Bowling for Rhinos
It’s that time of year again! Our Magellanic penguins have found their mates and are in the middle of nesting season. Earlier this month, keepers observed our penguin pairs snuggling in their nests. It wasn’t much longer before we saw the eggs being kept warm. Each year, keepers prepare Penguin Point for nesting season. They add long grasses throughout their habitat so pairs can begin gathering materials and building their nests. This year, keepers added a new nesting material: lavender. “Lavender has…
They have thick trunks and twisting branches, like winding pathways through time. Their acorns have fallen to the ground, easy pickings for the gray squirrels, birds, and deer that call Oak Tree Park in South Tacoma their home. On a sunny March afternoon, the acorns from the old Garry Oak trees have also caught the attention of the first and second graders from Arlington Elementary School. The park is within walking distance of their school. The students notice them all…
Second graders at Arlington Elementary School got decked out in matching blue coats. There were excited giggles and chatter as they prepared to leave their classroom and venture into their South Tacoma neighborhood park for hands-on learning. “Miss Brittney, can you help me with my jacket?” one child asked. “Me, too,” others chimed in. Miss Brittney is Brittney Polly, and she has been volunteering with the Wildlife Champions program for two years. Recognizing Brittney during Volunteer Appreciation week, April 21-27,…