How to Make a Can o' Lantern

Materials needed:

• Clean and empty cans of all sizes (try to use a can opener that cuts both the lid and can without sharp edges)
• Gesso (recommended but not necessary)
• Acrylic paints in the colors of orange, black, green and white
• A wine bottle cork
• Orange mesh ribbon
• Green natural raffia
• Hot glue gun or thick designer craft glue
• A pencil

Instructions: 

1. Paint a coat of gesso on the can if desired and let it dry.
2. Paint the can with 2 coats of orange acrylic paint and let it thoroughly dry.
3. Paint the can lid and the cork with green acrylic paint.
4. Use the pencil and draw the eyes, nose and mouth on the can. Paint then the facial features with black paint.
5. Once dry, add 2 white dots on the eyes.
6. Use the hot glue gun or the craft glue and glue the cork onto the center of the can lid.
7. Cut 2 or 3 pieces of green raffia about 12 cm long and lay aside.
8. Cut a piece of mesh ribbon about 10 cm long. Gather the piece in the middle and tie it off with the raffia to look like a bow. Split the raffia if possible to make the strands thinner.
9. Glue the raffia and ribbon now in front of the cork. Place the lid on the can with the bow in the front.

Find more BOOriffic green Halloween craft ideas at www.craftideas.info.

America, how do you really feel about the ocean?

Today is World Oceans Day, a day when people around the globe come together to celebrate our ocean and take action to protect it. And with good cause! The ocean not only makes our world livable, it provides us with food, water, commerce, recreation, and medicine. The ocean has suffered some serious blows lately: 90% of the big fish in the sea are gone, the gyres are filled with more plastic than previously estimated, the Deepwater Horizon disaster dumped 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, and coastal dead zones from agricultural runoff are worse than ever.

The ocean has definitely seen rough times lately, and World Oceans Day is a good opportunity to rally and start turning things around.

Most Americans would probably tell you that they support a healthy ocean—after all, the beach is one of our all-time favorite vacation spots. But how does the Nation as a whole feel about protecting the ocean?  The Ocean Project’s ongoing survey of more than 30,000 Americans, both young and old confirm our gut feeling that Americans care about healthy oceans; and has further insight on what Americans think and feel about ocean conservation.

We don’t realize the ocean is in danger

Most Americans think that the ocean is healthy and “too vast” for individual action to have an impact. (The exception to this is in the wake of catastrophic events such as the Deep Water Horizon disaster – see below). In fact, the American public believes that ocean waters bordering the US are significantly less imperiled than are “foreign” waters.

We have short attention span

In the wake of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the American public was very concerned about the health of the ocean, believing it to be threatened. But in a few short months (by Aug 2010 – four months after initial explosion), the level of concern was on the decline. See The Ocean Project’s April 2011 blog post for more details.

We feel powerless to affect ocean & environmental issues

‘My actions have little impact on ocean health.’ is the general sentiment when respondents are asked ‘In your opinion, how much of an impact can individual people have on solving our environmental problems?’. Even more troubling:  40% responded ‘None” or – “Not very much.’

On the bright side, we’re the sort of people who care!

We think we’re green

In 2010, 22% considered themselves to be active in the environmental movement, and 57% said they were sympathetic but not active.

We’ll change our buying habits to protect ocean health

The American public expressed strong support for a willingness to change their seafood habits to protect and/or preserve an endangered species

The children are indeed our future

Young people were the most knowledgeable about environmental & ocean issues, and parents look to them for guidance when making green household decision-making. They also were overwhelmingly more likely to believe that the actions of individuals can make a difference!

It’s time to transform that concern and “green-friendliness” into action! Let us come together this June 8^th and take action for our world ocean. There are hundreds of events being held all over the world, find one near you and celebrate with a purpose this World Oceans Day!  Or organize an event yourself! Go to www.theoceanproject.orgfor ideas, free materials, and event listing.

Blog provided by WorldOceansDay.org 

Happy Earth Month!

Earth Day Green Crafts - Toothbrush Bracelets

Turn your toothbrush into a unique recycled bracelet and watch your kids start a new fashion craze for Earth Day!

