Tyler Morning Telegraph (October 4, 2003)

New Attractions Meet Public Eye At Caldwell 'ZooFest' Celebration
By SARAH HEISKELL, Staff Writer

Animals at Caldwell Zoo had their final dress rehearsals Friday afternoon in preparation for ZooFest's behind-the-scenes weekend activities.

Birds of prey - hawks, vultures and owls - were busy practicing their flying techniques while their caretakers adjusted microphones and speakers for the two-day event.

Across the zoo, otters sunbathed in the cool October sun, relaxing in anticipation of the crowds of people who will descend upon the otter exhibit to view the sleek animals as they play.

Even the giraffes got in on the act, brushing up on their table manners so ZooFest visitors can see up close and personal exactly what and how they eat.

    The zoo will open its gates from 12-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at no cost to unveil its new $6.5 million renovation and construction project and to educate the public about its animals and its zookeepers.

"We want to give people the opportunity to see behind the scenes and let them visit with the staff and ask any questions they have about the animals' care," said Caldwell Zoo Executive Director Hayes Caldwell.

In addition to tours through the elephant barn and lion house, which are not a regular part of the Caldwell Zoo experience, visitors can see the new lemurs, squirrel monkeys, tamarins, flamingos and spoonbills exhibits for the first time.

"We found that people are especially interested in finding out what goes on in the back," Caldwell said. "A lot of the times during opening hours the staff is working behind the scenes and they don't get to interact with the public as much as we would like. This is a good opportunity to bring them together a little more often."

But ZooFest goers may be surprised to find out how much work goes into caring for the animals on a daily basis, he said.

Bird Keeper Heidi Sell's dedication was evident as she rehearsed her "Bird of Prey" presentation for a small crowd gathered around the grassy stage.

With a leather-gloved hand, she waved two fingers signaling to the birds that it was time to fly from their holding boxes to her outstretched arm.

Without fail, each bird of prey did as instructed, landing with a graceful swoop, except for one. The zoo's King vulture, named Midnight, ran. The bird, sometimes referred to as a buzzard, was injured in the wild before coming to Caldwell Zoo and no longer has the ability to fly.

"We've gotten a lot of our birds from local wildlife rehabilitators," Ms. Sell said. "We want to educate the public to be careful when they see a hawk or bird of prey because we have several who have been shot and now they're stuck living with us because of their injury."

Other activities include face painting, raffles, caricature artists and clowns. Visitors also will be treated to complimentary popcorn.

In addition, visitors attending the event may enter hourly prize drawings for special offerings from the zoo such as T-shirts, gift shop and concession gift certificates, and zoo memberships. A grand prizewinner will receive a "breakfast with the elephants" party for 10 people and an original painting created by one of Caldwell Zoo's elephants.

Used with permission, Tyler Morning Telegraph