High Five For the Military! and Bear Awareness Day at the Buffalo Zoo Saturday, May 21, 2011

BUFFALO, NY— In honor of Armed Forces Day (Saturday, May 21), the Buffalo Zoo is offering a “High Five For the Military!” discount.

Members of the United States military and their group of up to six people will be admitted to the Zoo for $5.00 total. A valid military ID must be presented at the admission gates to receive the discount. The Buffalo Zoo thanks you for your service!

That day, visitors can also take part in the Zoo’s Bear Awareness Day celebration from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.!

This national event honors the bear populations of the world! Sponsored by Goya Foods, WGRZ-TV, 97 Rock and Classic Hits 104.1, the Buffalo Zoo’s Bear Awareness event will focus on the dangers that polar bears face and what we can all do each day to help preserve their natural habitat.

Other highlights include informational tables, crafts, keeper talks and enrichment for the Zoo’s polar and Andean (spectacled) bears. The event is FREE with Zoo admission.

The schedule of events is as follows:

11:00 a.m. –

3:00 p.m. Make enrichment for the Andean (spectacled bears), pick up conservation handouts and enjoy coloring and crafts. Be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win a bear-themed prize! (Tickets are $1 each or three for $2.)

All raffle proceeds benefit Polar Bears International, an organization dedicated to the conservation of polar bears.

Feedings and enrichment will take place for all of the bears unless otherwise noted.

11:00 a.m. Ice treats

11:30 a.m. Barrel toss (polar bears)

12:00 p.m. PVC enrichment feeders

12:15 p.m. Polar bear keeper talk

1:30 p.m. Watermelon toss

2:00 p.m. Enrichment

Bones (polar bears)

Burlap bags—Andean (spectacled) bears

3:00 p.m. Kids’ enrichment given to Andean (spectacled) bears

Bear feeding

Raffle winners announced. (You do not have to be present to win.)

Please note: Informational tables, crafts and raffle will be moved inside the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls Visitors Center if inclement weather occurs.

For more information about this event, please call (716) 995-6133 or visit www.buffalozoo.org.

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