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GROUNDHOG DAY BECOMES GUINEA HOG DAY AT HOUSTON ZOO

(02/02/2011)

GROUNDHOG DAY BECOMES GUINEA HOG DAY AT HOUSTON ZOO

Guinea Hogs Penelope and Olivia Make Their Predictions Feb. 2 At The John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo

(HOUSTON) January 26, 2011…Ground Hog Day 2011 will become Guinea Hog Day at the Houston Zoo on February 2 when two of the newest residents of the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo, Guinea hogs Penelope and Olivia make their winter weather prediction.

At 11 a.m. Penelope and Olivia will emerge from the McGovern Children’s Zoo ‘bat cave’ and will make their Guinea Hog Day weather prediction by choosing between two spherical objects – one representing 6 more weeks of winter and the other representing the onset of spring. After making their choice, Penelope and Olivia will explain their prediction to their keepers who will provide an interpretation. Yes, their keepers speak fluent Guinea Hog.

Why Guinea hogs? Well, it’s simple, actually. The Houston Zoo doesn’t have a ground hog. Ground hogs don’t like the hot and humid tropical climate that we have along the southeast Texas Gulf coast. But we believe our Guinea hogs, Penelope and Olivia are naturals for predicting future weather patterns on February 2 due to their intelligence and adaptability. Our keepers consider all hogs and pigs to be highly intelligent animals and quick learners with a substantial memory. In fact, Guinea hogs can thrive in a wide array of environments, from deserts to mountainous terrain.

Originally from the Guinea coast of Africa, Guinea hogs spread to Europe and then the New World where they became a favorite of homesteaders in the American South. Guinea hogs are considered a rare breed today.

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $12 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $8 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $10 and a child Zoo admission for $7. Zoo memberships start at only $55. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org.

Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot. With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor. For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.

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