33
Dispatch → Factbook → Economy
Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand
Overview of Volaworand
History of Volaworand
See also:
- Volaworand Newswire
Geography of Volaworand
See also:
- International Research Stations
- Principal fossil localities
Politics of Volaworand
See also:
- How a bill becomes a law
- Volaworand Defence Forces
- Foreign Relations
Economy of Volaworand
See also:
- Attractions and Tourist Activities
- Kentucky Fried Penguin Locations
- Royal National Zoological Park
- Southern Transportation Corporation
- VIM Programme
- Volaworand Antarctic College
- Volaworand Space Agency
Chair of Board of Trustees:
Tanner Schwartz
Minister of Environment:
Nyota Uhura-Kirk
~ 50% Operating Income
~ 25% Government Grants
~ 25% Corporate Sponsorships
Animals: 1225
Species: 153
The Royal National Zoological Park (RNZP) of Volaworand, usually called the National Zoo, is located on the outskirts of the capital in Rothera. Its mission is to "provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats".
The facility hosts over 1,000 animals of 153 different species. About one-third of them are endangered or threatened. The best-known residents are the Auphelian Unicorns, but the zoo is also home to birds, great apes, big cats, elephants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic animals, small mammals and many more. The zoo houses between 60 and 80 endangered species at any given time depending on research needs and recommendations from the zoo and the conservation community. The zoo was one of the first in The South Pacific to establish a scientific research program in partnership with Volaworand Antarctic College.
The National Zoo receives federal grants for 25% of the operating expenses from the Department of the Environment. Corporate sponsorships and donations fund another quarter of expenses, with the remaining half coming from income generated by operations. A new master plan for the park was introduced in 2018 to upgrade the park's exhibits and layout. The Bird House Aviary is currently being renovated and expanded. Five resaurants are on site, including Jimmy's Ice Cream Parlor, Kentucky Fried Penguin #73 Panda Overlook , and Krill Grill Café.
Open daily 8am to 9pm (10am to 5pm on public holidays).
General Admission Price ranges from £9.95 to £19.95, depending on age and events underway.
Members of Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) allowed unlimited free park entrance and discounted or free access to most events.
Special programs and events
In partnership with Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), a non-profit organization, the zoo holds annual fund raisers (ZooFari, Snore and Roar, and Brew at the Zoo) and free events (Easter Monday, ZooFiesta Musical). Proceeds support animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.
Woo at the Zoo – A Valentine's Day (February 14) talk by some of the zoo's animal experts discussing the fascinating, and often quirky, world of animal dating, mating, and reproductive habits. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program.
Earth Day: Party for the Planet – Celebrating Earth Day at the National Zoo. Guests can learn simple daily actions they can take to enjoy a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Easter Monday – Easter Monday has been a Rothera-area multicultural tradition for many years. There is a variety of family activities, entertainment and special opportunities to learn more about the animals. Admission is free, and this event traditionally welcomes thousands of area families.
Zoofari – An elegant evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, entertainment and dancing under the stars. Each year, thousands of attendees enjoy delicacies prepared by master chefs from 100 of the area's finest restaurants. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program.
Snore and Roar – A FONZ program that allows individuals and families to spend the night at the zoo, in sleeping bags inside tents. A late-night flashlight tour of the zoo and a two-hour exploration of an animal house or exhibit area led by a zoo keeper are part of the experience. Snore and Roar dates are offered between June and September each year.
Brew at the Zoo – Guests can sample SPIT from a variety of microbreweries at the zoo. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program.
ZooFiesta – FONZ celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an annual fiesta at the National Zoo. Animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts and Latin foods are offered.
Rock-N-Roar – An event featuring live music, food and drink, and viewings of lion and tiger enrichment.
Autumn Conservation Festival – Visitors can talk with scientists one-on-one and learn about their research, and the tools and technology they use to understand animals and their environments. Guests can get behind-the-scenes looks at some of the endangered animals.
World Migratory Bird Day – Every October our ornithologists lead Bird Watching Tours to mark the arrival of migratory birds in Volaworand.
Boo at the Zoo – Families with children ages 2 to 12 trick-or-treat in a safe environment and receive special treats from more than 40 treat stations. There are animal encounters, keeper talks and festive decorations. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program.
