Feeling Endangered These Days

To explain my absence from blogging let me just say that the past several weeks have left me feeling a bit endangered...or perhaps better to say in danger - of a nervous collapse. Loads of hectic days (and nights) not to mention stress and sore feet as we worked frantically to get the Awareness and Discovery Center: An Exposition of the Poaching of Endangered Species ready for its big official re-opening tomorrow (May 27th). So much has gone into preparing this Exposition on the Poaching of Endangered Species...graphics, translations, scripts, recordings, building, painting, landscaping, electronic installation ... so much to be done! But thanks to a whole lot of effort on the part of a whole lot of people, we are ready to open the doors tomorrow at 11:30. The official ribbon-cutting honors will be carried out jointly by the regional director of the Wildlife Enforcement of Environment Canada together with the 3 mayors of Saint John, Rothesay and Quispamsis. Now there's a photo op that could illustrate regional cooperation.
Thank you everyone for your commitment on this project and belief in the importance of the local voice we provide on global issues such as this. It will be a proud day tomorrow at Cherry Brook Zoo. And we will all deserve to share with invited guests the BBQ lunch to follow with some of Shirley's famous homemade strawberry shortcake.

Be sure to come and visit the new display ...just look for the big red roof!

A Case of Murphy's Law - Grandparent Style

I should have remembered Murphy's Law as my son and daughter-in-law jetted off on a romantic anniversary trip. Oh, we had watched the grandchildren hundred's of times over the years but this was for a full week AND the parents were to be out of the country. We seemed well prepared. My daughter-in-law had left a spread sheet, outlining every contact number I could ever possibly need, every after school activity children must be transported to and even times they had to leave the house to catch the school bus. At least I can claim that the first day went very well. Following that, not so much!

School was closed for teacher workshops so I planned to take the kids to the Zoo. Things are a little hectic there at the moment with several projects on the go at the same time. They could play mini-golf while I worked in the office on a few tasks. Thursday the sun came out...it would be a good day at the Zoo and we planned to go after lunch. Then I heard loud "come quick, Nanny" screams and opened the front door to lots of blood and tears. Our grandson had wiped out on his skate board in the driveway. Luckily, nothing serious that peroxide, polysporin and a lot of ice couldn't sooth but our trip to the Zoo was definitely off. Convincing the injured grandson that a call to his parents really wasn't necessary was a challenge but I managed to assure him mom and dad would worry unnecessarily (and likely wonder if grandparents were truly up to the task they had taken on?)

We'd make it to the Zoo the next day. I would keep them inside the house until we left to prevent any other injury. All was going well until my granddaughter insisted that Nanny look at her mosquito bites. And then about 2 hours later still more mosquito bites. It had been a very long time since I had diagnosed such a growing rash but in my heart I knew Murphy's Law was in action again. As I surfed the Internet for some confirming images - something not available to me as a parent - I learned that chicken pox was going to rule out any trip to the Zoo yet again. And once again, the challenge was disuading the grandchild not to immediately call Mom. (Can you imagine what thoughts would be going through the parents head as to what we were doing with their children in their absence). No, I would wait until I saw how bad it got and then place a casual call, perhaps the next day. (Should I start or end the call with, "oh by the way the kids are fine now".)

The good news is that the road rash (incident #1) started to heal nicely and the chicken pox was not accompanied by high fever. And I was able to prevent undue scatching by distracting my granddaughter with Zoo work! The Zoo's spring newsletter was due to be mailed out to donors and several hundred envelopes needed to be sealed and have address labels affixed. Engrossed in the chore, she hardly noticed as each new "mosquito bite" emerged.

The remaining days passed uneventually and when parents eventually learned of the now safely handled issues at home, there was not enough stress to distract from their enjoyment of a much needed vacation. They arrived home refreshed to happy and healing children and to grandparents who had proven up to the task to looking after their kids for a week...but who were now in definite need of a good rest.

No wonder the Lord arranges for you to have children when you are young.

