TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – Many people love painting their favorite animals like an elephant, but how many people get to say they painted with an elephant? ZooTampa has brought back their painting with elephants’ event which will take place every Saturday morning through Sept. 28.
Jennifer Royko came from Cleveland just for the experience.
She says, “I have never done this before. I have always wanted to do this, and it is so worth it. I would do it over and over again. They are just so cute and adorable.”
It’s not just the people that are having an amazing time. Everything is choice based for all of the animals at the zoo and Mpumi the elephant loves making new friends.Sophia Gallo, Guest engagement guide says, “she is having the best time ever. They love interacting with new people and they love the attention. It also means getting some extra snacks.”
The session starts at the Center for Wildlife Conservation where you will learn about protecting wild elephants. Participants will then create an art piece and make their way to the elephant barn. That’s where one of their 11 elephants puts their unique touch on your painting.Some may wonder if Mpumi inhales the paint when adding the final touch, but this exercise is good for them.
Mallory Register, Animal Care Professional says, “The blow behavior is actually different things that we are able to utilize to do trunk washes. We are able to utilize and translate that behavior over really well with doing fun things like painting and engaging with the public.”You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else.Sophia Gallo says, “It really is exciting that the guests are able to come back and see our elephants in action and also go home with something that is really special and completely unique to their experience between them and the elephant.”
This experience is open to ages 5 and up. Children ages 5 to 17 must also be with an adult. Zoo admission is included.
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