The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s educational program “Animal Encounters” concluded WMCO Weekend’s 10th year.
Animal Encounters attracted the largest and widest variety of attendees during the three-day event. Approximately 200 people gathered in Muskingum’s John Glenn Gym March 25 to observe a diverse presentation of animals from across the globe. Calvin and Whitney from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium led the presentation.
Calvin, from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shows off Bonita the armadillo to attendees.
Some of the animals introduced during the event were crowd-favorite Wahoo, an African black-footed penguin, George, an Eastern grey kangaroo, and Bonita, a three-banded armadillo.
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- Yahoo, the African Black-Footed penguin, was the first animal introduced by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Bonita is a three-banded armadillo. Armadillos have poor eyesight and keep their noses to the ground to find food. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Sophie is a five-year old swift fox. The swift fox is the fastest fox, reaching speeds up to 40 mph. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Whitney from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium discusses each animal at the Animal Encounters event. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- George, the Eastern grey kangaroo, interacts with audience members after the presentation. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Laura Hilton, Professor of History, enjoys the event with her daughter. Photo credit: Marty Kurtz
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- Regina is a African Serval. The African Serval has long legs and is very agile, being able to jump up to 12 feet. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Mercedes is a nine-month old Coati. The Coati has a long set of claws to help dig. Photo: Marty Kurtz
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- Tido is a barn owl who was shown during the Animal Encounters event. Photo: Marty Kurtz
All food and monetary donations received at the event were donated to three charities: The American Red Cross, the Muskingum County Animal Shelter, and Operation Feed.
You can view more pictures of this event as well as other WMCO Weekend events at Facebook.com/orbit907news.
