The the zoo denizens’ gifts were donated by the local community
ATASCADERO — The local animal-loving community showed up in a big way for the animals at the Charles Paddock Zoo this holiday season. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, the animals tore into gifts provided by the community at the 17th Annual Holiday Magic at the Zoo event.
“It shows the community’s support because all these gifts were bought by other people for the animals,” said Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield. “So that is huge to know that everybody’s out there buying things for the animals and then to get to see them get the presents and be excited and use them and everything. It’s just a really fun day for everybody.”
This year the meerkats, spider monkeys, red pandas, tiger, mongooses, lemurs, binturong, anteater, marmoset, and porcupine received gifts and the crowds were out to watch as they all opened their gifts.
“I’ve never seen them open their presents,” said Atascadero resident Debbie Roller. “I’ve just been so excited. It’s very unusual.”
Roller added that she enjoyed seeing everyone in their holiday attire and watching the kid’s excitement, which matched her own.
“It’s been great,” said Stringfield on the day. “We’ve had a really great turnout. It’s a gorgeous day and I think everybody’s having a really good time.”
The Central California Coast Garden Railroad Society was also there with multiple holiday trains set up on an oblong track in the middle of the zoo. The society got involved with the zoo due to Mark Edwards, who is a garden railroader in his spare time. He also does the nutrition for the zoo as well as working with them in other capacities.
“I convinced our group to do layouts for the zoo twice a year,” said Edwards, who is a member of the Central California Coast Garden Railroad Society.
The train display is a collaboration between the society itself and the individual members. Edwards said that the group’s members decorate their trains and trolleys or choose their favorite holiday-themed cars to display on the tracks.
“We have members from our from Paso all the way down to Santa Ynez,” he said. “They all love coming here to the zoo and supporting the zoo and their conservation and education mission by bringing something that’s a little different and fun here in the center of the zoo for people to enjoy their day.”
The crowds, full of all ages also enjoyed the trains in between the animals opening their gifts. Stringfield stated that the gifts enrich the animal’s lives and make their day-to-day lives better and more fun. Most of the gifts can used over and over again by the animals too.
“I would just like to thank everyone who bought the animals gifts and everyone who came today,” Stringfield added. “It’s just really special for us to have the community be so supportive.”
To find out more about the Charles Paddock Zoo go to charlespaddockzoo.org.
Featured Image: Kids and their parents enjoy the train and the animals opening gifts during the Holiday Magic event at Charles Paddock Zoo. Photo by Rick Evans.
