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MOSI &

Lowry Park Zoo

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Lowry Park Zoo's Indian Rhino Calf Debut & Naming Contest

NAME THAT RHINO! Help Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Name the Endangered Indian Rhinoceros Calf

Small Steps for a Big Baby as She Begins to Explore Exhibit

TAMPA, Fla. (July 29, 2009) – A 3-week-old endangered Indian rhinoceros (also known as the great one-horned rhinoceros) calf born at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo July 7 continues to develop and is beginning to explore her habitat in the Asian Gardens exhibit area. The Indian rhino birth is a significant conservation milestone for the Zoo and for this endangered species, with less than 60 Indian rhinos living in AZA-accredited zoos in North America.

Zoo staff reports that the calf, estimated to be 75-80 pounds at birth, continues to nurse and has “filled out” considerably. Indian rhino calves can gain an estimated 100 pounds a month for their first year of life, which means the new calf will likely double in size in this first month.

In addition to gaining weight, the calf is well-bonded with mother “Jamie” who has met and exceeded expectations as a first-time mother said Dr. Larry Killmar, the Zoo’s director of collections. “Indian rhino cows are known to be extremely protective and always close by, ever watchful and attentive to their calves. Jamie is no exception – we are very pleased with her progress as a first-time mother. Step by step, she will allow the calf to become more adventurous and independent, while keeping a close eye on her playing in mud wallows and exploring the yard.”

The calf is not yet named, but the Zoo has launched a naming contest on its web site for the entire online community to participate. A selection of Hindi names -- starting with the letter J in honor of mother Jamie -- are posted online and included below (in alphabetical order).

· Jaba (jeh-ba)“a flower or hibiscus”

· Jahki (jaan-kee) “of the earth”

· Jama (jeh-ma) “daughter”

· Janya (jahn-YAH) “born of the earth”

· Jaya (JAY-ah) “victory or victorious”

The female calf will receive the name with the most votes; one vote per email address. Voting will continue through August 14.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Indian/Nepalese Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan (SSP) maintains a record of all captive specimens of that species in North America. According to the SSP’s most recent report in June 2009, there were a total of 54 Indian rhinos among 17 AZA-accredited institutions in North America, with just nine animals born in the last three years. Indian rhinos are listed as an endangered species, with an estimated wild population of about 2,000.

The Indian rhinoceros is one of five species of rhinos worldwide and one of three species found in Asia. It is native to the remote, swampy grasslands of India, Assam and Nepal. Weighing several thousand pounds on average, the Indian rhino’s most distinct feature is a single horn on the end of its muzzle (three species have two horns), which is composed of keratin – the same protein that forms human fingernails and hair. The species has a unique upper lip, known as a prehensile lip, which acts as a hook to grasp onto plants and food in its herbivore diet (grass, twigs, bamboo shoots, water hyacinths and various produce). Indian rhinos have been described with “armor-like skin” due to the presence of skin folds, however the skin is actually supple due to frequent wallowing in water and mud.

The gestation period for Indian rhino pregnancies is approximately 16 months. When born, calves normally weigh in the range of 75-100 pounds and will nurse throughout their first two years.

About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and has been named the No. 1 zoo in America by both Parents magazine (2009) and Child magazine (2004). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours on select nights during the summer. Parking is free. Visit LowryParkZoo.com or call (813) 935-8552 for information. Also find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.

July 31, 2009-02

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MOSI at Pine View Middle School

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February 24, 2009-02

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Grand Opening Safari Lodge at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

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December 11, 2008-03

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Lowry Park Zoo welcomes birth of two white tiger cubs

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Rapscallions donate services at MOSI

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Rapscallions donate services The National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award at MOSI

Chef Denny Wagner 9799… Rapscallions Chef Denny Wagner poses on the popular back porch with the restaurant owners Shael and James Morgan as they prepare to serve dinner for over 400 people for The National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award at MOSI October 11. Governor Charlie Crist and MOSI welcomed the National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award ceremony, developed in 2001 with a mission to recognize outstanding national Hispanic scientists who promote a greater public understanding of science and motivate an interest in science among today’s youth. Proceeds from the award celebration help fund MOSI’s YES! Team, a career and educational enrichment program for at-risk youth. The website for the event is http://www.mosi.org/nationalhispanicscientist.html . This year, MOSI honors internationally recognized molecular biologist and founding member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, Dr. Lydia Villa-Komaroff, as the 2008 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year. For 25 years, MOSI has served as an educational resource for Tampa’s diverse population.

