NEW Zoo’s ‘Eggstravaganzoo’ draws families despite rainy weather

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Dozens of families kicked off their Easter weekend at the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park’s annual Eggstravaganzoo event Saturday, with rain doing little to dampen the festivities.

The event ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured treat stations, games, and an interactive scavenger hunt to find “slither-hoppers” throughout the zoo.

“So we figured, even despite the rain, we’d make the most out of our Easter weekend and participate in this really fun event at the Zoo,” said Jenn Emberley of Green Bay, who attended with her son Michael Murley during his spring break before he returns to Michigan.

Animals and visitors enjoy the day

Visitors saw monkeys swinging through trees, otters splashing in the water, and the Easter Bunny made an appearance ahead of Easter Sunday.

Animals received papier-mache eggs stuffed with toys and snacks.

“It’s always such a fun experience to see people when they get to enjoy the animals,” said Angela Kawski, education manager at the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park.

Kawski said the animals often respond to the energy of visitors.

“During these events, the animals tend to be more active because they kind of feed off the excitement from the visitors, too, so I mean, like the otters today, for example. Even though it is raining, they are having a ball outside, so people get to enjoy that,” Kawski said.

Tradition continues despite weather

Despite lower attendance due to rain, zoo staff said the event remains a family tradition.

“A day like today, obviously, we’re not quite as busy as we’d hope to be, but this is a family-friendly tradition. We have a lot of people that come out no matter what,” Kawski said.

Brothers Reid and Wells were among the visitors. Reid said he enjoyed watching the otters swim.

“You can see all the smiles on these kids’ faces despite the rain, and to find these slithering animals in every exhibit makes it even more fun,” Emberley said. “It really brings the whole family in and makes it a fun time for everyone.”

The zoo remained open until 6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets were $15 per person or $20 for a combo ticket including the Canopy Tour. Children under 3 attended for free.