America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College hosts the “SUPER BOWL” of birthday parties for Ira the Lion, February 4th

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College will host the Super Bowl of birthday parties fit for the King of the Campus, as Ira the lion turns 3 years old. The community is invited to celebrate Ira’s birthday with zoo family and fans on Saturday, February 4, 2017 (7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, CA).  The party kicks off at 1pm with a behind the scenes look at Ira in his play yard.  After he rips through his gifts, made by student trainers, guests may join in singing “Happy Birthday,” and enjoy a slice of birthday cake.  Kids are welcome to the event; crayons will be provided for coloring crowns children can wear during the party and take home as a royal keepsake.

“What better way to prepare for the big football game on Sunday than to have a roaring good time on Saturday at the biggest birthday party of the year?,” asked Mara Rodriguez, zoo staff at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College.  “Zoo guests can see what a difference a year makes in the life of a lion.  Since celebrating Ira’s 2nd birthday, he has gone from lion cub to lion king,” Rodriguez remarked.  “His mane is quite the attraction now that it has filled in, and his roar is near completion,” commented Ventura County Community College District Chancellor Bernard Luskin. “There is nothing like the sound of a lion roaring in Moorpark,” added Luskin, who resides in Moorpark. 

America’s Teaching Zoo is open from 11am-5pm on Saturday, February 4th, for the celebration. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors. Zoo members will receive free admission to this event.  The zoo is located at 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, CA, 93021.  For additional information, please call Mara Rodriguez at 805-378-1441 or visit the website at zoo.moorparkcollege.edu.

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is home of the Exotic Animal Training and Management program. This unique program trains students to work safely and humanely with wild and exotic animals at zoos, aquariums and wildlife facilities across the country.  EATM has been an established major at Moorpark College since 1974 and is the only major of its kind.