What you'll need:

·        Old toothbrush

·        Tweezers or pliers

·        Pot

·        Tongs

·        Large mug

·        Oven gloves

How to make it:

1.      Remove all the bristles from the toothbrush with tweezers or pliers.

2.      Boil water.

3.      Keep water boiling, put toothbrush in water for five minutes.

4.      Remove toothbrush with tongs, bend to desired shape.

5.      If toothbrush doesn't bend enough, submerge again in water.

6.      Remove brush and bend as much as possible.

7.      Place bent toothbrush in bottom of mug to hold its shape while it cools.

8.      Pour cold water in mug and remove your new bracelet.

Tips:

1.      This craft requires fishing the hot toothbrushes out of boiling water and bending them while they are still hot. Be sure to use a simple toothbrush for this, it seems the fancier, and more high tech the toothbrush the stronger, and more difficult to bend. We had luck with the classic REACH toothbrushes.

For more green craft ideas visit: http://crafts.kaboose.com

The Zoo is getting Crafty!

Here at the zoo we are celebrating National Bird Feeding Month with bird friendly children’s activities. Follow the instructions listed below to build a backyard bird “tweeder” with a recycled soda bottle or steal some of your mom’s favorite ribbon to create a festive bird “tweet”.

Backyard Bird Feeder

Materials

      ·        Clean 1-liter soda bottle

      ·        Craft knife

      ·        2 wooden spoons

      ·        Small eye screw

      ·        Length of twine for hanging

Directions

1.      Start by drawing a 1/2-inch asterisk on the side of a clean 1-liter soda bottle, about 4 inches from the bottom.

2.      Rotate the bottle 90 degrees and draw another asterisk 2 inches from the bottom.

3.      Draw a 1-inch-wide circle opposite each asterisk, as shown.

4.      Use a craft knife to slit the asterisk lines and cut out the circles (a parent's job).

5.      Insert a wooden spoon handle first through each hole and then through the opposite asterisk, as shown.

6.      Remove the bottle cap and twist a small eye screw into the top of it for hanging.

7.      Finally, fill your feeder with birdseed, recap it, and use a length of twine to hang it from a tree.

"Tweet" Treats

Materials

• 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed
• Three 4-inch mini bundt or fluted pans
• Colorful ribbon

Directions

1.      To make a batch, bring 6 tablespoons of water to a boil. Empty one 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin into 2 tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl.

2.      Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute, then add the boiling water and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved. 

3.      Next, stir 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed into the gelatin, mixing thoroughly.

4.      Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this process a few times, if necessary, allowing the seed to absorb the liquid.

5.      Spoon the seed mixture into three 4-inch mini bundt or fluted pans

6.      Place the pans in the refrigerator or a cool room and let them set for at least 3 hours.

7.      Remove the wreaths from the molds by inverting the pans and tapping along the bottoms.

8.      Allow the wreaths to air-dry overnight. 

9.      Finally, tie colorful ribbon around your wreaths and hang them outside in a protected spot, such as under an awning or eaves, where the rain won't melt them.

Send photos of your completed project to kwhite@cmzoo.org, for a chance to be highlighted on Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Facebook page.

*Check out http://familyfun.go.com for more kid crafts.

Holy Year of the Bat, Batman!

Rewind back to 1922 when the first vampire film was released-bats are frequently portrayed as dirty, scary varmints you don’t want to come into contact with.  But in real life, you will find bats are very clean, not-that-scary animals, acting as natural pest controllers and eating up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single hour!

Surprised? Bats aren’t confined to caves, spending the majority of the summer living in trees, under bridges, or in old houses. You may already have them in your area, so why not take advantage of their insect eating powers by building a bat house.  When built correctly, bat houses mimic an ideal bat environment-tight, dark, and warm. Follow the steps below to build your own bat house.

Constructing a Bat House

Tools ·  Measuring tape ·  Straightedge ·  Combination square ·  Spring clamps ·  Safety glasses ·  Jigsaw ·  French curve and circle templates ·  Drill fitted with .25” drill bit ·  Caulking gun ·  Paintbrush ·  Foam roller ·  Scissors ·  Staple gun

Supplies ·  2’x 4’ section of ½” exterior grade plywood ·  One 6’ 1x2 ·  ½” deer netting ·  Exterior latex paint – black and another dark color ·  Low VOC adhesive caulk ·  1” deck screws ·  3 ½” deck screws ·  3/8” Staples

Directions

1. Measure and cut the plywood
Using a tape measure and straightedge, mark up for cutting a 2’x4’ piece of ½” exterior-grade plywood. You’ll need one piece that’s 2’ wide x 26” long and one that’s 2’ wide x 22” long. Clamp the plywood to a worktable. Make sure you have on safety glasses, then use a jigsaw or a circular saw to cut the plywood.

