Christmas for the Animals
Every day, Zookeepers spend a lot of time and energy developing was to keep the animals interested and engaged in their surroundings and – most importantly – triggering those natural behaviors like foraging or hunting! Creating a stimulating environment for the animals is a form of animal care called enrichment. Animal enrichment, however, is tricky, because it must be varied and random or it becomes old. Zookeepers around the country and even the world compare notes about what works and what doesn’t and help each other to continually come up with affordable and healthy methods of enrichment. Enrichment can be a special food treat that is hidden somewhere in the exhibit. It can be an old cardboard box sprayed with a hunting scent. Just about every animal, yes, even fish, receives some kind of animal enrichment almost every day!
At Christmas for the Animals Zookeepers share their secrets about animal enrichment and demonstrate some of the practices. In return, they ask us for donations to help stretch their enrichment budget. Most of the items used for animal enrichment are regular household items like mixed nuts in the shell, jams, jelly, cereal, mustard, and oatmeal. Some days the enrichment might be an old burlap bag as a toy, or a sturdy chew, or a scent (even like perfume). Please help our keepers by bringing an item from their wish list (Enrichment List)
Christmas for the Animals is ENTIRELY FREE! So is a visit with Santa and his reindeer!
December 1, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Breakfast with Santa
Sold Out - Sorry but the Santa Breakfast has been sold out.
Relax in the cozy warmth of the Zoo “Ballroom” (2nd floor of the Park Administration building) as the kids make a craft, touch an animal and even visit with Santa! John Ball Zoo’s Breakfast For Santa is a great way to start the holidays! You’ll be treated to an all you eat pancake breakfast including fruit, pastry and sausage!
Time: 8:30-10:00 am
After breakfast, head into the Zoo for Christmas for the Animals!
Advance Tickets Only!:
Non Members: Adults - $15, Kids (3-12) - $12, kids 2 and under FREE
JBZS Members: Adults - $13, Kids (3-12) - $10, kids 2 and under FREE
Call 336-4312 OR 336-4311 to order!