JUNE 4, 2009 ISSUE
Birthday Party for Grandfather Mountain’s Animal Habitats June 16
Grandfather Mountain’s late mascot, Mildred the Bear, enjoyed birthday cake on her 25th birthday in 1991. Guests at Grandfather Mountain on June 16 will also enjoy birthday cake when the Animal Habitat staff celebrates the birthdays of the many animals in their care. Photo by Hugh Morton
On Tuesday, June 16 Grandfather Mountain will celebrate the birthdays of the animals in the park. Grandfather’s habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to honor and treat its furry inhabitants.
“If they have to be in captivity, each of our animals should be spoiled rotten,” said Animal Habitats Manager Tanya Cline.
The habitat staff will conduct enrichment programs during the birthday celebration starting at 11:00 am.
“Enrichment is anything to stimulate the animals and change up their day,” said Cline. “It can be a scent, a toy, food, or anything new in their habitat. On their birthday it will be something special that we know they will love.”
Along with birthday treats for each animal, each vehicle will get a coupon for a free cup of omnivore food pellets for the bears (while supplies last) and free birthday cake will be served from 1:00 pm until it runs out. Games, contests, crafts and surprises will continue throughout the day.
“We hope everyone will come out and celebrate the animals’ birthdays with us,” said Cline.
In 1968 Grandfather Mountain began housing bears as a part of a propagation program and received two bears from the Atlanta Zoo. One of the bears refused to revert to the wild because she was imprinted on humans and did not know how to survive in the wilderness. Her name was Mildred and a permanent home at Grandfather was created for her.
Since Mildred, dozens of bears, cougars, deer, otters and eagles have made their home at Grandfather. The animals that come to the mountain cannot survive on their own in the wild, and many of them are rescues. Grandfather strives to make the habitats as close to the animals’ natural environment and also strives to make life in captivity as pleasant as possible.
For more information, click to www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.
Want To Go?
Date: Tuesday, June 16
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Grandfather Mountain
Cost: Free with admission
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