cat eyes
Buttonwood Park ZooLetter March 2008 
In This Issue
Year of the Frog
Shrink Your Footprint
Creature Feature
Eco-Tip
New Arrivals
Easter Bunny
Zoo Crew
March Mania and Webkinz
Save the Date
Zoo Happenings
Contact Info
 
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has!"
 
Margaret Meade
 

Hours and Information
Buttonwood Park Zoo logo
Buttonwood Park Zoo is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (gates close at 4:30 pm).

Admission Fees:
Adult: $6
Senior: $4.50
Teen: $4.50
Child 3-12 yrs: $3.00
Child under 3: Free
 
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more with advance registration.  Call (508) 991-6178 for more information.
 
Free parking.
 
 
 
Spring is just around the corner and what other animal do you associate with impending warm weather than frogs?  When the night fills with choruses of spring peepers you can be sure spring isn't far.
 
Among other important zoo news and upcoming events, frogs are the focus of this month's ZooLetter.  Read on to find out why!
 
 
 
Year of the Frog

 

On Leap Day, February 29th, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums launched Year of the Frog to mark a major conservation effort to address the amphibian extinction crisis.  The World Conservation Union (IUCN) estimates that at least one-third of known amphibian species are threatened with extinction. While the major culprit has historically been habitat loss and degradation, many of the declines and extinctions are now being attributed to the rapidly dispersing infectious disease chytridiomycosis ("chytrid"). This fungus is causing population and species extinctions at an alarming rate. Can you imagine if we were about to lose one-third of the world's mammals? 

 

Find out what is being done:

 
Amphibian Ark
 
View a video by the Standard Times about Year of the Frog that features Buttonwood Park Zoo staff and frogs here! (scroll down)
 
 
Ready to Go Green?
 

Growing Green

 

Shrink Your Footprint Workshop

 Part Two:

Living Green

 

Saturday, March 15

10:00 to noon

Workshop and zoo admission are free but pre-registration is required by calling (508) 991-6178 x 22.

 

 
 
 
 

Join us for the second lecture of a this three-part sustainability series for adults on ways to go green.  Don't worry if you missed the first one, you can still join us to learn how you can reduce your environmental footprint.  Light refreshments will be served.  Pre-registration is required by calling (508) 991-6178 x 22. 

 

This series of workshops is sponsored by: Buttonwood Park Zoo, Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust, Lloyd Center for the Environment,  Massachusetts Audubon Society, Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance,  The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, and Westport River Watershed Alliance.

 
 
 

Earth HourSee the Difference You Can Make:  Earth Hour 2008

 

Earth Hour is a global event created to symbolize that each one of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change - no matter who we are or where we live.  At 8pm on March 29, cities around the world will join together in literally turning off the lights for one hour to offer leadership and symbolize their commitment to finding climate change solutions.  Buttonwood Park Zoo participated in last year's pilot movement and will continue participation this year.  Join us and see the difference we can make! 

 

Find out more

 

 
Creature Feature:  Grey Tree Frog
 

Grey Tree FrogButtonwood Park Zoo currently exhibits three species of frogs in the Aquatic Environment Center; the American bullfrog, spring peeper and grey tree frog.  Grey tree frogs are relatively small nocturnal amphibians, typically no more than 1.5 to 2 inches in length.  As their name implies, these frogs have predominately grey

lumpy skin but will vary in shade, from light green to dark brown to grey, depending on temperature, activity level and color of surroundings.  They are well known for their climbing ability and can scale glass, metal and tree bark with their advanced suction cup-like toe pads. 
 

Grey tree frogs feed primarily on insects including pests such as mosquitoes, gnats and flies making them important in natural pest control.  They prefer highly wooded areas but never stray far from a permanent or semi-permanent water source such as a pond or vernal pool.  In spring, males sing "love songs" from vegetation in the water to attract females. 

 

In winter, grey tree frogs hibernate in rotting wood or tree crevices and survive freezing temperatures by turning their body fluids into a natural form of antifreeze.  They prevent ice crystals from forming in their organs by changing glycerol into glucose and circulating it through vital organs.  Breathing and heartbeat are temporarily suspended and the remaining water in the frog's body is allowed to freeze.  This amazing adaptation allows grey tree frogs to survive in cold climates and high elevations.    

 

Due to frogs' highly absorbent skin, water and air pollution are severely affecting frog populations throughout the world.  Frogs are considered an indicator species; meaning low numbers can indicate an unhealthy environment.  Find out what you can do to help amphibians in this month's eco-tip and by visiting http://www.aza.org/helpfrogs/.

 

 
Eco-Tip:  Be a Friend to Frogs

Frog and Girl

Frogs are going extinct. So are toads, salamanders, newts, and the intriguingly unusual caecilians. Help the Association of Zoos and Aquariums prevent the disappearance of amphibians with the

Top 8 Things You Can Do in 2008 to Help Amphibians:

 

1. Look, listen, and learn: educate yourself and your family about amphibians.

Frog2. Visit an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions near you and experience your very own amphibian adventure!
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are helping to save frogs and other amphibians through breeding programs and by providing support for field conservation. They are also some of the best places to see and learn about amphibians from around the world.