2. Draw the bat design
Create a bat cut out using circular and oblong templates called French curves (available at most office supply stores). Lay out the bat shape on the edge of the shorter piece of plywood, making sure it’s 24” wide. 

3. Drill holes for the jigsaw
Clamp the plywood and bat design to your worktable, making sure the whole bat hangs over the edge. Using a drill/driver with a ¼” bit, drill holes just inside the points of the bat shape. This will make it easy to turn your jigsaw blade as you cut out the curved parts.

4. Cut out the bat
Using a jigsaw fitted with a narrow scroll blade, which is designed for making intricate curves, cut out the bat design. Cut the shape closest to the edge first, then cut the whole bat from the sheet. Because both halves of the cutline need to look clean, work slowly and carefully. Whenever you get to a drill hole at one of the points, stop the saw and turn it before you continue.

5. Make the sides
To raise the front panel off the back and create a small crawl space to house the bats, you’ll need strips of lumber around the edges. Cut three pieces from a 1x2-one 24” piece and two 19” pieces.

6. Attach the sides
Using a caulk gun, lay a bead of caulk along the face of the long 1x2. Line it up with the top edge of the larger piece of plywood and clamp it in place with spring clamps. Using a drill/driver, drive 1” deck screws through the 1x2 and into the plywood every 6 inches to hold it in place.

Attach the two shorter pieces to the sides in the same manner and caulk the ends where they meet the top piece before you clamp them down. Use a damp rag to wipe up any caulk that oozes out.

7. Paint the parts
Using a brush and roller, paint the back piece black, from the top edge to the ends of the 1x2s. Also paint the back of the front piece black. These will form the dark inside of the bat house.

Paint the other surfaces in a color that will help maintain a healthy temperature inside the house. If you live in the North, a dark color can keep the house toasty by absorbing the sunlight. In the warm South, a light color may be a better choice. Be sure all surfaces of the wood are painted and well sealed.

Let the paint dry completely.

8. Attach the netting
Unroll the deer netting and lay it over the inside of the back section, flat against the plywood. Using a staple gun, attach the netting to the inner edge of the top 1x2 and along the sides. Make sure to pull it taut so it can’t sag when bats hang from it. Extend the netting all the way over the bottom edge and wrap it around to the back. Once it’s stapled all around, cut off the excess.

9. Attach the front piece
Caulk along the face of the 1x2s on the back section. Place the front piece onto the 1x2s with the bat shape facing the bottom, and the top edges and corners lined up. Clamp it in place. Drive 1” screws every 6 inches through the face and into the 1x2s to secure it.

10. Put on the bat cutout
Caulk the exposed sections of the 1x2s, then place the cutout onto them just below the large front piece. Leave a ½” gap between the two for the air vent. Clamp the piece and attach it in place with a single 1” screw on each side.

11. Hang it up
Hang your bat house under the eaves of your house or from a tall, flat pole made from pressure-treated lumber (make sure to bury one-third of the lumber in the ground to keep it steady). Attach it by driving 3½” deck screws through the corners into the siding or fascia of your house, or if you’re using a pole, along the middle at the top and bottom.

The bat house should be at least 15 feet off the ground, away from bright lights. Choose a place facing south so it gets plenty of sunlight (aim for 6 to 10 hours of exposure). This will keep it nice and hot—just the way bats like it!

These directions and more building tips can be found at: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20165965,00.html

“Oh, Christmas lights, keep shinin’ on…”

 Santa Claus is in the zoo, the scent of smoked almonds wafting out of Grizzly Grill and over one million plus twinkle lights are lit for our 21^st Annual Electric Safari event. The event runs December 16 through January 1, from 5:30 to 8:30pm each evening (closed Christmas Eve). For many individuals, Electric Safari is a family tradition, but for others this may be their first time.  

For those of you who have never been to Electric Safari, here are the zoo’s top five tips, based on Christmas songs, to help you enjoy the event.

