Beasts and benefits
Special events raise funds for animal care
A family makes friends with one of the resident goats at The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue on Saturday, May 16, during tiger Gunther’s birthday party. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
“Nothing complements a visit with the beasts better than a food-truck feast,” the Little Ponderosa announced. “Join us as we host our first food-truck rally, where at least 10% of all food-truck sales will be donated back to the zoo in support of our mission to provide a safe space for animals in need.”
One of the “stars” among the zoo’s “beasts will be the Siberian tiger Gunther, whose 18th-birthday celebration was held at The Little Ponderosa last month.
Then coming just two weeks later, on Saturday, June 20, the zoo will again hold its “Jeeps of the Jungle” event, featuring Oak Ridge Off-Roaders and the Windrock Jeep Outpost.
This event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is billed as “Where wildlife meets off-road adventure.”
In a Facebook post, Little Ponderosa said:
“Calling all Jeep enthusiasts and everyone else, join us for a Jeep Day at the zoo! All proceeds go directly to animal care, so come on out.”
The post also said, “If you’re interested in parking your Jeep in the zoo, please arrive no later than 9:30 a.m., and you must leave your Jeep in place until the event is over.”
The following Saturday, June 27, there will be yet another special event: The Little Ponderosa Zoo’s “Masquerade for Madagascar” from 4-8 p.m.
“It’s going to be a wild night at the Ponderosa with music, dancing, and our lovable lemur Mango,” the post said.
“Calling all Bridgerton fans! After seeing the latest season, have you ever dreamed of going to a masquerade ball? We may not be able to promise that you’ll meet the love of your life, but we can promise a night full of fun and dancing.
“Little Ponderosa is hosting its first masquerade event, called Masquerade for Madagascar. … This event is to help raise funds for a new ring-tailed lemur enclosure.
“Bring your troop, dancing shoes, and mask on down to the Little Ponderosa Zoo to support our local troop of ring-tailed lemurs,” it said. “Can’t dance? Don’t worry about it; you’ll be in disguise. Dress in anything from black tie or formal to casual and simple. Just don’t forget your mask!
Calling it a “unique after-hours zoo experience,” all ages are welcome anytime from 4-8 p.m.
“Kids 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend the event,” the post noted. “The kids’ dance will include an age-appropriate music playlist, plus only kids are allowed on the dance floor from 4-6 p.m. The exception is that parents/chaperones of smaller kids can dance with their children.”
At 6:05 p.m., the dance floor will change to adults only and will include an adult music playlist. Kids are still allowed to be at the event from 6-8 p.m., but cannot be on the dance floor during those times. This is to help prevent injuries or missteps while dancing.
“All guests are to be out of the zoo by 8:30 p.m.,” the post said.
The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue, the official zoo of Anderson County, is at 629 Granite Road in the Dutch Valley community near Clinton.
Normally, the zoo is not open in the evenings. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, call 865-457-5536, or visit the website littleponderosazoo.com.
June Zoo events
Feast with the Beasts Food-Truck Rally Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. First food-truck rally at the zoo. At least 10% of food-truck sales will be donated to support the zoo’s animal-care mission.
Jeeps of the Jungle Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring Oak Ridge Off-Roaders and Windrock Jeep Outpost. Billed as “Where wildlife meets off-road adventure.” Special Note: Jeep owners displaying vehicles inside the zoo must arrive by 9:30 a.m. and leave their vehicles in place until the event ends.
Masquerade for MadagascarSaturday, June 27, from 4-8 p.m. This is a fundraiser for a new ring-tailed lemur enclosure, and will feature music, dancing and lemur ambassador Mango.
Kids Dance: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (children only on dance floor, except parents/chaperones with young children).
Adult Dance: Begins at 6:05 p.m. (adults only on dance floor).
All guests must exit by 8:30 p.m.
Note: Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
