Zoolute to Dyess

ABILENE, Texas -- Randy Piersall, Abilene Zoo president, presents Col. Gavin Ketchin, 7th Bomb Wing vice commander, with the key to the Abilene Zoo May 17. The zoo invited all of Dyess' servicemembers and their families to the annual Zoolute to Dyess. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Breaux)

Zoolute this weekend

Published May 13, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The annual Zoolute to Dyess is being held at the Abilene Zoo May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., where admission to the event is free with a servicemember or dependent ID card.

Zoolute is held every year to thank Dyess servicemembers and their families for their military service.

"Most of have a family member or know someone who serves, and this event gives us a chance to recognize them," said Rhonda Hillis, a member of the Abilene Zoological Board Society. "Dyess is also a major part of our community, so we want those servicemembers to have a positive experience in Abilene."

Besides free admission to the zoo, servicemembers and their families will find free food from several local restaurants, two live bands, a martial arts demonstration, face painting and an opportunity to win one of two Texas State flags flown over the Texas Capitol and one U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. In addition to the free events held around the zoo their zookeepers will hold talks for children about the animals every 15 to 30 minute

"More than $50,000 will be spent to make this an enjoyable day for the families involved," Ms. Hillis said.

The event is the second largest zoo event held during the year as they expect nearly 4,800 to come.