Albuquerque Biological Park Calendar of Events

February 2008

Featured Events

• Winter Fire Colors Flower Show - All month at the Garden
• Aquarium Evening Lecture Series: Shark Pups - February 6
• BioPark Beginnings Winter Sessions - February 6, 13, 20, 27
• Winter Wool Festival at the Botanic Garden - February 9
• FREE Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach - February 9
• Touchpool Volunteer Training - February 13
• Valentine's Day at the BioPark - February 16
• Aquarium Overnight - February 22
• Leap Day at the Zoo - February 29

 

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Winter Fire Colors Flower Show in the Mediterranean Conservatory.

Through the end of February top

Flowers in an array of fiery colors are on display in the Rio Grande

Botanic Garden’s Mediterranean Conservatory during the annual “Winter Fire Colors” floral show, now through the end of February. 

This year's colorful display can be found hanging off the railings, flowing out of three-tiered baskets, perched on rocks, and planted for seasonal color in the ground at the Mediterranean Conservatory. Colors are hot reds, yellows, oranges, hot pinks and purples.

An established bed of forest Lilies, with light pink-orange flowers, is putting on its once-a-year show, also, in the Conservatory.  In Mediterranean climates, winters are moist and bring fresh growth.  Visit the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW,  now through the end of February to soak up some winter moisture and anticipate the New Mexico spring. The Winter Fire Colors Show is included with regular admission -- $7 for adults 13-64; $3 for children 3-12 and seniors 65 and older.

 

Aquarium Evening Lecture on Shark Pups top

Wednesday, February 6, 7:00 - 9:00pm, Aquarium Theater

Topic: Shark Pups at the Albuquerque Aquarium

Speaker: Andy Allison, Assistant Curator, Albuquerque Aquarium

Sharks have long been displayed at hundreds of aquariums around the world, but we still have a lot to learn about them, especially with regard to reproductive biology. Many species have not yet bred in captivity, while many others only reproduce infrequently and have not been documented. The Albuquerque Aquarium recently had a rare opportunity to learn more about the reproductive behaviors of the blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus. Learn about the efforts undertaken by Aquarium staff to help ensure a successful delivery and be among the first to see photos of a blacktip shark pup being born!

 

Aquarium evening lectures take place the first Wednesday of the month at the Albuquerque Aquarium Theater. Admission is $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for children, seniors, BioPark volunteers and staff. Refreshments are included. Call 848-7180 for more information.

 

BioPark Beginnings Winter Sessions. top

Wednesdays, February 6 & 20, at the Aquarium/Garden.

Wednesdays, February 13 & 27, at the Zoo.

Preschool children and one accompanying adult will explore the amazing world of animals and plants at the BioPark's Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Garden! Join us as we play games, create fun works of art, sing songs and, of course, visit the BioPark's exhibits. Find out what animals swim in the sea, get a taste of farm life and discover Australia's amazing animals. Activities are designed for ages 3-6 and are facilitated with active parent participation. Classes alternate weekly between the Aquarium/Garden and Zoo.

Cost: $120 for entire winter session. Cost includes one child and one adult. Up to two additional children are $60 each. Group size is limited. Pre-registration is required and participation is reserved ONLY after payment is received. To register, call Education at (505) 848-7180, then mail completed registration form to BioPark Education, 2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. No refunds available.

 

At the Aquarium/Garden

Wednesdays - February 6 & 20; March 5 & 19.

 

At the Zoo

Wednesdays - February 13 & 27; March 12; April 2.

 

Winter Wool Festival at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden

Saturday, February 9, 10:00am-2:00pm top

Join us as we celebrate the connections between animals, plants and people! Learn how fur from alpacas, bison, camels and other animals is used for weaving everything from sweaters to rugs. Visitors of all ages can try their hand at weaving wool and spinning yarn.

At the botanic garden's Heritage Farm exhibit, learn how plants are used to make natural dyes, and even dye a piece of wool to take home! Learn about Navajo Churro sheep and the process used to turn their wool into a warm sweater! You can also take a ride on an old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon.

At both facilities, weavers from the East Mountain Fiber Fanatics will demonstrate spinning, weaving and carding and will display a variety of fleeces.

For more information, call (505) 764-6245

 

Fishing Clinic at Tingley Beach. top

Saturday, February 9, 10:00am to 12:00pm.

Location: Tent on lawn near train station.

With support from New Mexico Trout and the BioPark's Fishing Guide volunteers, a FREE fishing Clinic will be offered at Tingley Beach every month on the second Saturday. There will be instruction of basic fly-tying methods, fly-rod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective 'catch and release' practices and enhancement of advanced skills. Equipment and supplies are available for use during the clinic on a first come, first served basis and are free of charge.

Participants are welcome, however, to bring their own gear. In addition, Tingley Outfitters provides basic equipment for purchase inside the train station.

 

Touchpool Volunteer Training.top

Thursday, February 13, 9:30am to 3:30pm

Touchpool volunteers assist with the hands-on invertebrate Touchpool at the aquarium and introduce visitors to horseshoe crabs, horse conchs, sea urchins and other fascinating marine animals.  For more information, please call (505) 764-6245.

 

Celebrate (the Saturday after) Valentine's Day at the Albuquerque BioPark!

Saturday, February 16, 10:00am-2:00pm top

Visit special Discovery Stations around the zoo to learn about the amazing ways that animals attract a mate.  Find out how the zoo acts as a “dating service” for endangered animals, such as gorillas, elephants and wolves, as part of the Species Survival Program.  Call (505) 764-6214 for more information.

At the aquarium, discover how male seahorses get pregnant; look for courtship in the coral reef; and learn why some fish undergo a sex change. At the botanic garden, find out why flowers depend on the birds and the bees.

Visit the Heritage Farm exhibit and snuggle up on an old fashioned horse-drawn wagon. Valentine's Day activities are included with regular admission: adults $7; children and seniors $3.

For more information, contact BioPark Education at (505) 764-6245.

 

Aquarium Overnight. top

Friday, February 22, 7:00pm to 8:00am Saturday, February 23

Sleep next to the sharks at this family-friendly event. Participants will learn about interesting facts about ocean species and their nighttime behavior during this special Aquarium sleepover. Includes games and crafts, Touchpool visit and ocean film fest in the theater. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $25/person. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information and to pre-register (required).

 

Leap Day - Year of the Frog.top

Friday, February 29, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Hop on over to the Rio Grande Zoo on February 29th and help us celebrate ALL amphibians. Learn about frogs, toads, newts and salamanders by visiting the Reptile and Amphibian building. You’ll also get to meet some amazing amphibians up close! Most importantly, you’ll learn how you can help protect these animals and how easy it is to be “green.” For more information, please call (505) 764-6214. Leap Day activities are included with general admission.

The Albuquerque BioPark is partnering with numerous AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) member institutions in holding Leap Day events on February 29th and in designating 2008 as the Year of the Frog. Throughout the year, zoos and aquariums across the nation will offer a variety of events and programs to help educate visitors about amphibians, about the current worldwide amphibian crisis and about amphibian conservation!

 

Amphibian Ark Conservation Messages