October 11, 2008 - 01

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Lutz-Land O'Lakes Lil Women Club Volunteer at Lowry Park Zoo Boo!

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20071012-04

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Zoo Boo at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

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Clowning around at this years ZooBoo at Tampa’s Lowry Park are Annual Zoo Pass holders from North Tampa, Rebecca Cavaliere, Paul Prendergast, Coleman Prendergast, 9; Morgan Prendergast, 12; and David Cavaliere. It’s a “ghoulish good time” for all as the zoo comes alive and transforms into a family-friendly fright zone. Beware of things that go “bump in the night” as you meander through the shadowy darkness of haunted houses and spooky trails or find a haunting good time for little ones with free unlimited zoo rides all evening. Remember to have your “mummy” bring you. ZooBoo, presented by Bank of America, will be held October 5-6, 11-14, 18-21 and 24-28.

20070929-03

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Escapades Lowry Park Zoo Run Run

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20070922-04

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Fisher-Price Play Space Lowry Park Zoo

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Two-year-old Cassidy Carson of Spring Hill has a hard time focusing on just one of the new toys from the first ever Fisher-Price PlaySpace Weekend at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, featuring a super-sized play area filled with the coolest new toys from Fisher-Price on September 15. 9056…Teresa Curry with son, five-year-old Tyler of Carrollwood feel safe between the new Planet Heroes friends Ace, from planet Earth, and Digger, from planet Mars at the first ever Fisher-Price PlaySpace Weekend at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, featuring a super-sized play area filled with the coolest new toys from Fisher-Price on September 15.

20070915-04

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WAZOO Lowry Park Zoo

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Jimmy Mayberrie 5946… Jimmy Mayberrie, area supervisor for Tijuana Flats is having a great time with friends Jen Wilbur, Kelly Bayliss, Mike Brooks of Carrollwood, August 4, 2007 at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WaZoo Festival. Sarah McCarthy 5949 …Cheers for friends Sarah McCarthy of Temple Terrace Ted Freedman of Temple Terrace, Kay Burk of Lutz and Nico Stearley of Lutz who are having fun at one of USA Today’s “10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country”, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WaZoo Festival August 4, 2007. Shael Morgan 5956… Shael Morgan, owner of Rapscallions in Land O’Lakes, with Nicole Crespo of Temple Terrace and recent USF grad and former Land O’Lakes High School soccer standout Jennifer Taliani, is still smiling after feeding the crowd of revelers at the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WaZoo Festival August 4, 2007. Ryan Orihuela 5958 … Ryan Orihuela of Carrollwood, Cathy Johnson of St. Petersburg and Thomas DeMaria of Spring Hill enjoy themselves at the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WAZOO Festival, especially the great beers and beverages from around the world, food sampling from local restaurants, a wine garden and live entertainment on August 4, 2007. Sherri Koper 5961 …Ladies from Lutz, Miss Sherri Koper, Allie Raber and Sandy Biggs had a sweet time sampling the great beers and beverages from around the world at the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WaZoo Festival August 4, 2007. Jessica Kelty 5981…Jessica and Patrick Kelty of Temple Terrace had fun at the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WAZOO Festival and had the opportunity to meet new friends like WaZoo Festival volunteers Jessica Tate of Carrollwood and Teresa Paxton of Wesley Chapel August 4, 2007. 5988 Brad Mast … Brad Mast and Lora Vaughan of Land O’ Lakes know why USA Today’s voted Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WaZoo Festival one of “10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country” because they had a really fun time themselves. Courtney Abreu 5976 …The girls of Tijuana Flats in Carrollwood, Courtney Abreu and Tyler Freriks, had no problem finding people wanting to taste their great Mexican food fare at the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s WAZOO Festival, on August 4, 2007.

20070804-08

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MOSI at Weightman Middle School

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1142...Judy Johnson (center) brought her children to Science Under the Stars when MOSI presented a family science night at Weightman Middle School on February 22. Pictured with her are (from left): Brendon Johnson, of Quail Hollow Elementary, Aimee Johnson, of Kids R Kids, Kyle Johnson, of Quail Hollow Elementary, and Tyler Johnson, of Weightman Middle School. They enjoyed looking at the stars through the powerful telescopes courtesy of MOSI. 1146-p...Weightman Middle School students Jessica Lilly (from left) and Kelly Atwood got some help making space ice cream from Emma Cutkomp, of Chester Taylor Elementary when MOSI presented Science Under the Stars on February 22. The rolling of the bag is the secret of making the astronaut ice cream. They were in Mrs. Cutkomp’s classroom for the event. 1148-p...Weightman Middle School eighth graders Suniti Patel (on left) and Tiana Krajina liked extracting DNA out of a strawberry when MOSI presented Science Under the Stars at their school on February 22.

