Nebraska zookeepers give treat-filled presents to animals

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Even the animals shared in the holiday spirit at the Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska

On Thursday, keepers gave their animals treat-filled presents, continuing the zoo's longtime tradition.

"The keepers have a great time with it, and it's something fun," zoo director John Chapo told the Lincoln Journal Star (http://bit.ly/1mitk3S ), adding that the treats also provide nutrients.

Zookeeper Meg Meyer's first stop was the macaws, where Elliot and Sergeant Pepper ripped the red Christmas wrapping off their boxes and discovered nuts, graham crackers and ice cream cones. They cawed loudly from inside their heated room.

FULL story at link.


In this Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015 photo, Tenzing, one of two male red pandas, eats bamboo given as a Christmas gift at Lincoln Children's Zoo in Lincoln, Neb. (Gwyneth Roberts/The Journal-Star via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/0a9ffc30fd624c80a53f10355bd8b2d4/nebraska-zookeepers-give-treat-filled-presents-animals

[mac2766]

1. Absolutely awesome...

Animals are much smarter than we give them credit for. They feel, and they understand their circumstances. Just look at the dorsal fin of the Orca in captivity and you'll understand what I mean.

Yes... very important to render animals captive to study and understand the species - especially endangered species. But we must remember that they know that they are captives. We really should respect them.

This is a great post. Thanks.

[restorefreedom]

8. well said. nt

[JudyM]

12. +1000. Nt

[red dog 1]

2. K&R...Thanks for posting, Omaha Steve

This is a great "feel good" Christmas story, and I'm going to re-post it on a large social network site that I regularly contribute to (not Facebook)

[corkhead]

3. I was hoping to read about Mike Huckabee being "gifted" to the lions

[exboyfil]

4. This is a wonderful little zoo

I took my girls there when they were 10 & 8. We had a great time.

[ValasHune]

5. .

cute

[Omaha Steve]

6. Welcome to the DU

[totodeinhere]

7. My dog got a rib eye steak. He is still chewing on the bone.

My cat got catnip.

[restorefreedom]

9. awwwwwww, sweet! nt

[mnhtnbb]

10. My boys always enjoyed going to this little zoo when we lived in Lincoln.

[Liberal_in_LA]

11. k&r