Tee Time at the Zoo

The calls have been coming daily into the Zoo for several weeks with a common question: when will miniature golf start? Although the opening was scheduled for May 1st, the staff put on a real push and managed to get things ready to open this past weekend. While I suspect staff motivation was influenced by their desire to play at the end of the work day, I'm sure most mini-golf enthusiasts will join me in saying a big "thank you". The course provides an important revenue stream for your financially strapped Zoo and every additional week of golfing is greatly welcomed. Now let's pray for lots of sunny days. The course opens at 10:00AM and on weekdays runs until 4:30; on the weekends it is open to 6:00pm. Once we have our summer staff in place, the hours will be expanded. Remember than when you play miniature golf, you are directly supporting care of the animlas who call Cherry Brook Zoo their home.

Just Imagine & Blue Sky Thinking

I read with interest the headline today in the Telegraph's City Section and thought how appropriate to the Zoo. In the Zoo's soon to be released Donor Newsletter, we ask our supporters to "just imagine what your Zoo would look like today" if the money originally set aside for growth and enhancement could have been spent on that instead of having to meet yearly deficits. Hopefully, as the invitees to the weekend conference gather to consider the possibilities for our area and develop a new vision for Greater Saint John, that vision includes the zoo that has belonged to the people of Greater Saint John for more than 30 years.

Councillor Peter McGuire also was reported recently as looking for future ideas, what he called Blue Sky thinking. He indicated that perhaps the best path to get ideas of what people would like for their recreational time would be to "ask the children". We agree! And there was a group of children in Councillor McGuire's Ward who spoke loud and clear some months ago when an entire Grade 4 class wrote to city hall telling them how important their Zoo was and asking for support to keep it open for them. Hopefully he was listening!

Exposed Assets

After a brief scare this past weekend that winter would rear its ugly head, it now looks llike spring weather is definitely here. Nature is peeling the layer of ice off the river and glimpses of exposed river stir thoughts of sails racing along. One Saint John asset that we can realy brag about, but often take for granted, is our fantstic river system. I look forward to the fantastic views of sail boat races twice weekly in Millidgeville. It's a free spectator sport more should take time to enjoy.

The better weather is also seeing another city asset exposed...the tarps have been removed from the Zoo's 18-hole miniature golf couse and staff are hard at work to get it ready to re-open in early May.

Bunnies, Llamas and Lots of Easter Fun

When we prayed that it wouldn't rain on Saturday during Easter celebrations at the Zoo, the alternative we had in mind was definitely not the cold temperatures and occasionalsnow flurry. But in spite of the chill, hundreds turned out to meet the Easter Bunny and share some great family fun ...riasing nearly $2500.00 for the Zoo. There was face painting, special draws, and a chance to get up close with llamas and donkeys. The Easter Bunny was on hand to greet visitors and handed out new toothbrushes to the kids who also got white chocolate bunnies. You can check out photos of the special event on the Zoo website at www.cherrybrookzoo.com. Thanks to the many involved in making the day a success and to all the visitors who turned out to support the Zoo. A good time for everyone. And the animals certainly enjoyed having so much company after a long winter.

An Early Easter at the Zoo

Well your Zoo is all set for "Easter at the Zoo" on Saurday (please, Lord ...skip the rain!) But the Easter Bunny came early for the Zoo on Thursday night thanks to the efforts of some District 8 Teachers who put together a great fundraiser held at the Blue Olive. They turned a well-deserved evening of relaxing and socializing into a money maker for the Zoo. Backed by prizes from generous businesses and the enthusiasm of attendees in purchasing tickets, it looks like the total raised will pass the one thousand mark. Money much appreciated and much, much needed by your Zoo. thanks to everyone ...and we will have a total dollar report in a later posting.

Thanks to all - and see you at the Zoo on Saturday.

What a Million Might Do?

When I read in the Telegraph reference to the $1 million it has cost for the city pension lawsuit already, I couldn't help but dream of how much that one million could change the Zoo...I get visions of a brand new, larger primate house and enclosure fot the mini-golf course so people could use it year round (and so generate revenue for the Zoo) ... plus a family-oriented Safari Adventure area where people could stay overnight...oh the dreams go on and on. No doubt spending a million on these things would generate more smiles and 'good feelings' than the current courtroom marathon. Then again, maybe we should just start buying lotto tickets - are the odds better there that the Zoo gets the funding it needs?

