<\/p>\n
A new season has begun at the Erie Zoo. The big draw are the animals. There are two new ones: this warthog named Ernie, and \u201cK\u2011J\u201d the wallaby.<\/p>\n
Tonight, we find out the path zoo leaders are taking moving forward.<\/p>\n
Peering through the glass at majestic animals is a common sight at a zoo. The Erie Zoo is a place people have been going to for more than 100 years.<\/p>\n
Roo Kojancie is the Zoo President & CEO. She started as a college intern at the zoo. She oversees dozens of staff<\/p>\n
who care for the grounds<\/p>\n
and the animals.<\/p>\n
Heather Gula is the Education Director. She says her staff oversees the sought\u2011after summer camps, private parties, and volunteers and she\u2019s witnessed the impact of programs over many years and generations,<\/p>\n
like this university class learning about conservation and endangered species.<\/p>\n
While animals have come and gone, along with changes to the grounds, one of the biggest and recent changes is the zoo partnership with Erie Events, which Kojancie says sets the zoo \u201cwell on its way\u201d to regaining accreditation from the AZA the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.<\/p>\n
And this season, the zoo will continue hosting events like:<\/p>\n
Zoo Boo \u2013 the family\u2011friendly Halloween experience<\/p>\n
The Mane Event \u2013 an evening social event with food, drinks, and music<\/p>\n
The Chinese Lantern Festival, Glow Wild from April 30 – July 5<\/p>\n
Painted Dog Jog – 5k with owners and their pets, funding goes towards zoo conservation efforts<\/p>\n
5k where people can bring their pets and funding will go towards conservation efforts for the zoo<\/p>\n