Event: 2/22/2007 Contains: 3 photos 20070222-04 620390

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MOSI Bodies Last day

Photos of this and other events by Anthony V. Masella Jr.

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Land O’Lakes Auto broker Jeanne Rivera of Friend’s Auto (394-5070) plays a little ‘One on one’ on the final day for the controversial display Bodies at MOSI September 5th in Tampa.

20060905-02

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MOSI opens new Disasterville Attraction

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Brian Butner , age 10 of Carrollwood Elementary volunteers for a lab experiment where he comes face to face with electricity. Even though he is protected from the electrical shock, it was still very shocking to him, to see it coming directly at him. 7677… Disasterville crashed into MOSI Saturday August 5th to the delight of large crowds and guests of the Museum received a real education in what living through a disaster is like and what can be done to protect ourselves and our families.

7678…Guests of MOSI’s new 10,000 sq. ft. exhibit, Disasterville, are able to walk through interactive towns, experience the impact of a variety of simulated natural disasters and view a waterspout on display. 7681…This unidentified baby had a great time in the simulated wind tunnel with winds clocked at 78 miles per hour. When it happens in real life, the real killer is the debris that is propelled through the air like bullets causing property damage and loss of life in a weather catastrophe! 7666…Steve Kocian, Carol Schelf , and Eric Fehrmann, of Tarpon Springs. Steve is in training for Pasco Volunteers station 29 where he can help the communities deal with local disasters and also owns Stevens Inspection Service (727 698-5802) and Carol handles other types of disasters at the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter.

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WaZoo at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

WaZoo at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo held Saturday night August 5th raised approximately $120,000 for the Zoo making it the most successful WaZoo ever. The success of the event was credited to the large number of volunteers, staff and corporate sponsors who worked hard make this Beer Fest, one of the top 10 (according to USA Today) Beer Fest in the nation. 7723…Sandra and Earl Wade of Wesley Chapel had a great time at this years WaZoo at Lowry Park Zoo. 7728…Having a great time at the 2006 WaZoo Party are Jake and Suzanne Howe of Tampa, Jason Clark of Temple Terrace, and Tom Hanks of Wesley Chapel, Raul Hale and Lyanne Hale of Tampa, Chaz Rockwell of Brandon, Kelly Parson of New Tampa and Don Yatsi of Brandon. 7749…Executive Chef Rachid El Yamani of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino accepts the compliments of Mary Ann Yaney of Wesley Chapel who enjoyed his many culinary creations at this years WaZoo Party at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. 7735…Kim Long and Joe Hodges dance to the music of one of the several live bands playing through out the Park at this years WaZoo Party and Beer fest at the Lowry Park Zoo. 7716…Good friends from Citrus Park, Connie and Jim Moler and Jocelyn and Brad Segal enjoy the good food and beverages available at the Zoo once the Monsoon rains cooled off the Park Saturday night.

7756 …Good friends Mark Stalsitz of Zephyrhills, John Dawson of Wesley Chapel, Elena Dawson of Wesley Chapel, Seanna Stocton of Dade City, Matt Lerch of Carrollwood, Jaime Elliot, David Ellis and Renee Ellis came down to the Lowry Park Zoo and had a great time at the WaZoo Beer Fest. 7763…Enjoying the latest addition to the WaZoo venues, Safari Afrika are Adria Reed, owner of Britan’s Yogurt in Carrollwood, Scott Lapre, owner of several Fantastic Sam’s Hair Salon’s in Carrollwood, Paul visiting from NY City, Mille Vargas of Dillards and Jason Downey of Ozone solutions. 7744…Spontaneous Dancing can break out at any time during the WaZoo Party and Beer fest at the Lowry Park Zoo as Michell Gilbey of Tampa found out with Samy Mosad, Assistant Banquet Manager of the Seminole Hard Rock Café. 7741… The Dip

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MOSI Family Expo

Visitors to MOSI's Kids in Charge learned about everything from safety seats to defense moves to get away from attackers. The event was co-sponsored by MOSI and Community News.

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