Forest Park Zoo opens with birthday bash

By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com

WHERE ELSE CAN you find timber wolves, fennec foxes, and a leopard celebrating its 19th birthday?

The Zoo in Forest Park opens for the season on Saturday, and the highlight of the day will be a birthday party for Oz the leopard.

The party will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and since no birthday party is complete without a cake, zoo staffers will present Oz with a cake made of meat and a “pinata” filled with his favorite snacks.

“We have been fortunate to care for Oz since he was a cub, making him a fan favorite of both staff and guests. Because he’s been here for 19 years, he’s been a part of so many families memories of The Zoo,” said Gabry Tyson, development manager for the Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center.

Providing animal enrichment is a primary goal for zoo staff. “Enrichment allows an animal to express its natural behaviors and provides both mental and physical stimulation as well as reduces boredom,” Tyson explained.

Enrichment may vary from animal to animal, depending on species as well as the animal’s individual preference, Tyson added.

“By learning about animals like Oz in addition to the native species that live at the zoo, we hope that guests leave with a greater appreciation for the natural world and the animals that inhabit it,”

Tyson said. “Humans, just like animals, have a role to play in the ecosystem and it is our responsibility to play our part to preserve the natural world for future generations.” a birthday party planned for Oz the leopard, pictured above during a past birthday event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors can go online to forestparkzoo.org/exhibits to see a list of animals they can visit during their trip to the zoo. However, Tyson advised, not all of the animals will be visible early in the season due to weather conditions.

Following opening weekend, the zoo will host an Easter “Eggstravaganza” on April 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes a Bunny Trail, where children will be able to collect candy, coloring books, and prize-filled eggs, arts and crafts, live music by DJ Johnny Taylor, animal encounters, and of course, the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. For children with allergies, goodie bags with allergy-friendly alternatives will be offered on the Bunny Trail.

‘Find Your Hero’ at Disney on Ice

Show skates into MassMutual Center through Sunday

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

THEY MAY NOT BE superheroes like Batman or Supergirl, but to audiences at the MassMutual Center today through Sunday, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from around the Disney kingdom will be heroes in the newest Disney on Ice adventure.

Disney on Ice’s “Find Your Hero” is about finding the hero inside you. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy will take audiences through a show that demonstrates some of the great skills and talents the beloved characters have. Fans will get to see Ariel from the “The Little Mermaid” courageously exploring the world above, Moana bravely showing Maui the heroine inside of her, Rapunzel adventuring with Flynn Rider into the great outdoors, Belle from

“Beauty and the Beast” bravely defending the Beast from Gaston, as well as everyone’s favorite “Frozen” sisters: Anna and Elsa.

Heroes are an important part of the Disney genre.

“I think everyone loves an underdog story. Disney does an incredible job creating dy- make everyone laugh,” she added.

Teson, tour manager.

In the event of severe weather, Eggstravaganza will be moved to April 9.

Tickets to Eggstravaganza, noted. namic characters with unique voices who all of us, young and old, want to root for and see succeed,” said Claire

“Our show is fun and exciting. It is narrated by Mickey and Minnie, which is different than past shows with live hosts. We have quite a few big production numbers where the lights and the music get everyone singing along. Audiences will get to hear their favorite characters singing and talking all through the show. There are definitely some funny lines that will

The set and curtains will transform the world of Disney on Ice to be anywhere needed to take place — whether it’s “Under the Sea” with Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder or in the cold blizzard of the North Mountain of Arendelle where Anna and Kristoff find Olaf dreaming of summer.

The costumes are also bright and vibrant, making everyone pop on the ice, Teson

“Some of my favorite costumes are from when Olaf sings his iconic “In Summer” tune. We get to see bees, butterflies, dandelions, and seagulls join Olaf on the ice. It’s incredible to see the detailed work that goes into these costumes – which are all handmade by our incredible costume department,” she said.

It wouldn’t be Disney on