So maybe the title is a little misleading.  I am introducing a puppet named Jeffery, but this contest won’t literally take you around the world; you’ll have to use your imaginations for that! 

DISCLAIMER: You cannot win around the world tickets in this contest!

As many of you know, the keepers at the Houston Zoo often get together to present the public with Spotlight on the Species events.  This program allows keepers to bring their most cherished conservation causes to the public.  Lion Fun Day, Vulture Awareness Day, Howler-ween and Pollinator Weekends are just a few of the SOS events we’ve recently hosted.

This year, on the first weekend of May, we’re kicking it up a notch!  Three, count them, THREE different zoo departments are coming together to bring you the Birds of Prey Days!

Ever wanted to meet an eagle face to face or wonder just how far a hawk can see? Want owls hanging out in your yard? Would you like to learn about falconry, which has been practiced for approximately FOUR THOUSAND years?? Throughout the following months, we will provide you with more specifics about our event, but right now, I’d like to tell you about the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

The raptor populations of Texas are robust and thriving, but this isn’t the case all over the world. Take a look at this gorgeous bird:

An adult Philippine Eagle with prey. Photo by Mark Wilson

A Phlippine Eagle chick about to leave the nest! Photo by Mark Wilson

Not only this this the largest AND most endangered eagle in the world, but in my professional opinion, it’s also the most beautiful.  Since 2008, the bird department has been raising funds for the Philippine Eagle Foundation and with our SOS, we’d like to bring the eagle to the people of Houston.

Unfortunately, there are no Philippine Eagles anywhere in the States, but that hasn’t stopped us!  Our very talented bird supervisor, Rene Ryan, made Jeffery, the traveling Philippine Eagle puppet.  Since September of last year, Jeffery has been traveling around the world with zoo staff, getting ready to promote this Bird of Prey Spotlight on the Species!

Check out this HANDSOME puppet:

See the resemblance???

Now, on to the contest!  Each Monday morning at 10 AM, a photo of Jeffery will be posted, and with the aid of some hints, our blog followers will have to guess where in the world Jeffery is! Jeffery’s already been to a handful of continents, countries and states!

The first to guess correctly will earn 10 points. The second, 7 points and the third 5 points. Fourth place will receive 2 points.  The comment time stamp will confirm the quickness of your answers!

But wait, there’s a twist! Have you missed our FOTO Fridays?  The best caption for the featured photo (to be decided by zoo staff) will earn a whopping 8 points!

Unlike FOTO Friday, please leave your caption as a comment on the contest blog posted on Mondays, not on Facebook.

Here’s a quick example of what Monday’s posts will look like:

According to legend, William B. Travis drew a line in the dirt for troops to cross over to certain death at this famous historical site.

Where in the world is Jeffery?

Contestants would then race to answer (sorry, not all photos will be this easy to place!), and brush up their funny bones to attempt to win the photo caption round!  Friday morning at 10 AM, all will be revealed, as well as contestant rankings!

What’s in it for you?

The winner will receive a goody basket full of our handmade items which will be for sale during the event, as well as Philippine Eagle art and merchandise.  This prize will be amazing, and throughout the next few months, we will reveal photos of the contents, but for right now, trust me, you want it!

The contest begins Monday, January 30th, 2012!

You do not have to live in Houston to participate, but no Houston Zoo staff are allowed to enter.

 Get more Jeffery updates on Facebook and follow him on Twitter!

More Posts Like This!

• Where in the World is Jeffery? Week 4! This year the Philippine Eagle Foundation celebrates their 25th annivesary!  Go visit them  and say thanks for saving the world’s coolest...
• Where in the World is Jeffery? Week 5! One of the most important things the Philippine Eagle Foundation does is support local communities near eagle nests.  They not...
• Where in the World is Jeffery? Week 11! Hello Philippine Eagle fans! I have some very exciting news!  Our friends at the Philippine Eagle Foundation recently located an eagle...
• This Contest is Intense!   So I thought last week’s photo was a little tough, but within 3 minutes, each of our contestants had...
• Jeffery the Traveling Puppet: Week 4 Standings! It seems that our tireless puppet has been exploring his home state of Texas, making it all the way to...