Burlington Elementary School students enjoyed a memorable visit from representatives of the Columbus Zoo on December 1, 2025, as a reward for their successful fundraising efforts. The event featured an interactive presentation showcasing five animals, aimed at educating students about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Zookeepers Maddy Zimmerly and Shelby Lofty introduced the students to a variety of animals, beginning with Trout, an African penguin. The presentation continued with a two-toed sloth, a tortoise, a possum named Herbert Eugene, and a Eurasian eagle owl. Zimmerly highlighted that many of the animals they brought are rescues, sharing the story of Herbert, who had suffered a tail injury that required amputation.
She also mentioned the tortoise, which they suspect was abandoned by a previous owner who no longer wished to keep it as a pet. The event culminated in a demonstration featuring the owl, the largest species in the world, which flew over the students before landing on a perch in the center of the crowd.
The zoo visit was a direct result of the students’ efforts in a recent fundraiser organized by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Students participated by selling cakes, and those who excelled in sales received special recognition. The top sellers had the opportunity to interact with Trout after the presentation, further enhancing the experience.
This visit not only rewarded the students for their hard work but also served as an engaging way to promote awareness about animal conservation and the role of zoos in protecting wildlife. The collaboration between Burlington Elementary School and the Columbus Zoo underscores the importance of educational outreach in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship among young learners.
