You are here: Home : Newsroom : Easter Treats
ZOO CRITTERS GET EASTER TREATS
BY: Tom GillespieMar. 19, 2008
ASHEBORO, N.C.—The North Carolina Zoo will put a different twist on the tale of the Easter rabbit at the “Egg-Stravaganza” on Saturday, March 22, and provide visitors with entertainment as well.
Zookeepers will place papier-mâché eggs filled with appropriate food items in some of the animal exhibits, along with other enrichment items.
The schedule includes: chimps – 9 a.m.; otters at the Streamside exhibit – 10 a.m.; puffins at Rocky Coast – 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.; cougars at Cypress Swamp – 11 a.m.; ice treats for the polar bear at Rocky Coast – noon; lions – 1:30 p.m.; red river hogs – 2 p.m.; baboons at the African Pavilion – 2:30 p.m.; and meerkats at the African Pavilion – 3 p.m.
Additionally, there will be displays of actual bird eggs of all sizes at both the Aviary and Sonora Desert exhibits, along with keeper talks.
As an added treat, Radio Disney will be in the North America Plaza from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
“Egg-Stravaganza” is part of the zoo’s ongoing animal enrichment program to provide both mental and physical stimulation for the animals, allowing them to find and play with the treats as well as experience their taste and smell.
It’s our own special way of celebrating the Easter season,” said Guy Lichty, the zoo’s mammal curator. “This way we can do something extra for our animals and provide a visual treat for our visitors at the same time.”
The event is made possible by Pepsi and Clear Channel Radio, with local stations WTQR 104 FM, La Preciosa 94.5 FM, The Buzzard 100.3 FM, Kiss 105.7 FM and WMAG 99.5 FM.
The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor.