The Erie Zoo opened its gates for a new season on Feb. 28, kicking off with a day of free admission for all, courtesy local NFL star Bob Sanders’ Chasing Dreams Foundation.
The Chasing Dreams Foundation has sponsored free admission and education programs for all patrons on opening day for the past two years.
This year nearly 4,000 people, including Sanders himself, were on hand on a cold and cloudy Erie day for the event, according to zoo president Scott Mitchell.
Although the Indianapolis Colts safety brought some star power to opening day, he wasn’t the only one drawing a crowd.
With the new season comes some new and interesting faces.
“This year looks to be a baby boom for the zoo,” said Mitchell. “Late last year we had a baby orangutan named Ollie who is already a big hit.”
And Ollie’s not alone; also new to this year are Mika and Maya, nine-month-old jaguar cubs, the first ever born in Erie.
“They are an endangered species,” Mitchell explained, “and their parents are genetically important.”
Joining Ollie, Mika and Maya are five otter pups, another first for Erie. They should be on exhibit and learning to swim with their mother in the next month or so.
In addition, a genetically important black-footed penguin chick was hatched just last week, with another on the way.
“We also had a baby siamang, again a first,” said Mitchell. “They are smaller Asian apes that sing to each other. He too should be on exhibit with mom when the weather warms a bit, and who knows what other babies could come.”
With all the kids running around we can’t forget about the zoo’s newest bachelor, Wyatt the Bennett's wallaby. Wyatt is just getting settled into his new home in Erie, after being acquired from Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, N.Y. He should feel right at home with the Erie Zoo’s five female Bennett's wallabies.
With all the new animals around, the zoo has begun renovating and expanding its facilities. New gardens, a renovated horse corral and upgraded concessions are all new features this season.
With all the hustle and bustle, volunteers are also always welcome at the zoo.
“We are always looking for good volunteers,” said Mitchell. “We have people that volunteer in several different areas including our gardens, animal diets, education, etc. We often have groups— fraternities or sororities—that volunteer as a small group. ”
The zoo also offers internships in many different areas. “We have hired lots of Edinboro grads over the years after successful internships,“ said Mitchell.
For more information on the Erie Zoo you can visit www.eriezoo.org, or the zoo itself at 423 W. 38th St.
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