Press release from Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation:
Editor’s note: This post was updated on June 5.
Just another day at the paw-ffice.
On Wednesday, June 10, visitors to Grandfather Mountain will be able to celebrate the annual Animal Birthday Party.
This special day of events at the Linville, N.C., nature park is designed to honor the black bears, bald eagles, river otters, cougars and elk that call the mountain home.
The day’s events, including interpretive talks and special enrichments for the animals, are all included with regular admission to Grandfather Mountain.
Due to COVID-19, extra precautions will be taken to make sure that guests can safely enjoy the festivities. While face masks are not required for guests, they are encouraged and will be provided for anyone who requests one.
Guests are also encouraged to use the park’s hand-sanitization stations, while practicing safe social distancing with the help of directional signage, markers and the Grandfather Two-Step — meaning at least two steps of distance between each visiting party.
To learn more about Grandfather Mountain’s COVID-19 operating procedures, please visit www.grandfather.com/covid-19-update/.
“Even with all of changes this year due to COVID-19, we’re going to try and make sure that the animals have a wonderful birthday party day and get some special enrichment treats,” said Christie Tipton, chief animal habitats curator for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the park. “We are looking forward to celebrating and hope the animals and guests will enjoy the special plans.”
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy interpretive talks from zoo educators and observe the animals receiving special birthday enrichments.
“Animal Birthday Party is always a fun time at Grandfather Mountain,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications. “While we celebrate our furry and feathered friends every day at the mountain, this day is a special time all about them.”
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