1. “Baby its cold outside…”

We help cut the chill of the evening air with numerous heaters and fire pits placed along the Electric Safari trail, but weather here on Cheyenne Mountain is always changing, so be prepared.  Wearing layers is always the best way to go and don’t forget your hats, mittens and scarves!

2.  “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”

Nothing says Electric Safari like the aromatic smells coming from the Grizzly Grill, open nightly during Electric Safari. Make sure to stop by for hot chocolate, fresh roasted nuts and a variety of holiday baked goods.

3. “It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size…”

Just a reminder, we are America’s only mountain zoo. When planning your clothing for Electric Safari, please remember to wear comfortable shoes with good traction. The Electric Safari trail runs throughout the zoo and most animal areas are open for evening viewing.

 4.        “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas…”  

When arriving at Electric Safari, make sure to check the Animal Happenings schedule. We host numerous animal keeper talks and animal enrichment activities each evening, beginning at 6:00pm. If you missed one of the demonstrations, don’ worry! Create holiday magic by helping make items used during the animal enrichment activities in The Loft.

5. “Santa Claus is coming to town…”

Make sure to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in Primate World, from 5:30 to 8:15pm each evening through Friday, December 23. Beat the lines and make Santa Zone your first stop of the evening.

  

Zoo members receive FREE admission! General admission is $8.25 for adults and $5.25 for children age’s (3-11). Receive $2 off an adult admission or $1 off a child’s admission when you bring an item listed the animals’ wish list. Visit cmzoo.org/electricsafari for more event information. 

“All I Want for Winter is…”

Winter is upon us, and so is registration for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s winter camps! There are two sessions to choose from, December 19-23 or 26-30. The sessions are five days long and run from 9am to 3pm daily.

This year’s theme is “All I Want for Winter is…” Children ages 6-10 will explore how we keep “hot” animals staying warm in the winter and how the “cool” animals enjoy the Colorado weather.  They will learn more about the different climates our animals are native to and how they adapt to those climates, as well as what type of acclimations they have made for Colorado.  We will spend some time learning about our Rocky Mountain natives and finally find the answer to the question, “Do the zoo’s bears hibernate?”  Each day will include time inside and outside, as well as some up close and personal time with animals right in the classroom. 

Each day’s program is different based on the daily schedule listed below.

v     “…Mountains with Snow”: Learn about the animals adaptations to survive the winter in the Rocky Mountain areas and how to track their movements in the winter.   Monday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 28

v     “…Different Places to Live”: Learn what makes a climate and investigate the types of climates the zoo’s animals are from. Tuesday, December 20 and Thursday, December 29

v     “…A Nice Heat Lamp”: Learn how we help keep our African Savannah animals comfortable in the winter.  Wednesday, December 21 and Monday, December 26

v     “…A Thick Fur Coat”: Learn about the adaptations all kinds of animals have to the colder times of the year, and the difference between the words adapt and acclimate. Thursday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 27

v     “…A Warm Place to Go”: Learn about what it really means to hibernate or migrate and which animals practice these techniques to cope with the cold weather, as well as some other special weather fighting techniques.  Friday, December 23 and Friday, December 30

Participants may register for all five days of a week, or any number of days during the week. 

Members: $40.25/day or $166.25 for one week.  Non-members: $45.25/day or $176.25 for one week.  Cost includes long sleeved youth t-shirt and take-home items made throughout the day/week. 

Registration is available via phone (719-633-9925 ext.127), mail, fax, or online at www.cmzoo.org. Just remember, registrations are not complete until a zoo camp health form is completed and returned. Forms can be printed off at http://www.cmzoo.org/docs/zoocamphealthform.pdf. 

We hope to see your child this December!

Don’t be scared… We have 10 tips for Boo at the Zoo!

