round 2 is very simple. Each of the 100 charities submitted a 30 second video, 5 photos and a 150 word description of their “Big Idea.” The “Big Idea” explains how each organization would utilize the $500,000 prize. This information is available on each charity’s Chase Community Giving web page via Facebook.

Binder Park Zoo is the only Zoo competing and the only organization Southwest/South central Michigan to make the Top 100 and could really use your support!

Binder Park Zoo’s “Big Idea” is a concept that zoo staff have been discussing for years: the Safari Tented Camp in Wild Africa! The new Tented Camp in Wild Africa would expand the overnight programs to engage more children to help conserve nature and animals and generate additional revenue to support the Zoo’s mission to nurture empathy, understanding and conservation of nature. The Tented Camp would be located along the forested edge of the Savanna exhibit in Wild Africa. It would be comprised of 10 tents, a dining/education hall, campfire pit, and shower facilities sitting atop a large deck made of recycled material. Combined with the authentic design and ambiance of Wild Africa, the Tented Camp would give overnighters the feel that they are truly on safari in Africa. Waking to the sights and sounds of a savanna full of exotic animals would be an unforgettable experience.

“Finally being able to implement our Tented Camp Program would bring family and scout overnights to a whole other level,” stated Stacey Lawson, the Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer. “Adults and Children alike will have the opportunity to experience the African Savanna right here in Southwest Michigan. We’re really excited about our “Big Idea” and we hope everyone will stay involved during Round 2 and help spread the word to vote for Binder Park Zoo.”

For more information about Chase Community Giving and the contest please visit www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/ or call 269-979-1351 ext. 153. To learn more about Binder Park Zoo and their “Big Idea” please visit www.binderparkzoo.org or call 269-979-1351.

Binder Park Zoo Wins $25,000 in Facebook Challenge!

May 10, 2011

For the past few weeks Facebook users from all over the country logged on and voted for their favorite and most deserving charities. These organizations were part of the Chase Community Giving contest to be in the running for the Top 100 Charities in the country. All charities must meet specific criteria to be included in this program, and those finishing in the Top 100 received $25,000 each.

Voting came to a close on Wednesday, May 4th. With overwhelming support from Binder Park Zoo’s members, employees, volunteers and loyal guests, Binder Park Zoo was able to place in the Top 100!

However, the generosity has just begun. Now that the Round 1 winners have been chosen, Binder Park Zoo is automatically entered into Round 2 where all 100 charities have the chance to win $500,000! In Round 2 each Charity must submit a 150 word explanation of a project or program that they feel is worth the $500,000 Grand Prize called their “Big Idea.” A 30 second video and 5 photos with captions can also be submitted. Facebook users will once again have the power to decide which Charities are deserving of the cash prizes. The Top 100 Charities will be narrowed down to the Top 25 who will ultimately split up an additional $2.5 million. The top overall Charity will receive $500,000!

Binder Park Zoo is the only organization in Southwest Michigan to make the Top 100 and could really use your support. Round 2 voting begins on May 19th and every vote really does make a difference. More information on Binder Park Zoo’s “Big Idea” will be coming shortly so keep a close eye on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/binderparkzoo for details. Voting is extremely easy and takes less than 2 minutes.

Step 1: Login to Facebook and search Chase Community Giving Step 2: “Like” Chase Community Giving’s Facebook page Step 3: Click on the Chase Giving tab on the far left hand side of the page Step 4: Search Binder Park Zoo Step 5: VOTE and share with all of your Facebook friends!

“All of us here at Binder Park Zoo would like to thank each and every person who voted over the past several days,” stated Stacey Lawson, the Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer. “It’s due to the overwhelming support from our members, donors and community that have made Binder Park Zoo what it is today. We’re really excited about our “Big Idea” and we hope everyone will get involved again during Round 2 and help spread the word to vote for Binder Park Zoo.”

For more information about Chase Community Giving and the contest please visit www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/ or call 269-979-1351 ext. 153. To learn more about Binder Park Zoo please visit www.binderparkzoo.org or call 269-979-1351.

Binder Park Zoo is Wild About Moms!

May 8, 2011

Imagine taking mom to Africa to celebrate Mother’s Day for free. You can if you take her to Binder Park Zoo this Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Binder Park Zoo is hosting a Mother’s Day celebration this Sunday and moms are admitted free when accompanied by their children or grandchildren. So bring mom out to Binder Park Zoo and safari in Wild Africa this Mother’s Day!

Animal Play Day activities will also be in full swing at several animal exhibits highlighting the topic of “Training Day.” Training animals to cooperate in some of their day to day care can be fun for the animals as well as the zookeepers. Watch the keepers’ techniques in stimulating the minds & bodies of many monkeys, giraffes, and other busy animals. Check the posted schedule at the Zoo for a list of participating Training Day exhibits and times.

