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Panda-rific! Despite controversy, Memphis Zoo impresses visitors

Panda-rific! Despite controversy, Memphis Zoo impresses visitors

The Memphis Zoo recently found itself in the mouth of controversy after Memphis City Councilman Lee Harris highlighted in the news he thinks admission prices to get into the zoo are too expensive.

This week, Councilman Harris called for a review of the city's contract with the zoo and the zoo's prices, calling the facility "inaccessible" for people who can't afford admission. I, however, disagree.

Last year, my cousin and his best friend, who's become like one to me, made the trip from Louisiana up to Memphis to check out all the hot spots, especially the restaurants. One day during their visit we decided to go to the zoo, and I was especially excited because it was my first time going as well.

Local cloth diaper event educates parents looking to help environment and save money

Local cloth diaper event educates parents looking to help environment and save money

(WMC-TV) - Have you ever considered cloth diapers?  Are the first images that pop in your head large swaths of fabric, pins and plastic pants?  If so, then you need to find out how different modern cloth diapers are now.

The modern cloth diaper systems are pin-less, easy to use and better for the environment.  Another important factor to busy parents is that modern cloth diapers are easy to wash.  The fabrics used now are soft, colorful and comfortable on the delicate skin of babies.  They are also easier on the environment. 

In the United States alone, 49 million diapers per day (18 billion per year) are thrown away.  Disposable diapers go into landfills in which (under ideal conditions) it is estimated that it would take hundreds of years to decompose.   Each baby in cloth diapers will help to divert many of these diapers from municipal landfills.

Arkansans, act fast if you want a pet deer

Arkansans, act fast if you want a pet deer

(WMC-TV) – If you’re interested in keeping a pet deer in Arkansas, you had better move quickly. Starting next month, it’s going to be illegal to capture a wild deer in the state.

Currently, you can legally capture up to six deer and keep them as pets. However, wildlife officials in Arkansas say that’s probably not a great idea for you or the animals.

Despite their seemingly calm demeanor, a captured deer can actually be dangerous.

“We’ve had several reports of people getting wounded, especially by bucks when the rut starts,” said Cory Gray, the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission’s deer program coordinator.

Gray said that a pet buck can “become a different creature” during the mating season.

In fact, Gray said his agency has received reports that people have had their teeth knocked out and noses broken by bucks that were kept as pets.

However, the animals themselves are frequently in the most danger.

St. Jude Bass Classic prepares for 40th tournament

St. Jude Bass Classic prepares for 40th tournament

Hundreds of Mid-South fisherman are gearing up to compete for a good cause this Memorial Day weekend in the St. Jude Bass Classic. The tournament is celebrating its' 40th year.

More than $2.5 million dollars have been raised since the competition’s beginning. Every dollar goes right to the hospital.

Each year the tournament focuses on one special patient, and fishing is a big part of this year’s patients’ family.

Hayden Taylor was recently diagnosed with cancer. Taylor and his father were out on the boat fishing when they received a phone call with the life-changing news.

Taylor’s family will drive from Virginia to be a part of the tournament.

Eco Expo!

The hugely successful Eco Expo is back with even more exhibitors showing us how to treat our earth more gently with green products, materials, services, and organizations.

Exhibitors will be offering ideas and information, and some will be selling their products and services.

The Expo is Sunday February 5th, 2012 from 11am until 3pm at Temple Israel--1376 East Massey Road...Memphis, TN.

For kids and adults of all ages, there’s something for everyone!

Learn, eat, explore, or just visit with some really nice people.

Remember the proverb, “Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents; it was loaned to you by your children.”

We are working together with our fellow community leaders and congregations of all faiths to help save the planet.

E-mail TIMemphisEcoExpo@msn.com or call Linda Kaplan 482-6473 for more information.

Dinosaurs coming to Memphis Zoo

Dinosaurs coming to Memphis Zoo

 

This spring the Memphis Zoo opens an all new exhibit featuring Dinosaurs.

The exhibit will have 15 animatronic creatures.

This attraction will be open March 10 through July 8, 2012.

The Memphis Zoo is partnering with a company that has done this exhibit around the country from San Diego to St. Louis.

The Zoo president says this may sound familiar, but technology is taking the exhibit to a whole new level.

"Many people may remember the dinosaur exhibit the Memphis Zoo had in the 90s," said Dr. Chuck Brady, Memphis Zoo President and CEO.