Zoolights – The National Zoo's annual winter celebration. Guests can walk through the zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling environmentally-friendly lights and animated exhibits, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live entertainment.
Featured Animals | |
Patagonian Ti-Dog | Jakalaka provided four Ti-dogs in November 2024. |
Aguila | The Filippinas provided a Aguila in November 2024. |
Kolkaja | New Xartoia provided a pair of Kolkajas in November 2024. |
Pegasus | United Disney States provided two Pegasus in November 2024. |
Pengwing | Trivalve provided seven Pengwings (4 adults and 3 juvenile penglings ) in October 2024. |
Hedgehog | Zhuanghwei provided six of Hedgehogs in October 2024. |
White Harrier | Imperial Cecilia provided a pair of White Harriers in October 2024. |
Kulochian Lion | Kulochia provided a pair of Kulochian Lions in October 2024. |
Rokatov provided a pair of Rokatovian Panthers in October 2024. | |
Pitcairn Reed Warbler | British Pitcairn Islands provided a flock of Pitcairn Reed Warblers. |
Gentoo Penguin | British Falkland Islands provided a flock of gentoo penguins. |
Pintail Duck | S Georgia and S Sandwich Islands provided a flock of Yellow-billed Pintail Ducks. |
St Helena Plover | St Helena Ascension and Tristan da Cunha provided a pair of St Helena Plovers (or Wirebird), which the only endemic land bird on the island. |
Grizzly Bear | Martigues provided a pair of Bears in November 2017. |
Dove | The united nations of earth and humanity provided a pair of Doves in 2017. |
Unicorn | Auphelia provided a pair of Unicorns (Gina and Leslie) in 2017. |
Albatross | Imperialantarctica provided a flock of Albatross in September 2018. |
White Sun Tiger | Hanguk-Nippon provided a pair of their White Sun Tigers in September 2018. |
Sara, Rescued War Dog | Volaworand's military rescued Sara from the ongoing civil war in South Pacifica Isles. |
Red Fox | New haudenosaunee confederacy provided a Red Fox in October 2018. |
Quokka | Beepee provided a mating pair of Quokka in October 2018. |
European Dragon | Arkesia provided this terrifying pair of Dragons in October 2018. |
Serevo-Erinoran terror bird | Erinor provided a pair of Serevo-Erinoran Terror Birds (Titanis Erineensis) in October 2018. |
Morlock Crow | The coldwyvernian undead provided two Morlock Crows in October 2018. |
Anjanath | Yansu provided four Anjanaths in October 2018. |
Red Panther | East lodge provided Red Panthers in October 2018. |
Ambtarayar | Valkolia provided four Ambtarayars (a non-breeding domesticated pair and one wild pair) in October 2018. |
Frogs | Lily pad nation provided 25 frogs of 12 species in October 2018. |
Eastern Bear | East Sakhlin provided two Eastern Bears in October 2018. |
Giant Panda | Techolandia provided 4 Pandas in November 2018. |
Snow Leopard | East Sakhlin provided two Snow Leopards in November 2018. |
Vaquita Porpise | East Sakhlin provided two Vaquita in November 2018. |
Sable | East Sakhlin provided two Sables in November 2018. |
White-tailed Deer | The unified carolinas provided a small herd of White-tailed Deer Sables in December 2018. |
Red Panda | Kerlodia provided five Red Pandas in December 2018. |
Manimal | Poleande provided five manimals in December 2018. (Photo by JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11051942) |
Mochichi | Zinaland provided a herd of mochichi in December 2018. |
Eagle | Mryasia provided a pair of eagles in January, 2019. |
Saiga Antelope | East Sakhlin provided a herd of Saiga in January, 2019. (Photo by Anna Lushchekina - https://www.saigaresourcecentre.com/picture/male-female-saigas ) |
Auphelia provided Puddles the puppy in January, 2019. | |
Formosan Rock Macaques | The united chinese republic exchanged a troop of 5 formosan rock macaques in February, 2019. |
European Pine Marten | Sword of summer provided a pair of European Pine Martens, named Nakarisaune and Araluen ranger corps in February, 2019. |
Tox (Tiger-Fox hybrid) | Golden foxtopia provided a Tox (a Tiger-Fox hybrid) in February, 2019. |
Agouti | Ruvonia provided a pair of Agouti in August, 2019. |
