Como Zoo Will Airlift Giraffes to Kandiyohi County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Alert
April 1, 2016
Contact: Matt Reinartz
matt.reinartz@stpaul.gov
651.487.8294 (o)
651.248.9836 (c)

                                      

 

Como Zoo to Swap Giraffes for Alpacas

Giraffes and Alpaca Will Be Seen Flying Overhead On April 1^st

 

(Saint Paul, MN)  Como Zoo is pleased to announce an unprecedented animal exchange on April 1, 2016. Como Zoo will trade its four giraffes to ‘Big Al’s Apples & Alpaca Farm’ in Kandiyohi County, and in return Como Zoo will take possession of four alpaca and a bushel of Granny Smith apples from Big Al.

‘Acme Anvil & Animal Airlifts’ have donated their services to transport the animals via helicopters with specially designed harnesses that will carry the animals. “People may want to have their umbrellas at the ready when they see us flying overhead, if you know what I mean,” joked pilot Peter “Maverick’ Mitchell. “You may also want to fill up on window washing fluid,” added co-pilot Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky.

Michelle Furrer, the Director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, came up with the plan after receiving a heart-wrenching letter from a five-year-old girl named Elsie pleading for Como to acquire alpacas because she missed her grandpa “Pop-Pop,” a 1976 Olympic Gold Medal Alpaca Racer. “I really wanted to get these alpacas for sweet little Elsie, but after an extensive study, the only area we could house them would be in the giraffe exhibit,” said Furrer. “But, as everyone knows, the alpaca have a fierce envy of the giraffes' long neck, so mixing these two species in the same space just wouldn’t be a good idea, and because of that, the giraffes have to go.”

“I’ve always thought about expanding my operation to include giraffes” said Big Al, “but the added expense to change all my signs to read 'Big Al’s Apples, Alpaca & Giraffe Farm' just wasn’t economically feasible, plus it just doesn’t roll off the tongue as well.”  Thanks to a banner year of apple sales, Big Al is ready to make the change. “I’m excited to add these gentle giants to my herd.  I just hope they don’t eat all my apples”.

When asked why she picked Friday, April 1st as the day for this momentous, historic occasion, Ms. Furrer simply stated “there is no better day than April Fool’s Day to see who would fall for this ridiculous prank.”

 

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Background For over 100 years, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo in Saint Paul, Minnesota has charmed, educated and entertained millions of children and adults while fostering an appreciation of the natural world, helping to make Saint Paul the Most Livable City in America. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open 365 days; 10am-6pm from April 1-September 30 and 10am-4pm from October 1-March 31. Admission to both the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is always free and a voluntary donation is appreciated. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org  Happy April Fools Day!

 

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