Ever wondered how animals celebrate Thanksgiving? Well, wonder no more! On November 28, 2024, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is hosting its annual “Thanksgiving Feast for the Animals” event. This quirky celebration is a must-see for animal lovers and holiday enthusiasts alike. And guess what? It’s featured in our Thanksgiving Guide 2024 here at Folsom, California!
A Turkey Day With a Twist
Picture this: instead of your Uncle Bob hogging the gravy boat, you’ve got a bear munching on a pumpkin pie. Sounds way more interesting, right? That’s exactly what you’ll get at this one-of-a-kind event. The zoo’s furry, feathered, and scaly residents are in for a treat as they receive special Thanksgiving-themed meals and snacks.
When and Where?
Date: November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day)
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, 403 Stafford Street, Folsom, CA 95630
Not Your Average Turkey Dinner
While you might be used to seeing a golden-brown turkey as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table, the zoo animals have a slightly different menu. Each animal gets a specially prepared feast that’s delicious and safe for their dietary needs. You might see:
- Bears chomping on pumpkin pies (sans whipped cream, of course)
- Big cats tearing into “turkey” made from their usual meat
- Primates going bananas over fruit-filled cornucopias
- Herbivores munching on veggie-loaded platters
It’s like a fancy restaurant where every guest gets a custom meal, except the guests are way furrier and the table manners are… well, let’s just say they’re unique.
A Feast for the Eyes (and the Animals)
As you wander the zoo, you’ll watch the animals receive their festive meals. It’s a bit like being at a Thanksgiving dinner where you want to watch everyone eat. The best part? No one will judge you for staring!
The zookeepers put on quite a show, presenting the meals with all the flair of a five-star restaurant. You might even pick up some plating tips for your own Thanksgiving dinner. However, we don’t recommend serving Aunt Edna’s green bean casserole in a pumpkin unless you’re feeling particularly brave.
More Than Just a Meal
This event isn’t just about stuffing faces (animal or human). It’s a chance to learn about the zoo’s residents and their natural behaviors. Zookeepers will be on hand to answer questions and share fun facts about the animals. You might discover that tigers are quite picky eaters or that bears have a sweet tooth rivaling your candy-loving nephew.
A Family-Friendly Affair
Bringing the kids? Perfect! This event is a great way to keep them entertained on Thanksgiving morning. They’ll love seeing the animals enjoy their special treats, and you’ll love not having to referee yet another game of “Who can annoy their sibling the most before dinner.”
Plus, it’s educational. Your kids might actually learn something on their day off from school. Don’t worry, we won’t tell them if you don’t.
Giving Thanks for Wildlife Conservation
While the event is undoubtedly fun, it also serves a deeper purpose. It’s a chance for the zoo to highlight its conservation efforts and educate visitors about protecting wildlife. So, while you’re having a good time, you also support a good cause. It’s like eating pie and losing weight at the same time – a win-win!
Plan Your Visit
Ready to add some animal antics to your Thanksgiving traditions? Here’s what you need to know:
- Regular zoo admission fees apply
- Zoo members get in free (hint, hint – it might be time to consider a membership!)
- The event starts at 11:00 AM, but arrive early to get a good spot
- Bring your camera – you’ll want to capture the moments when a bear delicately nibbles a pie
- Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking (and laughing)
A Different Kind of Turkey Trot
So, this Thanksgiving, why not start a new tradition? Instead of watching the same old parade on TV, watch a parade of animals enjoying their special feast. It’s guaranteed to be more entertaining than listening to Uncle Bob’s conspiracy theories about turkey farming.
The “Thanksgiving Feast for the Animals” at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary offers a unique blend of holiday spirit, animal welfare, and family fun. It’s a chance to see Thanksgiving from a new perspective – where table manners are optional and playing with your food is encouraged.
Remember, while watching the animals enjoy their feast, take a moment to be thankful for the dedicated staff who care for these creatures year-round. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll go home with some fresh ideas for spicing up your own Thanksgiving spread. Pumpkin pie for everyone, anyone?
Source: folsomzoofriends.org
Header Image Source: MARIOLA GROBELSKA on Unsplash
