Babies Born at the Binder Park Zoo
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Two new babies have joined the animals at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. The babies are now out and around with their mothers and can be viewed on the savannah which is a major part of the zoo’s exhibit.

On June 11, 2005 a male bontebok was born weighing 15 pounds. This birth increases Binder Park Zoo’s population to 6 bontebok. With this new addition, Binder Park Zoo is now home to 2 male bontebok and 4 female bontebok. They are listed as vulnerable, meaning their populations could some day be at risk of becoming endangered or extinct. Binder Park Zoo is contributing to the survival of this species by using a Population Management Plan (PMP). The PMP allows zoos and aquariums to help conserve and increase different animal populations in order for the survival of different species. This system is used to ensure the quality of life for animals and to maintain their existence in a safe and organized manner. “Breeding at Binder Park Zoo is regulated very closely to ensure genetic variability,” said Andi Kornak, Binder Park Zoo Curator of Collections. “The role zoos play in population management is very critical as this helps to ensure survival of the species.”

On June 19, 2005 a female baby Grant’s Zebra was born, weighing 50 pounds. This is the 16th baby zebra born at the zoo since 1987. There are many different species of zebra and among them all, no two animals look alike. Each stripe is different and serves a very important purpose. Some believe that the zebra’s stripes aid in temperature control, help one zebra identify another, or even camouflage them from predators. The stripes also make a zebra less inviting to insects, since many biting flies are attracted to solid colors.

“There is always a lot of excitement around the zoo when babies are born,” said Nicky Kent, Binder Park Zoo Zookeeper. “The staff generally anticipates their arrival but we won’t always know the exact delivery date, so we must keep a very watchful eye.”

Over 5,000,000 people have visited Binder Park Zoo since it first opened in 1977. It is located outside of Battle Creek, Michigan, on 433 acres of natural forests and wetlands. In the past 26 years, the Zoo has grown to be one of the leading cultural attractions in the region. In the last several years a conservation education center, a 40-acre natural wetlands exhibit, and the 50-acre Wild Africa exhibit have been added to the original 26-acre zoo. Binder Park Zoo serves 60,000 people annually in 30 different types of formal education programs and is heavily involved in conservation of wildlife and habitats. In cooperation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and others, Binder Park Zoo is actively working to conserve a wide array of endangered species.

Binder Park Zoo
http://www.binderparkzoo.org/visit.htm
7400 Division St.
Battle Creek, MI
Monday-Friday 9-5
Saturday and holidays 9-6
Sundays 11-6

Adults $9.75
Seniors $8.75
Children 2-11 $7.75
Children under 2 free