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March 2008

Zoo critters get Easter treats

Courtesy of Tom Gillespie
North Carolina Zoo

Posted 3/20/2008

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.

A chimpanzee at the North Carolina Zoo examines a papier-mâché treat left by keepers, who will place egg treats in nine separate animal exhibits during the “Egg-Stravaganza” Saturday, March 22, throughout the day at the park.” (Caption and NC Zoo photo by Tom Gillespie)

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.

3/23/2008
Easter Sunrise Service
Caraway Baptist Church
7:30 a.m. at the tomb in the church cemetery
Rev. Fredie Meadows, speaker
2928 Beeson Farm Road, Sophia, NC

3/25/2008
Quarterly Rabies Clinic
sponsored by the Randolph County Health
Department and local veterinarians.
The cost is $5.00.
Visit: www.hsrcpets.org for more information

3/25/2008
Seminar on colorectal cancer
Noon at Randolph Hospital
364 White Oak Street in Asheboro
No cost, but pre-registration required
Call: 336.663.7788

3/31/2008
Understanding Insulin: An A1c Champions Program
6:30 p.m. at the Randolph Hospital Health Education Center
200-A Foust Street, Asheboro, N.C.
Free program, but pre-registration is required
Call: 336-633-7788 or visit www.randolphhospital.org