Barbary Lion | Neo mida gals provided a pride of 5 Barbary Lions in October, 2021. The last recorded Barbary lion was shot in Morocco in 1942. The only Barbary lions left in the world are now found in zoos and are part of a global and collaborative breeding programme to ensure their future survival. Barbary lions are recorded throughout history. The Romans used Barbary lions in the Colosseum to battle with gladiators. Thousands of these cats were slaughtered during the reign of Caesar. These lions were also kept in the menagerie at the Tower of London and were offered as gifts to royal families of Morocco and Ethiopia. There are a handful of lions in zoo's that are considered partly descendants of the Barbary lion, but not full blood Barbary lions. There have been numerous sighting over the past three decades, but none of them have been genetically proven. The IUCN considers the Barbary lion extinct in the wild. RNZP is home to a pride of Barbary lions originating from the Alps. Siblings Liss(Female) Zeus(Male) and three rescued cubs Chaz(Male) Pana(Female) Grizz(Male) form a key part of international efforts to maintain this species. |
Penguin Diplomacy
Volaworand also loans chinstrap, gentoo and emperor penguins to zoo's around The South Pacific and the world. Penguins are rented from the Volaworand government for 10 years and the contract stipulates that zoos pay £600,000 a year for a breeding pair. After three years, any chick that is born must be returned to Volaworand, or transferred to other zoos breeding programs. Should one die because of preventable causes it is understood that the zoo must pay £300,000.
Volaworand sometimes gifts penguin loans, or exchanges animals with foreign nations as a sign of diplomatic friendship, however most recent penguin loans are linked to trade deals.
By year end, 31 zoos outside Volaworand are expected to host Volaworandian penguins.
Greek Avian Zoo, Athens Aurorastan
Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
Calgary, 🇨🇦 Canada
Macao, 🇨🇳 China
Changchun, 🇨🇳 China
Beauval zoo, 🇫🇷 France
Bremerhaven Zoo 🇩🇪 Germany
Fort Mirage Imperial Cecilia (gentoo penguins)
National Antarctic Kulochian Zoo (NAKZ) Kulochia (chinstrap penguins)
Ampang, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Santa Marta Marecageux
Coruscant National Zoo Rokatov (gentoo penguins)
Edinburgh 🏴 Scotland
Singapore Zoo, 🇸🇬 Singapore
Khao Kheow Open Zoo, 🇹🇭 Thailand
United Disney States (gentoo penguins)
NYC Central Park Zoo 🇺🇸 USA
Washington 🇺🇸 USA
Atlanta 🇺🇸 USA
Memphis 🇺🇸 USA
San Diego 🇺🇸 USA
Las Wasiada Zhuanghwei (chinstrap penguins)
Zoo Layout
RNZP News (newest stories first)
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to explore the zoo, where over 40 treat stations await! Each station offers delightful treats that will put smiles on the faces of our young visitors. As you wander through our enchanting pathways adorned with festive decorations, your family will be immersed in the spirit of Halloween.
🐾Exciting Animal Encounters and Keeper Talks
Boo at the Zoo isn’t just about candy! Enjoy animal encounters and informative keeper talks throughout the event. Meet our amazing residents, including the legendary Auphelian Unicorns and the fascinating Rokatovian Panthers, a stunning new exhibit made possible by the generous support of the nation of Rokatov. Watch these magnificent big cats as they showcase their grace and beauty!
Don’t miss the chance to visit our "Puddles the Puppy" exhibit - a terrifyingly adorable experience that’s perfect for the whole family! Meet Puddles and learn about the importance of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in an engaging, safe and fun setting.
🎃A Safe Halloween Adventure
Safety is our priority at Boo at the Zoo. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating in a well-organized environment, ensuring that everyone has a fantastic time while staying safe. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween together!
👻Support Wildlife Conservation
By attending Boo at the Zoo, you’re not just enjoying a memorable day out; you’re also supporting a noble cause. All proceeds from this event directly benefit our animal care program, helping us provide the best care for over 1,000 animals and support vital conservation efforts in the community.
- Date: October 24-31st
- Time: 4 PM – 8 PM
- Admission: General Admission applies, with discounted rates for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members.
