King (Penguin) for a Day

By Amy Burger on Thu, 02/11/2010 - 8:46am

Looking for fun and unique Valentine’s Day gift for the kids? Teach them the value of helping animals. Through the Saint Louis Zoo’s Zoo Parents program, you can “Adopt a King Penguin” for your little Valentine. For a donation of $40, all of which goes toward the care and feeding of the animals, the Zoo will provide a Valentine’s Day adoption package including:

• Cuddly plush 12" king penguin (while supplies last)

• Gift card from you

• Personalized adoption certificate

• Color photo and fact sheet

• Car decal and T-shirt transfer

• Name on the Zoo Parents Kiosk for one year

• Invitation to the Zoo Parents Picnic

Pick up your adoption package through Feb. 14 at the Zoo’s Welcome Desk or call 314-646-4771 for more information. If you're picking it up on Sunday, be sure to check out the Mardi Gras festivities in The Living World from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a parade at 3 p.m. The free event offers live music, face painting and stage performances by Delta Dental, plus prizes for the best Mardi Gras spirit, best penguin float and best float celebrating the Zoo's centennial. (By "float" we mean wagon or stroller, not behemoth truck filled with revelers!) There will be beads for everyone, and no advance tickets are necessary.

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By Amy Burger

Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.

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