Rosamond Gifford Zoo Invites Visitors to Sweet Treats Event

Love is in the air at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will host its annual Sweet Treats event on Sunday, February 15 from 10:30am-3:30pm.

Throughout the day, zoo guests will have the opportunity to watch as the animal care team presents heart-shaped and Valentine’s-themed enrichment to the animals of the zoo. Each year, the zoo team collects cardboard boxes and other recyclable containers, which are then gift wrapped in recyclable paper using non-toxic glue to resemble valentines. The animal care team prepares the valentines by cutting holes in them and filling them with tasty treats: fruit, veggies, meat, and mealworms, depending on the species.

These special treats provide the animals with physical and cognitive stimulation. As the animals investigate, play with, and otherwise interact with these fun items, they engage in their natural and instinctive behaviors, such as foraging and hunting. Frequent enrichment opportunities help keep our animals healthy and engaged.

“Everyone at the zoo loves receiving a Valentine’s – including the animals!” said Dan Meates, interim director of the zoo. “Sweet Treats gives our guests a greater understanding of animal enrichment, and the event always makes for an entertaining and educating day.”

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo looks forward to sharing this celebration with our zoo community. Don’t miss this heartwarming chance to see your favorite animals receive their valentines. This event is included with zoo admission and FREE for members.   

Schedule:

10:30 a.m. - Red River Hog: Wildlife Trail 

11 a.m. - Humboldt Penguins: Penguin Coast Exhibit

11:30 a.m. - Markhor: Wildlife Trail

Noon - Amur Tiger: Wildlife Trail

12:30 p.m. - Asian Elephants: Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve

1 p.m. - Andean Bear: Wildlife Trail

1:30 p.m. - Siamang Apes: Social Animals Building

2 p.m. - Tree Shrew: Social Animals Building 

2:30 p.m. - Komodo Dragon: Social Animals Building

3 p.m. - Diversity of Birds Aviary

3:30 p.m. - River Turtles: Tropical River Exhibit in the Cave/Aquarium

*Schedule subject to change

For more information:                                                                          

Andrew Brazill

Director of Marketing and Communications

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

abrazill@rosamondgiffordzoo.org

(315) 435-8511 x8562