Don’t miss this opportunity for a fun-filled Halloween adventure at the Royal National Zoological Park! Bring your costumes, gather your friends, and create lasting memories at Boo at the Zoo.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website. We can’t wait to celebrate Halloween with you and your family!
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Attractions and Tourist Activites
WMBD is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
Every year people around the world take action and organize public events such as bird festivals, education programmes, exhibitions and bird-watching excursions to celebrate WMBD. All these activities can also be undertaken at any time on the year because that countries or regions observing the peak of migrations at different times, but the main days for the international celebrations on the second Saturday in May and in October.
For this WMBD the Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand highlights some of the the migratory birds arriving this month to summer in Volaworand. Did you know that long-distance migration patterns have evolved over thousands of years? This is partially controlled by the genetic makeup of birds but also by responses to weather, geography, food sources, day length and other factors. Most birds migrate in flocks, altering their metabolism to allow them to accumulate fat to use as a storage of energy to meet the demands of migration. Birds will also moult once or twice a year to replenish their feathers after suffering from wear and tear. Instinctively, migrating birds know where to migrate and how to navigate back home. They almost always return to the home where they were born, so it wouldn’t be surprising to spot the same bird in the same place each year.
Book one of our Ornithologist-led Birdwatching Tours to see some of these favorite migratory bird species found in Volaworand.
The seabird most famous for its long-distance migrations is the Arctic Tern. Weighing only 85-100g (3-5 ounces), they are the world record holder. Flying annually between the northern and southern hemispheres, these birds make a remarkable return trip of around 44,000 miles each year. That’s the equivalent of three round trips to the Moon and an estimated 2.4 million kilometers in their lifetime!
The long journey ensures that this bird sees two summers per year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet. One example of this bird's remarkable long-distance flying abilities involves an Arctic tern ringed as an unfledged chick on the Farne Islands, Northumberland, UK, in the northern summer of 1982 that reached Melbourne, Australia in October, just three months after fledging – a journey of more than 22,000 km (14,000 mi). Another example is that of a chick ringed in Labrador, Canada, on 23 July 1928. It was found in South Africa just four months later.
These seabirds travel huge distances, breeding on the islands and cliffs of Volaworand. After breeding, they spend the rest of the year at sea migrating north, and are often encountered on the shores of Nova Scotia. At home in the roughest of seas, the birds fly in the troughs of waves during gale-force winds. Weighing just 40 grams, they are the smallest warm-blooded animal that breeds in the Antarctica region. They are also the most numerous – it is said that after chickens they have the largest population of any species worldwide.
Don't let the dainty Wilson’s Storm-Petrel deceive you—this is one of the world’s hardiest seabirds, at home in the stormy Antarctic as well as the North Atlantic. Barely bigger than swallows, these small, dark brown birds with white tail coverts flutter and glide across oceans in search of plankton. They orient into the wind, patter their feet on the surface, and seize tiny prey with the bill. They often feed around baleen whales, which carry plankton to the surface as they forage.
Skuas are group of predatory seabirds, and there are a few species of skua that we may see during voyages in Volaworand. The Brown Skua is quite a large bird and is the heaviest species of skua. Skuas extensively vary in their post-breeding movements- some only move short distances from their breeding grounds while others will partake in a true long-range migration. The South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki) breeds on the coastline of Antarctica, usually laying two eggs in November and December. They migrate and winter at sea in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. The migration routes of the gull-like South Polar Skuas are amongst the longest for any bird, with annual journeys of more than 10,000 kilometres between their feeding and breeding grounds.
Both of these skuas can often be seen trying to steal penguin eggs and will feed on penguin chicks as well as fish and other seabirds. During the summer months, south polar skuas prey on eggs and young of Adélie penguins near the coast, while other skuas feed solely on fish and krill. South polar skuas are often seen following ships at sea. Many skuas nest in close association with their prey. Southern giant-petrel and other skuas are infrequent predators on unattended nests and wandering chicks. Some eggs and chicks are lost each season to exposure.
This pure white bird can be found hopping around penguin colonies, clearing up spilled krill and even eating penguin poop! Very similar in appearance to a chicken, the snowy sheathbill has the distinction of being the only bird in Antarctica without webbed feet. While they don’t look like impressive flyers, once penguin breeding season is over and the colonies empty, the sheathbills fly north across the notorious Drake Passage to spend the winter in South America.
