Robert Chacon
A couple of hippopotamuses at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday got
their treats early as part of the zoo's kickoff to a weekend of
Halloween events.
The pair, 30-year-old Otis and 38-year-old Maggie, did not have to
perform any tricks for their annual feast of pumpkins, apples and
corn stalks. After their caretakers opened the doors to their pen,
the hippos splashed into their pool and propped themselves against
the front wall of the enclosure, where zoo employees tossed apples
into their gaping jaws.
Otis and Maggie made such a commotion crunching on apples and
pumpkins that animals in the surrounding exhibits seemed a bit
jealous.
After glaring intently at the chomping couple through the bars of
her pen doors, Rhonda, an Indian rhinoceros, crashed her horn against
the bars in a futile but impressive attempt to join the feast. In
another nearby exhibit, a black bear climbed on a high perch to view
the commotion.
The zoo will hold its annual Halloween event, "Boo at the Zoo,"
Saturday and Sunday, which will feature four theme areas: Freaky Fun
House, Pumpkin Patch Place, Halloween Down Under and Creepy Creature
Encounter. The events include a Halloween costume contest, magicians,
pumpkin carvers and children's entertainment.
Los Angeles Zoo is at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles, and is open
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9, $4 for children 2 to 12.
Halloween activities are free and visitors wearing a costume get $1
off admission. For more information, call (323) 644-6400.
