EDMONTON – Winter was the theme at the Edmonton Valley Zoo during a beautiful Sunday in July.
The zoo celebrated winter in Australia by hosting “Christmas in Zoo-ly” and “Arctic Sea Ice Day.”
“We’re taking the time to celebrate our Australian animals here. We’ve got different enrichments for them,” explained Lisa Federspiel, Edmonton Valley Zoo.
Visitors had a chance to watch emus, kookaburras, wallabies and bearded dragons receive holiday treats, and children were treated to free photos with Santa, animal crafts and face painting.
“After kids engage with Santa for a little we have them move over to the Christmas grand station where they can take the pledge to save the sea ice,” said Federspiel.
The event also served as an opportunity for children to learn about climate change and how it’s affecting the Arctic.
“We get them engaged with some of the activities happening but then we also – while we have their attention – we have the opportunity to dig into some education around climate change and what’s happening in the Arctic,” said Federspiel.
Arctic Sea Ice Day was held in partnership with Polar Bears International.