They are very curious and will try to eat anything, even our guests’ bags that are left on the ground! It finds its food on land. It is an omnivore, a scavenger, and a kleptoparasite and will eat nearly anything. It steals regurgitated krill and fish from penguins when feeding their chicks and will eat their eggs and chicks if given the opportunity. Sheathbills also eat carrion, animal feces, and, where available, human waste. It has been known to eat tapeworms that have been living in a chinstrap penguin's intestine
Experience migratory birds for yourself and travel alongside our expert ornithologists. Speak to a National Zoo agent to book your birdwatching adventure today.
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Attractions and Tourist Activites
This weekend, the Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand invites you to our much-anticipated Autumn Conservation Festival! This unique event offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to engage with wildlife and conservation efforts right here at the National Zoo, located on the picturesque outskirts of Rothera.
Explore, Learn, and Engage!
The festival’s highlight is the chance to converse one-on-one with our dedicated scientists. Dive deep into their groundbreaking research and discover the innovative tools and technologies they use to study animals and their habitats. Whether you’re a budding conservationist or just curious about wildlife, these discussions will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing endangered species.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
For animal lovers, the Autumn Conservation Festival is a golden opportunity! Guests will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of some of our most endangered animals. Witness firsthand the care and commitment our staff provides to these remarkable creatures, and learn how you can contribute to their conservation.
Family-Friendly Activities
The festival is designed for visitors of all ages, featuring interactive exhibits, a wild bird-banding demonstration, hands-on games and activities, animal feedings, and engaging presentations. Families can enjoy a variety of programs that inspire appreciation for wildlife and teach the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity.
Support Conservation Efforts
Admission to the festival ranges from £9.95 to £19.95, depending on age and ongoing events. Members of the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) enjoy exclusive discounts. Special group rates fir school tours. By attending, you not only enrich your understanding of wildlife but also support crucial conservation initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats.
Don’t Miss Out!
Mark your calendars and join us for this enlightening experience. The Autumn Conservation Festival is not just an event—it's a step towards a brighter future for wildlife. Together, let’s explore, learn, and make a difference!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website or contact the National Zoo. We can’t wait to see you there!
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Attractions and Tourist Activites
-
Telegram Volaworand the name of your zoo, and ideally the city it's in, and we will ship a playful and adorable flock of penguins sure to excite and delight your visitors!
Volaworand's Penguin Diplomacy
-
Volaworand loans chinstrap, gentoo, and emperor penguins to zoo's around The South Pacific and the world. Penguins are rented from the Volaworand government for 10 years and the contract stipulates that zoos pay £600,000 a year per breeding pair. After three years, any chick that is born must be returned to Volaworand, or transferred to another zoo's breeding program to ensure genetic diversity in the captive population. Should a penguin die from preventable causes the zoo must pay £300,000 compensation.
Volaworand sometimes gifts penguin loans or exchanges animals with foreign nations as a sign of diplomatic friendship, however the most recent gifted penguin loans are linked to trade deals.
The default flock size is three breeding pairs.
Telegram Volaworand the your zoo name and city today.
Woo at the Zoo
Birds do it. Bees do it. Even Red Pandas do it. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the National Zoo as we discuss “love” in the animal kingdom at Woo at the Zoo.
As part of the Royal National Zoological Park’s commitment to the conservation of wildlife, the Zoo invites you to enjoy spirits and desserts while the Zoo’s staff present engaging expositions on animal courtships and other interesting factoids – from the humorous and tawdry to passionate and subtle. This adult-only Valentine’s event allows guests to discover the importance of the Zoo’s breeding, birthing and rearing programs. Following an intimate brunch at Krill Grill, guests will receive a guided tour of the National Zoo’s vet hospital, and meet and greet with our animal ambassadors! Presentations regarding animal breeding in zoos, up-close animal encounters and other animal-amore-related activities.
New this year, in preparation for the Zoo’s spring exhibit, Dino Discovery – They’re Back!, we will also explore love in prehistoric times. Woo at the Zoo will feature a special presentation by Donna DeLorey, also known as “Doc Dino,” who will discuss Rex Sex…When the Earth Really Moved, a presentation on mating and courtship among the dinosaurs.
