It's a ZOO LIFE!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-05-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile, but the Bird Shows have started again for the summer, and things are just starting to get into full swing! Stop by the zoo to see some old favorites, as well as some of my new friends in the show. As always, you can see me everyday but Monday at 11:30 and 12:30 during the week, and also at 2:30 on the weekends. Hope you stop by and see me sometime this summer!

Track Santa!

2008-12-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

Use the "TRACK SANTA" link to the left to track all of Santa's visits to children around the world. (& to make sure he makes it down your chimney, too!) MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY TRACKING!

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2008-12-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

That's right! The big man himself has scheduled a special trip to the Knoxville Zoo to visit with me & all my friends. You too can come join in the fun every Saturday & Sunday. Be sure to make a stop at the Pilot Building while visiting the zoo, & you might even be able to spot some of Santa's very helpful friends. (I'll give ya a little hint... they have antlers & love sleigh rides!)

Pellissippi State Balloon Fest '08

2008-10-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

The weekend of September 26th & 27th proved to be very special despite the cloudy skies. I was honored to be part of the Pellissippi State Balloon Fest! I got to go on Friday & Saturday afternoon & perform as part of the children programs at the event. It was so great to see how many people came to see me... I almost couldn't believe it. There were people waiting an hour before I was even supposed to go on just to make sure they had a good spot in the audience. The first night, I came with my friend Lucas, the Screech Owl. Everybody thought he was so cute, & they all loved the story of how he came to live at the Knoxville Zoo. As for Saturday, I got the pleasure of traveling with Cyrano, a Green Aracari. He looks a lot like a miniature Toucan. We had a really fun "catching" contest with this little girl named Cheyenne. She proved to be a tough competitor for little Cyrano. I hope they invite us back next year. It's always so fun interacting with all the kids & their families. Not to mention the beautiful hot-air balloons... very cool!

My first school show of the year...

2008-10-02T13:29:00.001-07:00

So, I just went on my first school show of the year! My friends & I packed up & headed to Maryville Intermediate on Monday, September 29th. The kids were so great, & they just loved all my friends... Inga, a Red-Tailed Hawk, flew inches from their heads; & Grettle, a Porcupine, got to show off her climbing abilities. But I think the coolest thing about the trip was when Ollie, the Barred Owl, actually started to "hoot" during the program! It's so rare to hear an owl call, & I think it's so neat that the kids got that kind of experience. This school show season is going to be one of the best, I think.

SHOWS COME TO AN END

2008-10-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been another fun & successful season at the Knoxville Zoo Bird Show! I'm sorry to say it, but we are almost to that time of year yet again... the last official day of shows at the zoo will be Sunday, October 12th. That's right, only two weekends left to come & enjoy all the excitement of a free-flighted bird show! I know that I am sad to see it come to a close, but am looking forward to visiting all different kinds of schools this fall & winter. So, please come visit me one last time at the Knoxville Zoo, & I will be hoping to hear (& see) a lot of my fans over the winter. See you all very soon...

Einstein

Show Camp a SUCCESS!

2008-07-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

This year we have tried something new at the Bird Show. We participated in a project known as SHOW CAMP as part of the summer Zoo Camp programs. A class of children got to experience first-hand what it means to truly be a SUPERSTAR! They wrote, directed & starred in their very own show which took place in place of the regular bird show. On Friday, July 19th, I became "Queen" of the Jungle & saw the next generation of Hollywood! Great Job, kids... look forward to a repeat smash hit next summer.

HE'S BACK!

2008-07-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

Everybody do the dinosaur... that's right, your favorite purple T-Rex is back at the Knoxville Zoo. I am so excited to announce that BARNEY the dinosaur will be performing 3 shows on Saturday, July 19th. Anybody looking for a great time, singing & dancing be sure to stop by the New Sentinel Amphitheatre to see me & my big purple friend!

BIRD SHOW TIMES:
11:30
1:30
2:30

BARNEY SHOW TIMES:
10:30
12:30
3:30

Opening Day of SHOWS!

2008-04-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

That's right... it's April 12th, & my friends & I are finally ready to strut our stuff. So, come on out & support us as we dazzle you with some new (& really fun) behaviors. Hope to see you there! In case you forgot, the show times for the entire summer are:

TUESDAY thru SUNDAY

11:30, 12:30 & 2:30

Fun with WWW...

2008-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

No, it doesn't stand for World Wide Web, it's time for WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK in Pigeon Forge! I actually am planning on participating in the evnets along with a few of my close friends from the Knoxville Zoo Bird Show. We are going to be presenting on Thursday, January 17th from 11:00 in the morning til around 12:00. You should definitely make a point to stop be not only to catch me in action, but also to be the first on you block to catch a glimpse of a few of the new animals we have for the Bird Show this year. I guarantee that it will be an hour filled with tons of cool facts & exciting behaviors from both the trainers & the animals! Hope to see you there...

