Zoo is veritable nursery
So far this year 150 animals have been born at the Guadalajara Zoo, from recent newborns such as hippos Tammy and Tachita to mountain goats and Tembo, a giraffe of just five months. Muluk, a puma cub born in the spring of 2011 had to be separated from her mother, who wasn’t born in captivity — but captured in a Jalisco pueblo — to ensure his mother didn’t kill him. Long-time zoo employee Jose Luis Rodriguez Avila, who is director of the mammals there, said the zoo has had success in breeding 90 of the 98 species of mammals in its collection, including the big cats that inhabit Mexico and Jalisco: pumas, jaguar, ocelote, linx, jaguarundi, tigrillo. Over the years, only a few animals have not had offspring that survived: elephants, chimpanzies, anteaters and tapirs. Due to space limitations and the lack of programs to reintroduce animals to the wild, birth control is used to reduce overpopulation of the zoo, he said.
One pesos entry fee
Now is a good time to take the kids to the zoo as they get in for as little as one peso. Children aged 3-11 can enter for only 1 peso through August 19. The general entry for one peso (60 pesos each for adults) does include the Herpetarium, Monkeyland, the Aviary, the Austrailian Villa, the Tropical Jungle, the Veterinarian Ranch and the Animal Investigation Center (CIA), but does not apply to the Safari Masai Mara, the aquarium or the panoramic train. Those attractions can be added separately at reasonable prices. Various packages for the different areas are offered as well with hefty discounts for the children. A clown provides entertainment, including magic, songs and juggling Tuesday to Sunday during the summer vacation at 3:30 in the auditorium. Parking is only 40 pesos for the day. Wheelchairs can be rented for 40 pesos per tour. Bring a lunch and agua fresca for a picnic, but leave glass containers and any soft drinks at home. The park sells a variety of snacks, sandwiches and soft drinks.
Luz del Mundo
The Luz del Mundo Temple in Guadalajara’s Colonia Hermosa Provincia will be inundated with the faithful this week as church members from around the world converge to celebrate their yearly Holy Convocation. Some 300,000 are expected and will occupy 6 shelters, 30 schools, 30 hotels and stay at some 10,000 Temple area homes.
Guachimontones tree plant
The Guachimontones Investigative Center “Phil Weigand” and the town of Teuchitlan invite you to help them plant 3,000 native trees this Sunday, beginning 9 a.m. Be sure to bring a hat and water. For more info email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.