Binder Park Zoo is open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about upcoming events or Binder Park Zoo general information go to www.binderparkzoo.org or call 269-979-1351.

About Binder Park Zoo Over 6,000,000 people have visited Binder Park Zoo and an additional 500,000 have been served through outreach programs since it first opened in 1977. It is located outside of Battle Creek, Michigan, on 433 acres of natural forests and wetlands. In the past 35 years, the Zoo has grown to be one of the leading cultural attractions in the region. It was created on the model of an entrepreneurial self-supporting nonprofit organization, and is managed by a zoological society board of directors to "nurture empathy, understanding, and conservation of nature." In the last several years a conservation education center, a 40-acre natural wetlands exhibit, and the 50-acre Wild Africa exhibit and conservation carousel have been added to the original 80-acre zoo. Binder Park Zoo serves over 60,000 people annually in 30 different types of formal education programs and is heavily involved in conservation of wildlife and natural habitats on five continents. In cooperation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and others, Binder Park Zoo is actively working to conserve a wide array of endangered species both at the Zoo and worldwide.

The “Chase” is On at Binder Park Zoo!

April 18, 2011

The “Chase” is on this summer at Binder Park Zoo! Grab your running or walking shoes and head out to the Zoo on Saturday, June 25, 2011 for Binder Park Zoo’s 5th annual Cheetah Chase 5K Run/Walk. This one of a kind event will feature the Gazelle Gallop 5K Run and 5K Sloth Walk. The Lemur Lap kids fun run will now be featured during a brand new event, Kids FUNfari to occur on July 9th. To register for Cheetah Chase and to learn more about Kids FUNfari go online at www.binderparkzoo.org.

Day-of registration for all events will begin at 6:45 to 7:45am with the race starting at 8:00am. The gates to the zoo will close promptly at 7:30am to prep for the race so get there early to park in the zoo lot. Both the run and the walk will be chip timed using Great Lakes ChampionChip. Prizes for the Gazelle Gallop and Sloth Walk will be awarded to the top overall male, top overall female, top master male and female, and the top three males and females per age category. All Gazelle Gallop and Sloth Walk participants will receive a t-shirt, free admission to Binder Park Zoo on race day, and a reusable tote donated by Kellogg's. Participants will also enjoy post-race snacks and information from vendors from the health and wellness community.

The 5K course for both the Gazelle Gallop and Sloth Walk has a variety of surfaces including asphalt, brick, boardwalks, crushed rocks, and grass. There is a combination of up hills, down hills, tight turns, and flat stretches throughout the course. Native Michigan woodlands are in abundance along with a wide variety of zoo animals along the course path. Highlights of the Cheetah Chase include panoramic views of the African savannah with herds of giraffe, zebra, antelope, and more.

Proceeds from the Cheetah Chase will go a long way in supporting Binder Park Zoo’s cheetah conservation efforts. Cheetahs were once prevalent throughout much of Africa and Asia but are now facing great danger of becoming extinct. Their population at one time flourished, but due to loss of habitat and poaching, there are very few left in the wild today.

How would you like to get an up close look at a cheetah? Participants in this year’s Cheetah Chase have an opportunity to earn cool prizes like zoo passes, zoo gift cards, and even a behind the scenes tour of our cheetah exhibit by participating in this year’s pledge contest. “We’ve made it simple for people to fundraise for this event by setting up an account with Firstgiving.com,” says Carmen Lovett, Marketing Assistant at Binder Park Zoo. “Each individual can set up their own personal fundraising page where their friends and family can make a donation that goes directly to the zoo. We’ve also added some great incentives for hitting fundraising goals.”

For more information on this year’s pledge contest, visit http://www.firstgiving.com/binderparkzoo or call the zoo office at 269-979-1351 ext 153.

Zoo staff wishes to extend a special thank you to this year’s Cheetah Chase premiere sponsor, Meijer, as well as our other generous contributors: Eaton Corporation, Rice’s Shoes, Exceed Consulting, HUB International, Flash Sanitation, Peerless Midwest, Inc., Bandeen Orthodontics, Corners Limited, Kellogg Company, Panera Bread, Lowe’s, Best Buy and Battle Creek Sound.

Register online by 5:00pm EST on Thursday, June 23, 2011 or submit a mail in entry form postmarked by June 20, 2011. Pre-registration costs $25 and day-of registration is $30. Register as a team with 4 or more and receive $10 off one registration. For more information visit www.binderparkzoo.org or call (269) 979-1351.

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