Minnesota Zoo to Host First Carnivore “Turkey Gobble”

Zoo raises awareness for “Thanks for Giving” Food Drive

Apple Valley, MINN – November 21, 2013 – The Minnesota Zoo’s Amur tigers, grizzly bears, and dholes (Asian wild dogs) will receive an early Thanksgiving feast – store-prepared turkeys and chickens – as part of the Zoo’s first “Turkey Gobble” this Saturday, November 23, 2013.

These carnivores will enjoy chickens and turkeys that will be placed (in some cases, tossed) into their exhibits. Turkey Gobble is part of the Minnesota Zoo’s enrichment program, which promotes natural animal behavior to keep them mentally and physically fit.

Throughout November, the Minnesota Zoo is conducting a“Thanks for Giving” food drive in support of Second Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest’s largest hunger relief organization. Guests visiting the Zoo through November 30 who donate a non-perishable food item will receive an admission discount: $2 off adult and $1 off child/senior admission (one discount per donated item).  The most needed items are meat and protein, canned fruits and vegetables, complete meals, grains, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies.

Turkey Gobble Schedule:
9 a.m.             Bears to receive turkeys (placed in exhibit) – Russia’s Grizzly Coast
9: 30 a.m.       Tigers to receive turkeys (placed in exhibit) – Tiger Lair
9:40 a.m.        Tiger to receive turkeys (tossed into exhibit) – Tiger Base Camp
10:15 a.m.      Dholes to receive chickens (tossed into exhibit) – Northern Trail
The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).