Friends of the National Zoo
2012 Gin-GRR-bread Habitat Competition
A Winter's Tail on American Trail

'Twas the night before ZooLights, and all through the Trail,
Not a keeper was stirring; they’d turned in their pails.
The creatures were opening enclosures with care,
All ready to party in crisp, winter air.

The beavers woke otters from sleep in their dens
While ravens and eagles made newly-fast friends.
Seals slid on pool ice; oh they had a ball,
While wolves called, "Zoo creatures—come one and come all!"

This year's Gin-GRR-bread Habitat Competition, sponsored by Giant Food, celebrates the Smithsonian's National Zoo's newest exhibit, American Trail! Let your imagination run wild this winter while you design and build a habitat based on the theme "A Winter's Tail on American Trail." You may win the grand prize of an exclusive, keeper-led tour of American Trail!

Read the rules

Registration for the 2012 Gin-GRR-Bread Habitat Decorating Competition is now closed. Please visit ZooLights to view the habitats and vote on your favorite one!

What Makes a Grr-eat Animal Habitat?

In zoos, animals need:

• Space to move, climb, swim, and explore. The enclosures on American Trail have different ground levels, trees and plants, streams and pools, and enrichment objects. Our pinniped pools include different depths, underwater nooks and caves, and beach rocks for sunning - all of which keep our animals healthy and active;
• Shelter from the heat and cold;
• Food and water to eat and drink

Meet the wildlife of American Trail!

Categories

The competition is open to all ages. One grand prize will be awarded to each of the following categories:

• Family or Youth Team: Teams with children ages 16 and under. Teams must amount to a minimum of two participants, but are not to exceed five participants. Teams may be comprised entirely of youth, or of adults and youth.
• Adult Team: Teams of participants ages 17 and over. Teams must amount to a minimum of two participants, but are not to exceed five participants.
• Adult Individual: Adults ages 17 or over who are working alone.

Prizes

Grand Prize:

An exclusive, keeper-led tour of American Trail for a group of ten guests. At least one adult must accompany the tour. Guests will not come into direct contact with animals during the tour.

Honorable Mention:

FONZ will award one Honorable Mention prize to a runner-up in each category.

How to Enter

Read the rules

One entry per individual, group, or household. Electronic registration is required. There is a $20 non-refundable fee to enter, which must be paid by credit card. Due to space limitations, FONZ will only accept 80 registrations. Registration will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, or after 80 registrations are received.

Competitors will receive a Confirmation of Registration form including an entry number by email within two (2) business days. You must bring this form with you when you deliver your habitat. You must also include the entry information on the underside of your habitat. Entries must be delivered to the National Zoo’s Visitor Center Auditorium on Saturday, November 17 or Sunday, November 18 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. See Entry Intake, Display Information, and Entry Pick-Up information below for details