The Mystery of Motions

Today's Telegraph carried another article on past City Council motions and the question of follow through - as well as public knowledge of these things. The Zoo has direct concern on the topic; specifically two motions: July 5, 2004 (concerning Zoo land issue) and December 15, 2009 (concerning placement of Zoo under the Regional Facilities Commission.)

We are patient but ...

Hopefully follow through on the most recent motion will not take as long as the first!

A time for sniffles and lights out

Well, with Spring came flu and several of your Zoo staff and volunteers are very under the weather ...we share! Earth hour is approaching quickly and it's nice to see the efforts of various community groups to promote it. You can sign up on the city website . Just received a very informative email from the Greater Saint John Community Foundation that also included lots of conservation tips. You can find that on their website . On this site you can register if you actually did turn out your lights on Saturday as well.

Perhaps next year if all groups get together we can plan to make this a real community happening - maybe several events. We don't have any major event at this time of the year so this could be something to get people involved and active - from neighborhood block parties to concerts.

Okay - time now more NeoCitran, chicken soup and sleep.

Spring ...YEA!

Spring has finally arrived (and hopefully stays). The river ice is getting thinner and the potholes are getting wider. The huge white mountains that have reduced the size of the Zoo parking lot are beginning to shrink and pathways will soon shed their skating-rink character. As the weather warms, more and more animals will emerge from their shelters on a regular basis - though the tigers and snow leopard have been entertaining visitors in spite of snow and cold.

Plans are well underway for the visit of the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 11th and some details are posted in the events section.

Earth Hour Fast Approaching

Cherry Brook Zoo wants to encourage all businesses, organizations and residents in the Greater Saint John area to participate in Earth Hour being celebrated around the world on Saturday, March 28th from 8:30 to 9:30. Learn more about the event, register and find ideas on how you can mark the event at www.earthhour.org. Be sure to view the fantastic promo on Utube ...go to our website to find it quickly (bottom of home page). We'll be posting information on what saint John and area is doing to mark the event.

City Defines Potholes

Just in case we didn't know, today the City issued an email advisory to the residents of Saint John to tell them what a pothole was. No honest - to see the deifition go to
http://www.saintjohn.ca/article-details.cfm?ArticleID=D2E58F17-944D-1B0A-59FA7260A3BE343A

There are timely tips for pothole season such as "slow down". Good grief!! But at least there is a number where you can call to report the potholes.

Inspiration from South of the Border

Given the great challenges facing your Zoo to grow and thrive, I couldn't help but find a bit of inspiration in last night's address to Congress by American President Obama. He spoke of laying a new foundation and identifying new resources in a time of crisis, of pulling together and confronting boldly the challenges we face. He talked of spirit and not being quitters ...and tkaing responsibility. Much of this applies to ensuring that the vision of those who created a Zoo in Saint John 30 years ago remains vibrant and that we do all we can, "inside and out of the box" to assure that the next generation will continue to be able to enjoy a Zoo - a vibrant Zoo - in our community.

Oh for a plow

Another Saint John winter day leaves the Zoo wondering when it will be able to afford a plow that actually works. Luckily there is that snowblower donated by Canadian Tire to clear pathways to the animals for feeding but as for the rest ... though not in our very small budget, we will have to bit the bullet for a new truck that can undertake tasks like clearing the 37cm that has filled up the parking lot and patways.

In the news ...Again

The Zoo has certainly been in the news of late. Unfortunately this has included some not so good news. The Zoo had applied for an 2009 operating grant from City Council for $175,000 ... that's around of one-third of annual cost of operating your Zoo and is very small compared to the Zoo budget given the Moncton Zoo at $1.5 million. Cherry Brook Zoo has received only $50,000 for 2009, a step up from the zero funding scene of 2003-2008 but so far short of what is needed ... and so far short of what the city agreed to provide the Zoo when it was invited to locate in Rockwood Park in the late '70's. The latest news is that the Zoo now will receive only $40,000 of the promised $50,000 as $10,000 is being held back by the City to go towards property tax, even though the Zoo neither owns nor has a lease on the property. The City of Saint John owns the Zoo land. The Zoo assets belong to the citizens of Saint John and are held in trust for the citizens by Cherry Brook Zoo of Saint John Inc., a charitable body that is administered by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The Zoo is in urgent need of continued public support.