The Dunbar Tigers helped out their namesake Wednesday morning by donating new toys to the tiger exhibit at Ellen Trout Zoo. Students from Dunbar's PACE program were on hand to present Charlotte Henley, director of educational services, with two new play balls for the tigers.
"The kids visit the zoo once a month and participate in science and math activities," Henley said. "During a behind-the-scenes tour, they saw that the current balls were worn out and chewed up."
Joel Andrews/The Lufkin Daily News |
Dunbar PACE students Davis Powell, Emma Mosley, and Anette Dominguez present Charlotte Henley with new toys for the Ellen Trout Zoo?s tiger exhibit on Wednesday morning.
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After one of the visits, Henley said, Dunbar contacted her about making a donation project that the kids could participate in.
"They wanted to give the tigers some new toys, and that is great for our animal enrichment program," Henley said. "To be able to provide activities for cats helps the mental and physical health of the animal."
Dunbar chose to focus on the tiger because it is the school mascot, and the students also had an opportunity to explore the tiger exhibit while the cat was in its cage.
"I'm glad the kids were here today to see the balls be given to the tiger and watch it react to the new toy," Henley said. "It is good for the kids to know the animals and feel like they are part of the zoo ownership."
As soon as the tiger spotted its new toy, the big cat pounced on the ball and then brought it up to the spectator window as if showing it off to the crowd.
Henley said there could eventually be a tiger-cam set up at the exhibit that would allow students at Dunbar to watch the tiger while they are in their classrooms.
"We haven't got that going yet," Henley said, "but it is certainly something we want to work on for the future."
While at the zoo, the students took advantage of the GPS skills they have been learning at Dunbar. "Treasure" was hidden throughout the zoo and the students used GPS tracking devices to find the various prizes.
"The kids really enjoyed the whole day," said Dunbar teacher Kellye Marshall. "They had a lot of fun with the GPS activity, and were able to use a lot of the skills we have been learning in the classroom."
Nick Wade's email address
is nwade@coxnews.com.
