ZOOlebration!

By LaurelLee Loftsgard

The Red River Valley Zoo’s third annual ZOOlebration brought fun, prizes and a couple cute animals―and that doesn't even include the ones in costume.

This one-of-a-kind event was a celebration of the zoo’s 15-year anniversary.

Executive director Laura Tate said they try to keep their event unique, different from any other in town.

“One way ZOOlebration is different is our live auction. We only have a select few items, and the ones we do, we make sure are unique, that you can’t just go buy anywhere,” Tate said.

A special item from the auction was an original painting from world-renowned artist Hans Droog of a tiger with a bowtie. The person who purchased the painting was generous enough to donate it back to the zoo.

Speaking of tigers, one made a special appearance at the ZOOlebration, in the form of a mascot. Honorary hosts Bill and Cris

Marcil dressed as a tiger and panda for the event, and none of the attendees knew they were the ones inside the costumes.

“It was funny to see the different way people treated us inside the costume,” Cris said, “we thought it would be a fun way to bring awareness and support to the zoo while having a little fun in the process.”

The mascots weren’t the only fun part. The event’s ambassador, a baby porcupine named Peaches, also came out for the party. People could meet Peaches and also have their photo taken.

Though there was fun to be had all around with the live auction, camel feeding and anniversary celebration, ZOOlebration is also about raising awareness and keeping the community informed about this “living museum.”[AWM]