The 2016 election is right around the corner, and we’re not just talking about November! In honor of Presidents’ Day and the 2016 Presidential election, Franklin Park Zoo will be hosting its own Zoo animal election for “President” of the Zoo. Throughout the week, families can learn about each of the candidates’ platforms, cast a vote for their favorite, and discover what sets each animal candidate apart from the others!
Voting will take place throughout the week in the Tropical Forest, where children will have the opportunity to make campaign signs for their favorite candidate. The winner will be announced on Saturday, February 20 and an inauguration party will follow in the Tropical Forest.
The candidates and their platforms are:
Humphrey, Andean condor – Wildlife protection
Andean condors have impressive 10-foot wingspans, which allow them to soar high above the ground while scanning for carrion far below. These birds are one of the largest flying birds in the world, with females weighing 17 to 24 pounds and males weighing 24 to 33 pounds. After Andean condors were nearly hunted to extinction, they were placed on the endangered species list in 1973. Their historical range is the Andes Mountains of South America, from Venezuela to the islands of Tierra del Fuego in the Strait of Magellan. Their primary threat is predation by humans for various reasons. As the only feathered candidate, Humphrey promises to keep a birds-eye view on things around the Zoo if he is elected.
Dinari, African lion - Civic pride
Dinari the ion was surprised when he was asked to run, as everybody knows he is naturally King. Visitors to Franklin Park Zoo are awed by his commanding presence. He also has a most impressive mane and certainly looks like a leader! From the rocky perch inside his exhibit, Dinari can keep an eye on the Zoo. He is especially proud of the Zoo’s continued progress and is looking forward to a great 2016!
Anala, tiger – Habitat protection
If elected, Anala promises to be a strong advocate for the importance of habitat protection. In the wild, it is estimated that there are less than 3,500 tigers remaining due to habitat loss and degradation, loss of prey and poaching. Habitat loss is one of the main reasons for the decline in tiger populations. According to the Tiger Conservation Campaign, between 1995 and 2005, an estimated 40 percent of tiger habitat was lost. Today, wild tigers roam in less than 7 percent of their natural range. The fragmentation of tiger habitat results in isolated tiger populations and increased vulnerability. Anala promises to be a strong advocate for the importance of habitat protection to ensure a brighter future for her wild cousins and so many other species.
Rumba, Randall lineback cow – Local farming
Accustomed to life on the farm, Rumba knows the importance of eating a locally-grown, sustainable, and healthy diet. Rumba is especially proud of the Organic Garden Project at Franklin Park Zoo. In addition to producing fruits, vegetables and herbs for the animals within the Zoo, the garden also serves to educate the public about sustainable gardening practices, ways they can start their own garden, as well as the importance of locally-grown produce. If elected, Rumba promises to be a staunch advocate of local farming.
Kiki, western lowland gorilla – Early childhood education
Kiki is a mother of four, including baby boy Azize born in May 2015. Now that Azize is getting bigger, he is learning a lot from Kiki and she keeps a watchful eye on him as he plays and explores with his older sisters, Kimani and Kambiri. As an attentive and experienced mom, Kiki knows how important it is to teach by example. Her daughters Kimani and Kambiri are learning important mothering skills from her, which will help them when someday they have their own families.
Maxine, Linne’s two-toed sloth – Energy conservation
True to their name, sloths lead a laid-back life, attributable to their slow metabolism. As the world’s slowest mammal, sloths climb only about 6 to 8 feet per minute and sleep about 15-18 hours a day. These animals move so slowly that algae can actually grow on their fur, giving the animals a green tint and providing camouflage among the trees. If elected, Maxine will be committed to promoting energy conservation and efficiency.
Voting, crafts and education station...February 15 - 19, 2016... 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Presidential Inauguration Party at the Tropical Forest... February 20, 2016, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Franklin Park Zoo... One Franklin Park Road... Dorchester
