Joel Sartore is a freelance photographer for National Geographic.  His most recent project is called the Biodiversity Project, and the idea behind it is to promote animal conservation.  Joel has has gathered nearly 1,800 photographs of animals species over the past five years, with many more planned in the coming months.

Joel’s quest for photos led him to the Fort Worth Zoo.  You can see video footage and photographs of the shoot here.  The photography features animals on a solid white or black background. The idea behind this is to give all animals equal weight…from the ladybug to the lion. The photography is beautiful, and the video is captivating and inspirational.

-Erin Naterman

When I began my search for an internship with an advertising/PR firm Schaefer stood out for many reasons. Yes Schaefer does amazing work for companies such as The Fort Worth Zoo, but what really sealed the deal for me was the endless supply of sonic ice and full espresso bar!

For those who know me on a more personal level, it is well known that coffee and sonic ice are two of my weaknesses. Seeing as I have probably helped myself to more coffee than the entire office in two weeks, I decided today would be a good day for me to contribute something- muffins and cookies (Colton-sorry the muffins had bananas in them). 

I hope this small gesture can make up for the fact I may have been the one who depleted the coffee machine last week…..

Since I began interning at Schaefer, I have come to the realization that this is exactly the type of work environment I want for the future. During the interview process Ken asked me if I was a music fan, I instantly answered yes because music is one of my main passions. 

As it turns out, The Schaefer iPod that plays music throughout the building essentially consists of my entire music collection.  Listening to Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Dave Mathews Band, and Mumford and Sons while simultaneously drinking my freshly brewed coffee and munching on sonic ice isn’t too bad of a deal if you ask me. 

Overall my first two weeks as a Schaefer intern have been better than I could have anticipated. I have been included in various meetings with different AS teams and my thoughts and ideas are actually acknowledged and appreciated! 

I am very thankful for everyone here at Schaefer who has welcomed me with open arms and helped me with all of my random questions.  I will continue to thank everyone here in the form of baked goods. 

- Hannah Mering (The Intern)

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!

There are typically two reactions to this holiday - bountiful joy for a special day to express the copious amount of love in your heart, or general disdain for those that express copious amounts of love.

No need to worry, the Fort Worth Zoo has something for everyone!

There are many elements to the Zoo’s Valentine’s campaign -  adoption packages, a Penguin Party, a Bitter Dinner and an opportunity to adopt a cockroach. 

The bitter campaign is a unique approach to to this “holiday” because it allows the anti-Valentine’s population to have fun and participate. Bitter Dinner is an event where Valentine’s Day skeptics can gather and celebrate, while not wasting money on overpriced greeting cards and chocolates.

Additionally, Bitter Valentines can have an e-card sent to that special (or not so special) someone letting them know they had a cockroach adopted in their honor.  What better way to say ” I don’t love you?”

-Erin Naterman

The Fort Worth Zoo is most definitely in the holiday spirit. To kick off the season they hosted their annual membership Pumpkins and Pancakes breakfast Nov. 19.

This event was a huge success! There was a record 1,200 tickets pre-purchased for the event.  Want to be included on exclusive member-only events like this one?  It’s a great perk of Zoo membership. 

If you are not one to deal with Christmas shopping chaos, Zoo membership and adoption make great Christmas gifts for those that have just about everything.

Learn more about Holiday adoption and Zoo membership gifts!

-Erin Naterman

Masks- As cultural objects they have been used throughout the world in all periods since the Stone Age and have been as varied in appearance as in their use and symbolism.  But we just think they’re FUN!

Bailey and Kristin show off their Boo masks.  You can get yours, too.  Just click here!

October is here, which means it’s time to dust off that old mask or get creative with a new costume so we can all pretend we are someone completely different…even if only for one day.  It is also means it’s nearly time for one the funnest events of the year, the Fort Worth Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo!

Here’s a look at the ad campaign you are sure to see around town:

Boo at the Zoo takes place Oct. 21 - 23 and Oct. 28 -30 from noon to 5 p.m.  Get your consumes ready now and head to the Fort Worth Zoo to celebrate with events, games, trick-or-treating, and lots and lots of animals.

Need a mask?  No problem!  Click here to download printable masks. 

-Erin

Having the opportunity to develop the creative materials for one of the city’s most anticipated premiere events, Fort Worth Zoo Ball, is a thrill for our team. 

This year’s theme was Out of Africa and the materials can be best described as elegant safari. We used a combination of rich leathers, embossed textures and soft, natural cotton paper to accomplish the high-end African look and feel we were after. 

-Erin Naterman

The Schaefer crew enjoyed a beautiful night at the 2011 Fort Worth Zoo Ball Saturday. The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing and the legendary Diana Ross took us all back to the Motown Days.

Listening to her belt out hits like “Baby Love,” “I’m Coming Out” and “Where Did Our Love Go” from the Supremes and her solo albums definitely got everyone into the groove.

Things got a little wild - good thing we’re party animals. 

The Fort Worth Zoo celebrated Texas Wild’s 10th anniversary with an exclusive membership party. The Zoo’s Texas Wild exhibit pays homage to the wildlife native to our great state.

The Texas affair was complete with BBQ, western themed entertainment, ice cream and $5 adoptions.

Growing up in Texas all my life you would think I would be acclimated to these sizzling summer days. But, I am not. Until now. The Fort Worth Zoo has more than 6,ooo animals in shaded habitats, mist-cooled environments, and indoor exhibits kept at a refreshing 74 degrees. No matter what the temperature outdoors, it’s always cool at the Fort Worth Zoo.

We just launched a “beat the heat” campaign for the Fort Worth Zoo that you are sure to spot around town. The campaign was comprised of bus benches, outdoor boards, print ads, and emails.

-Megan