Exotic presents await buyers at Fort Worth Zoo’s store
by Paul Matson, reporter

     Wild gift ideas await Christmas shoppers at the Fort Worth Zoo’s Safari Shop.

     The gift shop offers a wide selection of unique merchandise, including hand-blown, painted tree ornaments, jewelry, leather-bound organizers on recycled banana paper and silver serving pieces.

     Also available is a true animal print, an original painting by Rasha, the Zoo’s painting pachyderm. Other, more common items, include plush animals, Zoo T-shirts and sweatshirts, educational books, videos, music and toys.

     In addition, the shop features a large variety of popular animal-print speciality items, such as facial tissue and picture frames.

     The Fort Worth Zoo also has Zoo membership packages and Zoo Parent animal “adoptions” available for the holidays.

     This year’s special holiday adoption package features the Zoo’s new baby Indochinese tigers,which recently celebrated their five-month birthdays.

     Although the cubs can’t be taken home, personalized “adoption” certificates, a miniature plush animal, an Indochinese tiger fact sheet, photo of the tiger, one-year subscription to the Zoo’s ROAR! magazine and two Zoo admission tickets are available.

     Prices range from $35 for a sponsor to $1,000 to become a “Grand” Parent.

     In addition to the tiger, a wide variety of animal adoptions may be obtained. Purchasing gift shop items, memberships and adoptions also helps the animals.

     Memberships and adoptions may be purchased at the guest relations office located at the front gate of the Fort Worth Zoo or by phone at 817-871-7019 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

     For guaranteed delivery by Monday, Dec. 25, memberships and adoptions must be purchased by Sunday, Dec. 17, or items may be picked up in person through Sunday, Dec. 24.

     The Fort Worth Zoo’s Safari Shop and guest relations office is open daily 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. at 1989 Colonial Parkway.

     For more information, log on to www.fortworthzoo.org.