DALLAS – There has been plenty to smile about at the Dallas Zoo this summer. New stingrays and amphibians have been added to the collection of 400 species at the Zoo to expand the choices for amateur and professional photographers who enter the Feathers, Fur & Scales photo contest. The Zoo’s sixth annual photography contest is accepting entries until Sept. 30.

You also can take advantage of the last photo safari of the year, which is led by the Dallas Zoo’s staff photographer, Cathy Burkey. She’ll share her favorite tips for capturing the spirit of wild animals on camera at a weekend event, Sept. 27 through 28, beginning at the Dallas Zoo and ending at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, in Glen Rose. Contact Burkey for registration and pricing.

The Feathers, Fur & Scales photo contest is open to everyone from children to experienced professionals. The entry fee of $15 enables participants to submit up to three 8x10 prints of any animal from the Dallas Zoo or The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park. All photos must be taken between April 1 and Sept. 30, 2008. Prints may be color or black-and-white and should be unframed and unmounted.

Photos will be judged in three categories: children (12 and under); junior (ages 13 to 18 years); novice (beginners to non-professionals); and advanced (considerable photographic experience to professionals). First, second, and third place winners will be selected in each category as will best of show be awarded. Three honorable mentions in each category also will be awarded.

Sponsors of the Feathers, Fur, & Scales Photo Contest include Arlington Camera, Camera Stop, Canon USA, Cooter’s Village Camera, Coupralux, Fort Worth Camera, Garland Camera, Nikon, Red River Paper, Werner Publishing, and Wolf Camera.

Entry forms are available online at www.DallasZoo.com, at the Dallas Zoo’s administration building, and at the following locations: Arlington Camera, Camera Stop, Cooter’s Village Camera, Coupralux, Fort Worth Camera, Garland Camera, Red River Paper and Wolf Camera.

Mail entries to:

Cathy Burkey

Dallas Zoological Society

650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway

Dallas, Texas 75203-3013

The photos become the property of the Zoo and will not be returned.

Winners will be notified by phone and will be invited to the awards ceremony scheduled for Oct. 19 at the Zoo. For more information, visit www.DallasZoo.com. The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas with 95 acres of developed land. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35 at Marsalis) and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices are $8.75 for adults and children age 12 and up, $5.75 for children age 3 to 11, and $5 for seniors 65 and up. Admission is free for children age 2 and under and DZS members