 
 

3. Create amphibian friendly environments by providing clean water, hiding places, and insects to eat.

4. Don't pollute.
Do your part to keep garbage, chemicals, and non-native plants and animals out of the natural environment. Amphibians absorb chemicals through their skin easily.

 

5. Be a responsible pet owner.
Discourage your canine and feline family members from pestering wildlife.  Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened amphibians.

 

6. Conserve water at home, school, and work.

7. Reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas.

8. Be an amphibian champion.
Donate to wildlife conservation programs, such as the AZA Conservation Endowment Fund. Participate in citizen-science monitoring programs like FrogWatch USA with your family.

 

Learn More

 
 

Sea urchinNew at the Zoo
 

While visiting the stars of Year of the Frog in the Aquatics Environment Center, be sure to stop by the other exhibits to meet a few new residents.  In the Tidal Salt Marsh, look for sea urchins, chain dogfish and scups.  More than 80 brook trout fry (babies!) are being raised in the Mountain Stream exhibit and a small female least tern is currently being rehabilitated in the Diamondback Terrapin exhibit after suffering a wing injury in the wild.

 
 
Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza!

Easter at the Zoo

Join us for one of these special events and make this Easter one you and your family will never forget.
 

Saturday, March 22       9:00 am

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Cost:  Members: $12/person, Non-members: $15/person, children under one are free.

 

Saturday, March 22       1:00pm or 3:00pm

Milk and Cookies with the Easter Bunny

Cost:  Members: $6/person, Non-members: $9/person, children under one are free.

 

Both programs include a photo with the Easter Bunny, a small gift, a train ride and zoo admission.  Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by calling the North Woods Gift Store at (508) 991-4556 x 14.

 

 
Make Your Summer Plans Now! 

Zoo CrewZoo Crew 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Zoo Crew is a summer program designed especially for children ages 8 - 12.  Each session has been developed to have a balance of outdoor and classroom learning, educational games and activities, crafts and fun!  Learn about animals, explore different zoo careers, and much more.  Each weeklong program runs 9:00 - 3:00, Monday through Friday.
  • August 4 - 8      The Animal Kingdom
  • August 11 - 15   You Belong in a Zoo
  • August 18 - 22   The Big Blue Ocean
Members: $175/child/week.  $150/additional child. 
Non-member: $200/child/week. $175/additional child. 
Discount if you register for all 3 weeks! Members $425,  non-members $500.

Zoo Crew

Call the zoo's education department at (508) 991-6178 x 31.
 
 
March Mania in the North Woods Gift Store
 

Zoo Members will receive 20% off merchandise purchased in March.  Discount includes Webkinz!  Please note: This offer excludes memberships, train ride tickets and sale merchandise.

 
Webkinz Pet of the Month
 

Lil' Kinz Pig

Meet the March Webkinz Pet of the Month, the Lil' Kinz Pig, at The North Woods Gift Store.  Adopt the Lil' Kinz Pig anytime during the month of February and get some super surprises at www.webkinz.com!!

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
gala2003Save the Date for the WILDest Gala in the South Coast!
 
Saturday, August 2 2008
The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society's Annual Fundraising Gala.
More information to come soon
 
 
 
 
 
 
March Zoo Happenings
 

Every Monday, two shows 10:30 & 12:30

Toe Jam Puppet Band Creative Arts Playgroup

Cost: Zoo admission + $5 per family

Come sing, dance and play the hour away with the famous Toe Jam Puppet Band!

 

Thursdays, March 11 - April 15  10:30 - Noon

Bear Cub Club

Cost: Members: $65/child, $30/additional child

         Non-Members: $95/child, $45/additional child

Who's ready for a little fun? The Bear Cub Club is an integrated playgroup for 2 and 3-year-olds and a parent. Run in conjunction with the I.H. Schwartz Center, this popular program features stories, songs, crafts, zoo visits and so much more. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.  Please call

(508) 991- 6178 x 30 for more information.

 

Saturday, March 15                   10:00  - Noon

Living Green Workshop(for Adults)

Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required at (508) 991-6178 x 22

Join us for the second lecture in this three-part sustainability series.  Don't worry if you missed the first one, you can still join us to learn how you can reduce your environmental footprint.

 

Monday, March 17

Search for the Green

Cost: Free with zoo admission

Have you ever noticed how many green things are at the zoo?  Grab an activity sheet at the front desk and look for all things green.  A small green prize awaits at the end of your search.

 

Saturday, March 22       9:00 am

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Cost:  Members: $12/person, Non-members: $15/person, children under one are free.

 

Saturday, March 22       1:00pm or 3:00pm

Milk and Cookies with the Easter Bunny

Cost:  Members: $6/person, Non-members: $9/person, children under one are free.

 

Both programs include a photo with the Easter Bunny, a small gift, a train ride and zoo admission.  Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by calling the North Woods Gift Store at (508) 991-4556 x 14.

 
 
 
Contact Info
Buttonwood Park Zoological Society
(508) 991-4556