Hi Zoo Friends,
Great News - On Saturday, July 8th, the first ever "Military & Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" went off without a hitch! Nearly 2,400 people showed up. Some say they saw the Western Refining Billboard with the message flashing. Others heard the radio, TV or the newspaper.

We had the pleasure of hosting different agencies from the community.

The El Paso Community College Police came by and had flashing tripp lights and anti-drug info at their booth. Plus some time for a photo-op with our security guard.

The crew from Crime Stoppers smiled for the camera.

Military officers and even fire fighters let kids get an up-close look at the equipment and vehicles they use in their line of work.

(The Men of Fire Station 5 - right next to our zoo)
The Fire Department parked their pumper truck by the Biome.

Over on the other side of the Zoo were more booths, the volunteers from the Citizen's Advisory Board and members of the El Paso Police Department with their "froggles." These goggles made the wearer experience the same vision as a person under the influence.

If you went by the Grasslands Cafe or the Elephant's Trunk Gift Store - you know they were hopping busy!

Maybe it was the influence of Radio La Chusma - the funky Afro-Latin music had zoo-goers swaying to the groove.

In the Asia area, kids explored their inner artist as they got to go wild - drawing designs on the sidewalk with chalk.

(even some parents got in the act)

(another mini-Picasso)

The jumpy balloon that Goodman Financial provided free for all the little ones was a real hit!

And Bob Gable led the packed crowd through the Sea Lion Show - after which, the Red Cross took over, spending time to teach water safety tips.

Pat Ramos - our face painter - had to forgo lunch for most of the day because she was painting faces non-stop.

How can you fit an elephant on your cheek? You can if Pat Ramos paints it on.

Though the skies were threatening storms in the morning, the day turned out beautiful - so KFOX took video for a TV weather shot.

With food at the café, music to listen to, animals to see, chalk to draw with, a free jumpy balloon to bounce in, a chair massage from Alpha & Omega Wellness Center to work out the knots, and a HALF PRICE Day plus Military Discounts - the crowd was set!

And if you missed Military & Law Enforcement Appreciation Day?

Well, there's always next year!