Letters to the Editor
Zoo stirs strong emotions for Kellners

Did you know....Zachary the chimp loves to throw sticks while on the island? That Jafar, the rhino, has a best friend that is a deer? That rhinos can't hear when they are sleeping?That Sunshine the snake is named because her coloring is yellow and white?

These are some of the statements my children (ages 6 and 7) couldn't wait to tell me when they came home from zoo camp. We have been zoo members since June, 2005 when we moved to this wonderful place. We live three miles down the road and visit the zoo at least 20 times a year. We look forward to having company so that we can share the fun of feeding a giraffe and most recently feeding the alligators. It saddens me to think that this zoo could possibly be taken away from our community, especially our children. The government is always talking about education and how important it is to our children, our communities and our future. This Zoo educates anyone and everyone who enters it. It teaches our children about different types of monkeys, snakes, parrots, etc. The zookeepers, assistants, and volunteers love when we ask questions and offer all types of information. This is education!

My eyes tear up every time I pass a lemonade stand on Soundside Drive with 7 year olds and a sign that reads "All proceeds to go to the Zoo," the donations to the flea market stand to be sold and the little girl who is collecting soda cans once again to help keep our zoo open. Our community cares what happens to The Zoo of Northwest Florida and we do not want it to close. I am asking what our local government can do to help stop our zoo from closing its doors? Help us keep education close to home by keeping our zoo open!

David, Linda, Alexis, Abby

and Kevin Kellner

Gulf Breeze

GBN keeps community informed

I just wanted to let you know how much the Suelflows appreciated seeing the article on Joshua's Eagle Scout Project of building the exhibit at the Zoo. Most importantly, the bigger crocodile monitor lizard, Lars, looks so much healthier now that he has a new home. Thanks for also supporting the zoo. After being around some of the employees and board members during this several month project, I know that they are working hard and are dedicated to keeping our local zoo. If more people had this exposure, they would want to go out there and work as docents or as free labor if they could.

FYI, another Eagle Scout Project is underway under the direction of Ryan Schuler to build 150 bat houses for the Gulf Breeze parks, especially around the water areas to control the pesky mosquito population.

And, thanks, Vici, for the picture and article on Kristyn at the Tropicana Speech Contest in April.

Thanks for keeping the community informed!

Kristy Suelflow

Gulf Breeze