FAKE OR REAL?

Even in 27 degree weather, the Glacier Run construction team is working hard. One project that is being created is a 26-foot glacier ice wall in the polar bear exhibit portion of Glacier Run.

The detail is spectacular because the glacier actually looks like it is pushing through a rock face and has real icicles. The glacier wall is made up of white concrete. One of the final steps in the process will be adding paint including touches of blue paint to create a true glacier look.

To protect the ongoing work of the glacier wall, plastic is currently draped over scaffolding so it doesn’t get too cold. Since the wall isn’t visible when walking past the construction area, here some sneak peek photos for you!

Remember – the polar bear habitat won’t open until 2011 but the seal and sea lion habitat opens this summer!!

A Real Backyard Action Hero!

Can one person make a difference?

Nine-year-old Elizabeth Seiler thinks so.

After reading an article about the Zoo’s upcoming Glacier Run exhibit in Zoo’s current Backyard Action Hero Guidebook which focuses on adventures in the Tundra, Elizabeth was inspired to help.

So the Dunn Elementary third-grade student proposed a plan to her principal Margie Eckerle to let the students collect Cents for Seals and Sea Lions and Pennies for Polar Bears.

Principal Eckerle agreed and promised that for every milk carton filled with money, that class would receive one extra minute of recess.

Elizabeth urged her classmates to donate their spare change and in just 10 days they raised $737 for the Zoo’s Glacier Run exhibit!

The Zoo is honored by Elizabeth’s donation and encouraged by the commitment and generosity she and her schoolmates have shown. She is an inspiration to us all.

If this story has motivated and spurred you into wanting to help build Glacier Run, too, please contact the Zoo’s Development Department at (502) 459-2181 to find out how you can help.

Also, be sure to download the Zoo’s Backyard Action Hero Guidebook focusing adventures in the Tundra that inspired Elizabeth at http://www.louisvillezoo.org/BAH/index.htm.

You can also see WAVE 3’s news story and video of Elizabeth at http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=11858114.