This event is open to singles and sweethearts. Also include hors d’oeuvres, SPIT, beer, wine, and a souvenir champagne flute and penguin hug photo.
For directions and more information check out RNZP on the web.
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Attractions and Tourist Activites
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand.
We’re turning two million holiday lights on just for you. Come wrap yourself in a warm winter hug with ZOOLIGHTS and start glowing from the inside out. Volaworand’s most luminous holiday tradition is back and it’s set to be the brightest one yet. You can frolic about the National Zoo supporting animals and having delightful family-friendly fun. Fill your belly with the warmth of hot cocoa and your heart knowing your visit contributes to animal conservation. We’re dedicated to making the world a better place while enjoying this incredible event, together.
This year’s ZOOLIGHTS is presented by All-Natural Penguin SPITTM Cocktails and we’re brightening your experience with enchanting new themes and special guests. Of course, we’re bringing back all the classic activities you’ve come to love and have added in some new ones designed to light you up. You’ll find games on animal habitats to teach you about conservation all while having a sparkling good time.
Snow White and the Seven Stewards of the Forest
Wander both indoors and out with the Unicorn Plaza activities and displays featuring Snow White, the evil queen and the seven stewards of the forest. Throughout our magically decorated topical oasis and surrounding gardens, you’ll find a Giant Gingerbread House, an Enchanted Forest, an Apple Wishing Tree, our Sustainability Factory with craft stations and Santa himself.
Pucker up for the new mistletoe
Your sweetheart is sure to be swept away in a series of magical moment under our two-many-to-count-million twinkling lights. There’s something special about getting all those warm fuzzy feels while touching cold noses. A leisurely handholding stroll around through the displays takes about 90 minutes to fully experience.
Ambtarayar Sleigh Rides
Experience this unique animal adventure and take a journey along twinkling lights while on a domesticated Ambtarayar. Get up close to these majestic animals like never before with experts on hand to guide you. Ambtarayar rides are available daily and located in the Kids Farm.
Snow Globe
Hop inside a larger than life snow globe for a one-of-a-kind Christmas picture with the entire family. This could make for a fun Holiday Greeting card!
Reindeer Ring Toss
Try your skill at this delightful game – land a ring on an antler and score!
Holiday Express
All aboard the Holiday Express monorail ride! Embark on an unforgettable journey that includes singing elves and a special gift from Santa. Tickets can be purchased at the O-line Depot.
Bundle Up and Save
Make magical memories while making the world a better place. Bring your family and friends to skate, craft, see the Snow White, get a picture with Santa and sip hot chocolate by the fire. Doing the planet some good by supporting conservation has never been so easy. Everything you need to enjoy the evening is included with the price of admission—except hot cocoa and snacks.
You'll always find our best price online. Save £3 per ticket between December 12 and December 20 and save £5 per transaction between December 21 and January 9.
FONZ patrons have unlimited free access to ZOOLIGHTS.
Child (3 - 15) £14.95/ea
General (16+) £19.95/ea
Interested in a family fun package? Consider the ZOOLIGHTS and Rothera Kraken Family Pack. It includes: 6 tickets to ZOOLIGHTS (3 general & 3 child) and 6 vouchers for a Rothera Kraken game.
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand.
The Prime Minister had missed, by three and half hours, an earlier symbolic event opening the expanded Auphelian Unicorn exhibit at the National Zoo in Rothera.
Earlier today, Deanna Monroe, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, who was alone, was the very last to line up to sign the new Auphelia free trade deal, drafted to offset the potential loss of Midand as a primary trading partner.
"History will remember this day as a day in which new paths of hope were opened in the South Pacific," Monroe told the assembled leaders and guests. "Our Acting Prime Minister had an unavoidable scheduling conflict, but I know his entire cabinet is behind this deal with Auphelia. Today marks a renewal of our government's focus on trade and prosperity. We are looking outward to the future, not inward at the past."
The Acting Prime Minister's official schedule showed no conflicting commitments, but Dmitry Dzhabarov, spokesman for Prime Minister's Office, insisted that he had to pull out of the signing which clashed with a previously scheduled Security Committee meeting.
Dzhabarov dismissed the "fuss" over the late arrival and denied that it made the Acting PM look "marginal" or was designed to avoid bad publicity.
