There’s a new resident at the Sacramento Zoo, the 2-year old Masai giraffe named Shani. “She is a pretty special girl,” said zoo spokeswoman Tonja Swank. “There are only about 100 Masai giraffes in American zoos.” She added that Shani will eventually mate with the zoo’s other Masai giraffe, Chifu. Shani came to Sacramento from the Los Angeles Zoo in mid-August and recently completed her quarantine period so she can now explore the exhibit, according to the zoo blog. The blog also notes that the Masai giraffe is the largest subspecies, and it is native to southern Kenya and Tanzania. Shani is about 11 feet tall, and she is expected to reach between 16 and 19 feet in height when she is

Up till now the summer movie season has been utterly devoid of any good comedies. I mean I don’t actually know anyone who saw That’s My Boy and The Dictator seemed to fade as quickly as it appeared. But now we have Ted, the first live action film from writer and director Seth MacFarlane; and I must say fellow nerds, the man behind Family Guy and American Dad delivers! Ted begins with an extended prologue, narrated by Starfleet’s own Sir Patrick Stewart, that explains the titular teddy bear’s magical origin. After little John Bennett (played as an adult by Mark Wahlberg) wishes for a friend on Christmas, his wish is granted in the form of a walking, talking teddy bear named Ted (voiced by

Sunday, February 12, Sacramento Teen Zoo volunteers transformed the Sacramento Zoo into a wonderland of free activities, lectures, and enrichment experiences for their 2nd annual "I Heart Sacramento Zoo" Valentine's Day event. Dotted around the park were booths which provided free activities and information about the animals in the zoo. Three Sacramento Teen Zoo volunteers, also known as Zoo Teens, manned each booth to provide an exciting experience for every guest. The Sacramento Zoo Teen volunteer group was started four years ago, with an interest in the earth, animals and the community at its heart. Ranging in ages 13-19 years of age, the Sacramento Zoo has opened its doors to the cur

The nonprofit Sacramento Area Animal Coalition (SAAC) is offering a deal too good for pet owners to pass up. For just $15, male cats can be neutered and receive core vaccinations, a dose of flea preventive, and permanent microchip identification -- services that typically cost as much as $250. SAAC has more than 150 appointments available for male cats as part of Spay Day Sacramento, which takes place at 18 area veterinary clinics and animal shelters on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Residents of Sacramento and Yolo Counties who receive public assistance and/or have an annual household income of $35,000 or less can have up to two cats neutered at participating veterinary clinics and animal

Despite a stagnant economy, Sacramento area veterinary clinics and animal shelters are poised to give away as much as $160,000 in services to pet owners in need as part of “Spay Day Sacramento” on February 28. Operated annually by the nonprofit Sacramento Area Animal Coalition (SAAC), Spay Day Sacramento is the largest one-day spay/neuter event in the country. This year, approximately 800 dogs and cats will receive spay/neuter surgery for just $20 per dog and $15 per cat. According to SAAC board member Kim Kinnee, spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted pets in the Sacramento area. About half of the 40,000 animals entering Sac

Santa welcomes his furry, feathered and scaly friends to join him for photos in his Midtown Toy Shoppe this Sunday, December 20th from 2-4pm. Photos start at $10 and proceeds benefit the Friends of the Sacramento City Animal Shelter. Santa's Midtown Toy Shoppe 1801 L Street, Suite 70 (between 18th & 19th)  

Come join us in celebrating 22 years of the Hoes Down Harvest Celebration in the Capay Valley (Yolo County).  This celebration will promote agricultural arts and sustainable rural living through two fun-filled days of workshops and events.  Located within two hours of San Francisco and Sacramento’s busy metropolitan areas, the rural Capay Valley region is home to many small farms that supply Northern California’s families, restaurants, and neighborhood grocery stores with fresh organic produce.  The Celebration will offer the public a special chance to enjoy rural life and deepen their understanding and connection to the local food system. On Saturday, October 3rd, the Harvest Festival at