1. Wear layers - You never know what the weather may be like here on the side of the mountain. Wear layers so you are prepared for anything.
2. Bring a flashlight - The zoo is lit for this event, but it’s always nice to have a little extra light.
3. Save money for hot chocolate - Bring a little extra money to warm up at the Grizzly Grill with a cup of hot chocolate.
4. Wear comfortable shoes - Don’t forget when you’re planning your costume, comfy footwear is a must for the terrain here at the zoo
5. Bring a bag - There is plenty of orangutan friendly candy for everyone during Boo at the Zoo! Don’t forget your reusable treat bag.
6. Skip the parking line - Use the FREE shuttle, leaving from the Broadmoor Fire Department. You can purchase your Boo at the Zoo tickets right on the shuttle.
7. Renew your membership - Don’t forget to renew your zoo membership before the event to take advantage of the special members-only admission discount.
8. Bring your Zeezo’s receipt – Remember to bring your Zeezo’s receipt during the first weekend to receive a $2 admission discount (valid Oct. 21-23 only).
9. Check your watch – Make sure to keep tabs on time so you don’t miss “Things That Go Bump in the Night” animal show performed nightly at 6:15, 7:15 and 8:00 at Lodge at Moose Lake.
10. Don’t forget to HAVE FUN! 

A Token of Appreciation

Colorado Springs is home to three Air Force bases, the United States Air Force Academy and one Army base.  As part of a community with such a rich military history, we want to show those who sacrifice so much how grateful we are.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open 365 days a year and on each of those days, we offer a military discount on zoo admission with military ID. In addition, for families and individuals calling Colorado Springs home, we offer a $10.00 discount on any new or renewed membership at any level. To make it even easier to experience the zoo, once a year we celebrate Military Appreciation Week. Don’t miss this year’s Military Appreciation Week taking place September 12-18, 2011. We’re extending a $5.25 admission price to all active duty/retired military personnel and their families.

Beyond the military discounts, we are honored to be one of the hosts for Operation: Military Kids overnight events.  These overnights are for children of families with loved ones currently serving overseas, preparing for deployment of a family member or celebrating a family member’s return. It can be trying on not just the soldiers who are fighting, but for their children, too. This past year, we welcomed over 220 kids for an exciting evening at the zoo, including special animal demonstrations, flashlight tours and delicious meals.  

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is thankful for all our military men and women do for our country. We hope the zoo gives them the opportunity to gather as a family and spend some quality time together while experiencing the natural world. Thank you for your service! 

Meet Jen from our Zoo Crew!

 

Name: Jen Colangelo

Age: 14 years old

Hometown: Boston, MA

Favorite Zoo Animal: The giraffes are my favorite because their tongues are so long and they are very sweet and interesting animals.

How many years have you been on the Zoo Crew? This is my first year in the Zoo Crew.

What’s your favorite part of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo? My favorite part is learning about all the different animals.

Why did you become a member of the Zoo Crew? I wanted to learn about animals and see what a career with animals would be like.

What’s your favorite task? Working in the Loft because you get to be around animals and teach people about them.

Why should other kids your age become part of the Zoo Crew? You learn a lot of things that will be helpful later in life and customer service skills. It is also one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.

Do you have any Funny/Good Stories? I was in Primate World and the baby orangutan was swinging back and forth. All of a sudden he jumped down, ran over to the glass and smashed his face against it. It was the cutest picture ever!

Are you or someone you know interested in applying for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Crew? Please visit http://www.cmzoo.org/exploreLearn/kidsTeens/zooCrew.asp for more information.

Meet Kayson!

Meet Kayson Cooper a Summer Camp Counselor 

here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! 

Name: Kayson Cooper

Age: 20 Years Old

Hometown: Riverton, WY

Favorite Zoo Animal: Elephants, Apes

Career Aspirations: I would like to be involved with conservation education, especially teaching children about wildlife and how they preserve it.

What’s your favorite part of Cheyenne

Mountain Zoo (CMZ)? The beautiful scenery and natural exhibits.

What inspired you to become a camp

counselor here at CMZ? I love animals and enjoy teaching others about them, so this is a dream job.

What age kids are you working with? This summer, I have worked with kids from four to 15 years old.

What activities do you have planned for them throughout camp? The campers will be meeting animals up close, going on behind the scenes tours and hearing personalized keeper talks.

What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome being a camp counselor? The biggest obstacle has been trying to explain information in a way that young kids understand and the older kids are still entertained.

What is the benefit of being a camp counselor at CMZ? I get to see new things every day and I learn so much from the kids and my fellow counselors. 

Do you have any Funny stories? I asked a group of four-and five-year-olds “What animals have scales?” They all immediately responded that giraffes have scales.