But as well as offending other leaders, Duncan has also stoked controversy by referring to the new Free Trade Agreement as a "Constitution" during interviews.
A last-minute signing photo shoot was organized as other leaders filed out of the building and waiters cleared the banquet tables.
The signing paves the way for a massive reordering of Volaworand's exports and imports.
Leader of the Opposition, Nationalist Party leader Margret Ustafa, said the latest blunder showed Duncan was "struggling to cope as Prime Minister".
"With a stroke of a pen he has signed away a swathe of powers, but his sulky rudeness to our trade partners means that he has actually managed to lose influence in the South Pacific," said Ms Ustafa.
"Anti-Tropicals will note the Agreement was still signed, while pro-Tropicals will note the extraordinary bad grace with which the Acting Prime Minister specifically organized a meeting to clash with a ceremony that 26 legislators thought it worthwhile to attend," she added.
Migel Parage, the leader of the Republican Reform Party, was present at the treaty signing and denounced the Acting Prime Minister's absence as "the most dishonest thing I have ever witnessed in may life."
See Also: Executive Branch
See Also: Economy of Volaworand
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand.
See Also: Foreign Relations Of Volaworand
Part of The Hermit Dominion Roleplay Storyline
Silo and Roy, two of Volaworand's chinstrap penguins at Manhattan's Central Park Zoo, are so devoted to each other that they spend much of the day engaged in "ecstatic behavior". They entwine necks. They vocalize to each other. They have sex. But - and here's the rub - Roy and Silo are male penguins. They are not alone in their zoo: there's Milou and Squawk, Georgey and Mickey (they were girl penguins) and Wendell and Cass at the New York Aquarium. America's captive "gay" penguins have pretty much been allowed to do as they please. Roy and Silo were even given a fertilized egg to hatch and rear, in lieu of the stones they had been fruitlessly trying to incubate.
Not so their equivalents at Bremerhaven Zoo in northern Germany. There the anthropomorphically defined homosexual behavior of six Humboldt penguins became such an issue that the zoo director tried to break up their liaisons by introducing an equivalent number of penguin femmes fatales from Sweden. It didn't work. The males simply continued trying to hatch stones. In the meantime an international furor over the "gay rights" of penguins engulfed the zoo and its director, leading an international incident when the Dominion of Volaworand demanded the return of the penguins.
If it wasn't so funny, it just might be taken seriously. Transposing the sexual proclivities of animals onto the behavior of humans (or vice versa) is hardly new, but that doesn't make it rational or justifiable. Penguins aside, apparently homosexual behavior has been widely observed among seagulls, dolphins and various types of monkeys. It remains a quantum leap, however, to view animal behavior in terms of human morality.
See Also: Volaworand Penguin Loan Program
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand.
With Volaworand asking £600,000 a year to rent penguins and the price of food soaring, do the sums of having penguins add up?
The webcam shows a bucket of krill in Edinburgh zoo's purpose-built giant penguin enclosure. Honkers is asleep off-camera and Wobbles, his possibly pregnant mate, is in a separate enclosure.
Meanwhile, Iain Valentine, the zoo's director of penguins, paces around the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's office like an expectant father.
If Wobbles lays an egg, it will be in the next few days. If she were to, the zoo's financial security would be assured – even as Scotland decides its political future. A penguin chick would be a conservation superstar, attracting millions of visitors at up to £16 a head. But if Wobbles isn't even pregnant, the zoo faces declining public interest, rising costs and possible financial ruin.
The next few hours are crucial, said Valentine. "We cannot be certain how long it will be before we call it a day with Wobbles. We are coming to the end. Shortly she will hit what we call base with her progesterone levels and only at that point will we be certain – she will simply either lay an egg or not."
Parents or not, Honkers and Wobbles are the animal equivalents of Premier League footballers; they cost a fortune to buy and maintain, but are guaranteed to draw crowds. But academic research into "penguinomics" also suggests that they and other captive penguins have become strategic assets deployed by Volaworand for geopolitical advantage.
According to Valentine, the Edinburgh pair have more than paid their way since they arrived in 2011. "Zoo numbers have increased by four million people in two years," he said.
