Living Desert Program Let's Kids Wrap Gifts for Animals

Who said us humans have to have all the fun unwrapping holiday gifts?  Animals apparently love it, too-- especially when those gift boxes have treats inside.

The Living Desert is once again inviting kids out to help wrap up some gifts for its animal residents, including the turkey vultures, badger, giraffe and bat-eared fox.

“The presents are enrichment, providing playtime for the animals,” said Liz Hile, Curator of Animals at The Living Desert.  “Some of the boxes will have food in them and when presented to the animals, will ignite their senses which helps keep their wild animal instincts alive.”  

The gift-wrapping is part of the zoo's "Sikukuu Day," which means holiday in Swahili, on Saturday, Dec. 8.  After the wrapping attendees can watch the anmials open their presents on the following schedule: 

• 10 a.m – 12noon  Gift wrapping of “presents” for the animals
• 12:30 p.m.: Turkey Vultures
• 1:00 p.m.:  Badger
• 1:30 p.m.: Giraffes
• 2:00 p.m.: Bat-Eared Fox

The activities are included with admission to the zoo, organizers said.