For more info. go to the following website:

http://www.mypigeonforge.com/winterfest-wilderness.asp

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the beginning of a brand new year, & I am so excited. This year is already proving to be one full of surprises & great news. The holiday season has been extremely busy, in more ways than one. The television show I traveled to Boston to tape was recently aired over in England & there is already talk of more possibile trips to come in the near future! (but you'll have to stayed tune for that information) Also, the Bird Show here at the zoo has acquired a few new friends over the winter. Plans have been made for all the "new guys" to prepare over the next few months & be ready to make their much awaited debuts in the Bird Show beginning this April. Hope all of you had a very wonderful holiday time, & we are all looking forward to seeing you at the Knoxville Zoo soon. Please, make a special visit to cheer us on here at the Bird Show!

Meeting Irene Pepperberg...

2007-11-26T11:38:00.001-08:00

More Boston Pictures.

2007-11-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

One of my trainers, Stephanie White, & I preparing to perform a program for pre-schoolers as part of the documentary.

My visit to Boston!

2007-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Here I am on my way to Boston, Massachusetts! I went there right before Thanksgiving to participate in a documentary for a British T.V. show called Blink T.V. It wanted to highlight African Greys & how people use them in various aspects of educational & scientific settings. I guest starred along with Dr. Irene Pepperberg from The Alex Foundation.

Golden Girl, Betty White, visits Knoxville & the Zoo...

2007-11-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

On Friday, November 2nd, I got a thrill of a lifetime! Betty White, one of the most well-known & beloved celebrities of today, wanted an opportunity to meet me while touring the zoo. She had traveled to Knoxville to take part in a charity dinner for the Morris Animal Foundation on the volunteer Princess Cruises.

Busy Bunch of Birds...

2007-11-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

So, the past month has been extremely busy--we have been traveling to places all over Knoxville performing outreaches with me & my friends! There has barely been any time to notice the leaves (& seasons) changing. I have also been doing a lot of traveling outside of Knoxville. Not to mention have had some rather interesting visitors comeing to the Knoxvlle Zoo to meet me. It has been so much fun... I can't wait til I have pictures to share with everybody.

My First Assmebly Show...

2007-10-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

So, today was the first assembly show of the year! We traveled to John Sevier Elementary School & performed for about 120 kids. I went with a few of my friends & talked all about animals & their adaptations. Probably the most exciting part of the program was the debut of one of my newest friends, Maya, the Boa Constrictor! She is a 7 1/2 foot long snake that weighs in at an incredible 30 pounds!! Hopefully we will be making our way out to see you at your school very soon. Remember to call & book a show with the Zoomobile & me!

You Too Can Do The Zoo! Friday, September 28th

2007-09-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join us for the 7th annual "You Too Can Do The Zoo" at Knoxville Zoo. This event is designed for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the zoo for FREE. Admission and ticket sales stop one hour before the zoo closes.

"You Too Can Do The Zoo" was created in 2000 in an effort to promote the re-designed entrance to Knoxville Zoo, which is much more accessible and user-friendly for the disabled than the old entrance. Kids Cove, added in April 2005, is another addition that makes Knoxville Zoo a great place to visit.

People with disabilities will receive:

* Free parking (with a disabled parking tag or license plate)
* Free admission
* Sign language interpreter throughout various locations in the Zoo. This service is provided by Knoxville Center for the Deaf.
* Zoo staff and volunteers share animal information
* Educational presentations
* Manual and electric wheelchairs available for rent as available

Also, special Bird Show times throughout the day, so come by & see me.

BIRD SHOWS: 11:30, 12:30

Bob the Builder comes to the zoo...

2007-09-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Parties for the Zoo!

2007-09-14T05:09:00.000-07:00

There really hasn't been a lot going on at the zoo since shows have moved to weekends only. The only news I have for the past few weeks is that I went to a party last Friday! It was a Zoofari party purchased by Don & Maureen Bosch... it was pretty neat. The wonderful sushi restaurant, Nama, catered all the food & drinks for the night while I provided the entertainment! I'm pretty sure that everybody had a great time, & I can't wait to see what this week has in store for me.

Labor Day Shows.

2007-08-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of the year yet again. The Bird Shows are wrapping up at the zoo. This Monday, September 6th, will be the last time you will be able to see me perform in the bird show during the week. The times are always the same--11:30, 12:30, & 2:30. After Labor Day, shows will continue every Saturday & Sunday for as long as the weather permits. So, if you still haven't made a trip out to see me, be sure to stop by the Knoxville Zoo & head to the Bird Show for a "feather-raising" good time!