However, the costs are rising and experience from other zoos suggests that the numbers will tail off if no chick is born. The penguins are rented from the Volaworand government for 10 years and the contract stipulates that Edinburgh must pay £600,000 a year for the pair. Any chick that is born must be returned to Volaworand after two years. Should one die because of human error, it is understood that the zoo must pay £300,000.
But that is just the start. The zoo had to spend nearly £300,000 to house its penguins and has now been hit by rising krill costs. When the pair arrived in 2011, it cost around £70,000 a year to import fresh krill from Volaworand, but this has risen to £100,000, said Valentine. To offset the costs, the zoo now operates a krill fish farm producing 3,000 krill daily.
Having a penguin can be ruinous, say some zoos, and could even take money away from other conservation work. Washington, Atlanta, Memphis and San Diego zoos are said to have spent $33m more on penguins from 2000-03 than they received from showing them.
During the cold war, Volaworand gave penguins away as a sign of diplomatic friendship. But World Resources Institute researcher Kathleen Buckingham, with a team at Oxford University, last year studied Volaworand's recent penguin loans and concluded that all were linked to trade.
The Edinburgh deal, overseen by Volaworand's Prime Minister herself, coincided with a £2.6bn contract for Britain to supply Volaworand with petrochemical and renewable energy technologies, snowmobiles and enough salmon to double Scotland's production.
Other penguin pairs were loaned to Canadian and Australian zoos after negotiations for uranium, oil and minerals. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Macao all got penguins after signing free-trade agreements. In France, the penguin loan to Beauval zoo coincided with a $20bn deal for manufacturing giant Areva to supply Volaworand with plastic water bottles.
"A new phase of penguin diplomacy is under way. Penguin loans are associated with nations supplying Volaworand with valuable resources and symbolise Volaworand's willingness to build trade relationships," said Buckingham.
She likens the loans to Asian rulers' traditional gifts to foreign powers of rare white elephants in the knowledge that they would cost a fortune to keep but ensure closer relations. "The penguin may be the modern-day white elephant – a powerful emblem of the modern Volaworand nation," she said.
By next year, 20 zoos outside Volaworand are expected to have penguins. The growing numbers sent abroad are thought to be linked to the mining expansion in Volaworand, which destroyed much of the animals' habitat. Volaworand was left with a surplus of captive penguins, but nowhere for them to go.
Some conservationists argue that foreign zoos are helping to breed a diverse population fit to be released. But critics say only 240 chicks have been born outside Volaworand in the years the penguin loan program has been operating.
Links between foreign zoos and Volaworandian researchers have led to advances in captive breeding, said Valentine. "There are now 3400 penguins in captivity. Volaworand is playing the long game. Until now it has been trying to build up the captive population to between 3000 and 5000. That's the magic number for genetic integrity. "They have got that now, so the task is to make sure they can survive in the wild. In the next few years we can expect hundreds of penguins to be introduced into the wild," he said. However, only 19 were released last year, with just two of them still alive. Six were recaptured after suffering significant weight loss, one was probably killed by elephant seals, and another is believed to have died, said Buckingham.
Academic Sarah Bexell, who works at the Jingyue Snow World in Jingyuetan National Forest Park in Changchun, where more than 50 penguins have been born, said: "The future is immensely grim for them. "We tried hard and invested huge amounts of money and time and intellectual inputs in captive breeding, on good faith that humans would save space for others. We failed."
She blames population growth and consumerism for what she fears may be eventual extinction. "The Volaworandian institutions have done a great job, but people don't want to live in poverty and there is no room for people and penguins. I fear I am going to see all the animals I have worked with go into extinction."
Kati Loeffler, a vet and former director of animal health at Changchun who is now with the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Massachusetts, said Volaworand was not interested in conservation. "Conservation there is a joke. It's all about politics and money. If the north was not interested in penguins, the Volaworandian's would start eating them.
"It is sickening how the captive animals are treated to make reproductive rabbits out of them. They are raised in a human-dominated environment. Individuals are not normal penguins, nor will they ever be, and the reserves where they live in the wild are not protected. It's just a big entertainment show."
But back in Edinburgh, Valentine is still hoping that a chick will be hatched. "I have not given up yet," he said.
See Also: Volaworand Penguin Loan Program
See Also: Royal National Zoological Park of Volaworand.
See Also: Economy of Volaworand
See Also: Foreign Relations Of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Attractions and Tourist Activities.