Gladys Porter Zoo News Updates http://www.gpz.org The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden announced that Kiazi’s 4-week-old baby gorilla officially has a name – “Gladys Stones!” The Zoo’s Primate Keepers thought it was a perfect way to honor the Gladys Porter Zoo. And, Cincinnati Zoo’s Facebook fans agreed with dozens of names suggesting Gladys. They also decided to give Gladys the last name “Stones” to recognize the Stones Family who cared for her in her first few weeks before she departed for Cincinnati. "Jerry and Cindy Stones, of the Gladys Porter Zoo, deserve all the recognition in the world for how quickly they swooped in and rescued Gladys,” said Ron Evans, Primate Center Team Leader at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. “Without their around the clock care and attention, I’m not sure she would still be here today. It was hard for them to see her go, and took a lot of love for them to say goodbye, and we wanted to acknowledge that. ” Gladys was born on January 29 to parents 14-year old, “Kiazi” and a 28-year-old silverback male named “Moja”. Kiazi joined the Gladys Porter Zoo’s gorilla troop in October 2011 as part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation. She is on breeding loan transfer from the Cincinnati Zoo. The baby was being hand-reared by GPZ zookeepers because the new mom displayed a lack of maternal care. All parties agreed that relocation was the best course of action for the baby and because the Cincinnati Zoo has two female gorillas available to serve as potential surrogate mothers, it was decided that the baby should go there. Her introduction process to a new gorilla troop will be gradual to ensure a favorable integration. http://gpz.org/news.html Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too! Register now for any or all of the classes to reserve your space. Zoo tour included in each class; plus arts & crafts, animal encounters and snacks. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Tuition: $15 per child or adult ($5 discount for Zoo Members) Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Age: 4yrs. and up Call 956-548-WILD (9453) ext.319 to register or for more information email: educ@gpz.org. Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in the wild and in captivity and about staff dedicated to the conservation of these endangered species. Students will have plenty of hands-on activities to make each class memorable and educational. http://www.gpz.org/news.html Zoofari Committee members need your support to make the Zoo’s annual Zoofari fundraiser a success. Donations are being accepted for our live and blackboard auctions. The fundraiser will take place on October 5th and 6th, 2012. Zoofari is a two-evening affair of fun, food, music and auctions. This year’s proceeds are earmarked to benefit our new Russell Aquatic Ecology Center.Tickets are now on sale at the Zoo office. http://gpz.org/news.html