Philadelphia Zoo Warns about Extinction in new Program which runs til 10/31/11
Something fun and furry arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo earlier this week. 
The Philadelphia Zoo, in partnership with the Jim Henson Company, will present the opening of the first and only exhibit of its kind: X•tink•shun: A Wild Puppet X•perience tomorrow, Saturday April 9.
Designed with the usual Jim Henson Creature Shop textures and expressions are Leo the Golden Lion Tamarin, Alfreda Cheetah, Iggle the Eaglet, Phibi Frog, Igor the Tiger and Douc (“the Duke”) Langur. Some are smaller than the creature they represent, and others much larger. They all have wide-open Muppet eyes, flapping mouths and colorful, cuddly hides.
It tells the important story of endangered animals through live theatrical puppet performances at stations throughout the zoo. Each “eco-stage” will feature a puppet animal that — with the help of a human puppeteer — will teach guests about the plight of its species. Above: Amy Shearer, Chief Marketing Officer for the Philadelphia Zoo
The theme song for the March of the Wild Parade, “Hail the Creatures!”, was written and performed by Grammy award-winning artist Dan Zanes.
Emma DiNuzzo, 2, of Southampton, pets Igor the Tiger at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Emily Rosen, 2 1/2, and her mom, Stacy, of Havertown, Pa., reach for the giraffe puppet at the Philadelphia Zoo’s “X-tink-shun: A wild puppet x-perience” show.
Each animal puppetized — with the exception of Didi the Dodo, who went extinct in the 17th century — is an actual zoo resident, said Vikram H. Dewan, president and CEO of the zoo, 2nd from right. L – R Dr. Andy Baker, Philadelphia Zoo Chief Operating Officer, Dan Zanes, and Thomas Woodward, Market President for Bank of America
If you go: “X-tink-shun: A wild puppet x-perience” opens at the Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Saturday and runs through Oct. 31. For zoo hours and admission information visit, www.philadelphiazoo.org. For more information about “X-tink-shun” visit, www.xtinkshun.org.
These cupcakes didn’t last the day, but don’t let that happen to the beautiful animals in the world.
