You Otter

Meet your zoo neighbors

Mark Andresen

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More About

• Dallas Zoo
• Sam Machkovech
• Matt Hursh
• Wildlife
• Nature and the Environment

9/3 Why leave Dallas on Labor Day weekend? The airports will be crowded, the interstate will be a mess and the gas prices will probably exceed the cost of milk per gallon for that three-day weekend. With so much hubbub, everyone is better off inviting out-of-towners to come spend time in Dallas for the holiday. The Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, is apparently hip to this philosophy, as its guests of honor this Saturday at 11 a.m. are coming all the way from Asia to celebrate Labor Day. What, can't Asian small-clawed otters appreciate an American holiday? The little buggers arrive just in time for the grand opening of the Dallas Zoo's Otter Outpost, a new attraction that seems dead-set on attracting fans of cute, playful sea creatures such as penguins. These otters definitely have the cute thing down, as they're the smallest of all otter species and are known for playful, social behavior, which means dozens of kids will surely grab their parents and squeal things like, "They're just like people" and "Buy me one for a pet." The Otter Outpost's grand opening will include live music, crafts and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The display, which features a dry land area, a stream and a pool with underwater viewing through glass panels, is part of the zoo's permanent exhibits. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Call 214-670-5656. --Sam Machkovech

Krabbe Walk

9/3

Do our ears play tricks or is there really a benefit run supporting people with crabs? Oh, Krabbe Disease. All right, get your giggles out now because Olivia's Miles 5K Run & Family Fun Walk isn't about transgressions involving your bathing suit area. No, this is about a 2-year-old named Olivia, a little girl who's already fought her metabolic disorder beyond expectations. It's also about an apparently genetic condition in which the nervous system is attacked to a point that it stops transmitting to the brain. It's a fatal disease that needs our help in terms of further research, which costs lots of money--that's where the run comes in. Registration for the 8 a.m. run Saturday at Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple Ave., is $20; donations will also be accepted. Call 214-821-0909 or visit www.runontexas.com. --Matt Hursh