Only in the Granby Zoo can turtles and birds be brought together. Today, the zoo will do just that for the third edition of Conservation Day. Under the title “The great challenge of conservation,” twenty wildlife specialists and fifteen wildlife painters will educate zoo guests.
Visitors will have access to three activity areas. In the scientific section, the wood turtle, spotted, geographical, speckled, serpentine, musk, painted and the threatened Spiny Softshell Turtle can be observed. These turtles are representatives of the eight living species of freshwater turtles in the province.
Long-time colleagues of the zoo, UQROP (l’Union québécoise de réhabilitation des oiseaux de proie) will be on hand to answer questions and share information about the impressive world of raptors such as owls, kestrels and buzzards.
Visitors to the zoo are also welcome to talk to biologists from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife of Quebec, specialists and others who collaborate in the event. Staff from the zoo and the Ecomuseum are part of the team of scientists that has agreed to participate in the event and answer questions.
On-site animal painters will add a touch of culture and will be creating paintings of Quebec birds of prey and turtles before visitors’ eyes. This creative portion of the day is presented by PEGHB (L’organisme Production de l’Envol du Grand Héron Bleu), which aims to raise funds for the protection of Lac Saint-Pierre in Mauricie.
Facilitators and Zoo mascots will be on site to entertain and raise awareness of wildlife conservation.
The Conservation Day will take place Thursday, July 9 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Granby Zoo on 525 rue St-Hubert in Granby. For more information visit the zoo’s website at www.zoodegranby.com.

By Corrinna Pole

2009-07-09