Flushing, N.Y. – Dec. 13, 2011 – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo will host the annual Presents to the Animals event to celebrate the holiday season.

The weekends of December 17 – 18, and 24 - 25 visitors to the zoo can watch as the animals receive their festive treats. Every treat will be hidden inside beautifully wrapped gift boxes for the animals to tear into.

Zoo-goers will have a chance to participate in the festivities by helping to decorate the animals’ presents. Those who arrive early can help the zoo’s animal keepers wrap boxes filled with tasty treats for the pumas, bears, and coyotes – then watch as the animals devour their delicious gifts.

Schedule for Presents to the Animals:
December 17–18, and 24 – 25
Coyotes: 1 p.m.
Pumas: 2:15 p.m.
Andean bears: 2:45 p.m.

This completely outdoor zoo is especially beautiful during the fall and winter months. The trees and shrubbery have turned vibrant shades of red, yellow and gold, and a dusting of snow would turn the zoo into a picturesque holiday scene.

More information about the Queens Zoo’s Presents to the Animals and other events can be found online at www.queenszoo.com.

Contact:
Barbara Russo 718-265-3428; brusso@wcs.org
Max Pulsinelli 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo – Open every day of the year. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for kids 3-12, free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am – 5:30pm weekends, April through October, and 10am – 4:30pm daily, November through April. The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadow’s Corona Park in Queens. For further information, call 718-271-1500 or visit www.queenszoo.com .