LION CAMP GETS VISIT FROM SNOWMEN AT SAN DIEGO ZOO'S WILD ANIMAL PARK

DECEMBER 17, 2004

SAN PASQUAL VALLEY - Warm weather and gusty winds didn't prevent keepers at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park from building three snowmen for a pride of six African lions Friday.
The snow was placed in Wild Animal Park's newest exhibit "Lion Camp: The Sylvia G. Straton Lion Savanna" as part of ongoing Festival of Lights activities. The 1-year-old lions enjoyed the festivities by sitting on a snowman's head or knocking it off. These lions have never before seen snow and like most cats were a little cautious at first, but curiosity won them over leading to a delightful display of big cat acrobatics.
Young guests to the Wild Animal Park can take their turn playing in snow by sledding down Snow Hill, located near Lion Camp. The naturalistic exhibit opened six weeks ago and has enchanted visitors during the day and even during Festival of Lights evening hours as the lions have been active at night.
Festival of Lights runs through Dec. 23 and again Dec. 26 - 30. Children and adults alike will enjoy up-close encounters with exotic animals, nighttime safaris aboard the Wgasa Bush Line Railway, carolers, storytellers and Santa and his safari friends.