UPDATE: Abilene Zoo’s “Zoolute” Canceled Due to Wildfires

UPDATED 5-19-2022

The Abilene Zoo's Public Relations Director, Clayton Carabajal has just canceled "Zoolute" due to Dyess personnel, firefighters and others needed to combat the wildfires west of Abilene. We will keep you updated and alert you to the new Zoolute date in the near future. Keep our Big Country first responders in your prayers.

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National Armed Forces Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 21st, this day was created to celebrate all five branches of the United States Military. Furthermore, Armed Forces Day was originally conceived by President Harry S Truman and became a holiday in 1949.

Today the Abilene Zoo celebrates National Armed Forces Day with "Zoolute." A salute to the men and women who serve the United States Armed Forces. All active, veteran, and retired military and their families will be honored and will be admitted free into the Abilene Zoo.

Furthermore, this event is put on with the help of several local businesses like H-E-B and others from around the Abilene area. In addition Dyess Air Force Base leaders and our local dignitaries will be on hand for the opening ceremonies at 9:00 AM. The ceremonies will include the singing of our National Anthem, the presentation of the colors by the Dyess Air Force Base Honor Guard, and a presentation from our city leaders.

The best part is, that free lunch and snacks will be served by the H-E-B employees around 11:30 AM until the food runs out. Blue Bell ice cream will also be on hand to sweeten this year's Abilene Zoolute. The Abilene Zoo is at 2070 Zoo Lane in Abilene.

All in all, it will be a day of fun, food, entertainment, and excitement, plus the animal keepers will be hosting "chats" and Q&A sessions about the animals they tend to. So, mark your calendars and join the fun Saturday, May 21st from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the Abilene Zoo.

The Schedule of Events Looks Like this:

● 9:00 am - Opening Ceremony

● 10:00 AM - Animal Ambassador appearance at the Lakeside Pavilion

● 11:00 AM - Band Performance at the Lakeside Pavilion

● 11:30 am - Lunch served by H-E-B

● 12:00 pm - Cougar Keeper Chat

● 1:00 pm - Colobus Monkey Keeper Chat

● 2:00 pm - Lion Keeper Keeper Chat

● 4:00 pm - Gates Close

The train, carousel, and giraffe feeding will also be open for an additional experience.
Source: Abilene Zoo Clayton Carabajal