Exotic animals to visit GSU for Wildlife Winterfest

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  • Photo courtesy of: Stock.xchngWildlife Winterfest will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Jake Hunsbusher

Wildlife Winterfest, hosted by the Wildlife Center, welcomes in the holiday season with a visit from exotic animals and Santa Claus.

“It’s educational, entertaining, it’s fun, and if you like animals it’s exciting,” Casey Corbett, education coordinator, said.

The event will take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The animals aren’t the only focus as there will be many holiday related activities happening during the event.

“We’ve got Staples Safari coming. They’re bringing a lot of exotic animals, a bunch of monkeys, a white Siberian tiger, a lioness, a black leopard and just several exotic animals,” Corbett said.

Event goers will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of exotic animals.

“It will be fun for all ages. We will also have a visit from Santa, caroling and all types of food and snacks,” Janice Chester, staff member at the Wildlife Center, said.

The Statesboro community and GSU students can come together for this celebration of exotic wildlife and Christmas festivities.

“It will be a day of family fun where they can enjoy exotic animals, caroling and we will be reading, ‘The Night before Christmas,’ in Wildlife Center style,” Chester said.

The center is having three separate educational exhibits throughout the day.

“The first at twelve is all about monkeys, the second at three is called Wildlife Encounters, and at six they’re putting on a magic show,” Corbett said.

The Wildlife Center’s mission is to educate those who come to the event, but they are also making it a top priority to entertain all that attend.

“You are able to see and even touch a lot of the exotic animals that are brought in, except tigers of course,” Corbett said.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages three to eleven and free for kids younger than three. Tickets bought before Saturday are one dollar off, Corbett said.

Corbett said, “It’s very educational; education is a key component. I wouldn’t have a job without it, but what we’ve also found is that when targeting the younger groups we have to make it entertaining as well.”