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CONTACT:
     Laurey Peat
     Laurey Peat + Assoc.
     214/871.8787

Wildebeests Join Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas
New additions to the East African exhibit are the wildebeests, which arrived spring 2004

TYLER, TX - Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - One of the most exciting events to happen at Caldwell Zoo is the arrival of new animals. Along with many other spring and summer events, the zoo recently announced that this spring three male Eastern white-bearded wildebeests joined zoo family. They reside in the East African exhibit after completing a standard period of quarantine. All three wildebeests are less than one year old and are coming to the Caldwell Zoo from Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla.

The new wildebeests could grow to four and half feet tall and weigh about 500 pounds. Wildebeests are native to southern and eastern Africa and normally roam in large herds. An unusual fact about wildebeests is that they sometimes congregate with other African animals such as zebras and gazelles. Wildebeests constantly search for grass and water covering as many as 800 miles during their migration period.

The arrival of the new wildebeests is an addition to the spring and summer events scheduled for the Caldwell Zoo that will educate the public on the animals and exhibits. The events throughout the summer include an otter presentation, a native raptor free flight show, an alligator presentation, giraffe feedings on the weekends, and various informal meet-the-keeper interactions during the week. All events are seasonal and subject to change due to weather conditions. Contact the zoo office for details at 903/593.0121.

The events showcase the Caldwell Zoo's $6.5 million construction project completed in the fall that includes an exciting new entryway with new exhibits for lemurs, squirrel monkeys, flamingos, and spoonbills, along with a new Children's Zoo contact area, gift shop and visitor services building.

Another beautiful attraction at the zoo this spring is the blooms. New foliage on trees is also spectacular, especially the "Forest Pansy" redbud and ferns.

Over the last 50 years, the Caldwell Zoo has delighted millions of visitors. The zoo began as the backyard menagerie of Tyler business leader D.K. Caldwell. Today, true to Caldwell's vision and under the caring guidance of his nephew, Executive Director Hayes Caldwell, the Caldwell Zoo has become one of the finest small zoos in the country, with 2,000 animals representing 250 different species. A regional destination, the zoo attracts thousands of visitors each year and has been recognized as one of the top zoos in the South.

The Caldwell Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., April 1 through September 30, and from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., October 1 through March 31. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.