Want to see more of me in action? CLICK HERE...

2007-08-29T11:59:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK!!!

2007-07-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

The week of July 16th is officially being recognized as NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK!!! I am so excited about this honor mainly because it's so nice to see the people that care for all zoo animals to be acknowledged for their wonderful devotion. In honor of this, the Knoxville Zoo is offering a few benefits that include a pizza party on Wednesday, July 18th, along with a 40% discount in the zoo shop for all keepers lasting the entire week! So, in short, here's to you zoo keepers--thanks for always keeping our bellies full & our houses clean!!!

***If you are interested in learning more about National Zoo Keeper Week please refer to the official AAZK site for more details.

RITTA COMES TO VISIT!!

2007-06-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

I recently got a very pleasant surprise... a visit from some of favorite fans!!! The children from Ritta Elementary came to visit the zoo & made a special stop in at the Bird Show to see me & all my friends. I love these kids because they not only understand that it requires a lot of work & dedication from a lot of people to care for animals, but they are also willing to try & help out!! I am so happy they adopted me & had such a great time seeing them. Once again, "THANK YOU!!" Ritta Elementary for all of your support!

More pictures of Ritta Visit...

2007-06-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

Superstition or Truth?

2007-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

You come & be the judge!! This summer is full of things to do at the Zoo. After you go by Zoo Spy, you should head over to the Reptile Department & get a look at the White Alligator. It is extremely neat! See what happens when you "look in dem eyes"!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA!!!

2007-04-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, April 22nd, I was asked to make a very special appearance. Ella Clayton turned 4 years old, & I got the honor of leading her friends & family in singing Happy Birthday! It was so much fun, & everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves. There were some of my friends from the Education Department there, too. Hopefully it will become a yearly tradition for little Ella to celebrate her birthday with all her animal friends here at the Zoo.

This Place is BUGGED!

2007-04-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been in to see our new exhibit for the summer, you should definitely make time. Agent 00Z is on a mission, & he needs your help to solve the puzzle! Just to do my part, I have come up with a little story to go along with the mission. So, if you need extra help with the clues, come by the Bird Show & listen closely.

Show Season on the Horizon!

2007-04-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

APRIL 14th: Let the shows begin...

Be sure to stop in to see an all new show this summer. We'll hopefully help shed some light on just a few common myths & misconceptions surrounding birds & other wildlife.

TINY TOTS AT TIGER TOPS

2007-04-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures... these are actually from a program I helped with here at the zoo. If it has been a while since you've been to the zoo, you might not realize that the old restaurant--TIGER TOPS-- has been remodeled to be an on-site areas for educational sleep overs & programs at the zoo! This one was for 2 & 3 year olds.

Last School Show of the Year!!!

2007-04-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

Well, here are just a few of my favorite pictures from one of our final school shows. The groups at Grace Christian Academy were great. I always have so much fun going outside the zoo & meeting new people!

2007-04-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

2007-04-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

2007-04-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Grace Christian Academy School Show~ 2007

Spring is Coming...

2007-03-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

Well, it is officially March 1st. That might not mean a lot to some people, but here at the zoo it means that we are wrapping up school shows & preparing for the summer Bird Show season. We have A LOT of new animals for the shows this year, & I think it will be a GREAT season, as always!! Everybody should plan on making it to the zoo to see if I've learned any new cues!!!

Touching Surprise...

2007-03-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

I recently went to Ritta Elementary for a show, & it turns out that the class I was performing for had actually "adopted" me through the zoo. I thought that was very neat. So, that means, these aspiring superstars help me get everything I need in order to stay happy, healthy, & celebrity-ready!! Thanks Ritta for caring so much.

Trip Out West!!!

2007-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from a trip to South Dakota. I appeared at a conference for a local organization known as "Birds & Bloom". It was very exciting & fun! They had a bunch of T.V. shows lined up for us to appear on as soon as we stepped off the plane... I felt like a real-life SUPERSTAR!! The sights were so interesting, & we even got to go to the TOP of Crazy Horse National Park. (very cool)
We also got to see Mt. Rushmore, which is home to some pretty amazing people such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, & Abraham Lincoln. Did you know... Mount Rushmore has over 3 MILLION visitors from all over the country & world!!One more very interesting fact: there were approximately 400 workers that were involved in the carving of the memorial, & it took from October 1927 until October 1941!!! I have to say that seeing Mt. Rushmore was almost too much to handle, mainly because it's a landmark that is so recognizable, & to actually see it in person was great.
One last, extremely flattering, point was when we received the KEY to Rapid City, South Dakota!!! We were very honored & privileged.

2007-02-05T15:58:00.000-08:00

up close with a true "SUPERSTAR"!!