CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331 | Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
The Zoo is proud to announce the Community Access Membership which offers a deep discount for families participating in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).
“We want to emphasize Zoo accessibility for everyone. This is something we’ve been working on for a while now and the launch just happens to coincide with a time when there are many out there in need,” said Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak. “We are happy to be able to offer this membership and provide more access to people experiencing challenges.”
SNAP cards from any state will be accepted for this new membership.
This deeply discounted membership is available for the Family level (Option A or B). The Community Access Membership can be purchased in person at the Zoo with a valid SNAP card and photo ID at the time of purchase. The purchaser must be one of the named adults on the membership. Those interested in taking advantage of the Community Access Membership are asked to make an online reservation to purchase their membership at the Zoo.
Additional details can be found at LouisvilleZoo.org/cca
New female Addax Born at Zoo
A female Saharan addax was born at the Zoo during the COVID-19 closure on May 8, 2020. She weighed 16 lbs. at her neonatal exam on May 11, 2020. She doesn’t have a name yet. The Zoo will be announcing details about her naming contest soon.
The calf was born to mom Patella, who the Zoo staff calls “Ella” (16 years-old) and sired by Laird (7 years-old). This is the 60th addax calf born at the Zoo. Addax have been a part of the Zoo since it first opened in 1969.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature cites the Saharan addax as critically endangered. In 2016, field researchers estimated that less than 100 individuals remain in the remnant wild.
The addax is found in arid regions of Africa, within isolated pockets of the Sahara Desert. They live in small groups of five to 15 animals that are led by a mature male.
The new Louisville Zoo calf will join the other addax on exhibit daily in the yard located near the bongo and elephant exhibits in the African zone.
This addax birth was planned and is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Breeding plans work to maintain the genetic diversity of managed animal populations.
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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).