ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Chehaw Park and Zoo will host “Conservation Hearts” on Saturday, a Valentine’s Day event combining animal enrichment with conservation education.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes enrichment exercises designed to provide mental stimulation for zoo animals while offering visitors opportunities to learn about animal protection.

“Being able to come and visit the zoo creates connections between us and our animal friends and the environment,” said Jackie Entz, Director of Education at Chehaw Park and Zoo. “With every encounter, you leave with a tangible something you can take home, and you can do to protect animals in your environment and then also maybe animals that live across the globe.”

The event features timed enrichment activities throughout the day:

• 10:30 a.m. – Cheetahs receive “Be My Bloody Valentine” bloodsicles
• 11 a.m. – Tortoise feeding titled “Love You Slow Much.”
• 11:30 a.m. – Rhino enrichment cake called “Love at First Slice.”
• 1 p.m. – Petting zoo feeding “Me & Moo Forever.”
• 1:30 p.m. – Lemurs get fruit kabobs for “Ring-Tailed Romance.”
• 2 p.m. – Coati receive scented paper chains for “Together Furr Ever.”
• 3 p.m. – Wildlife Theatre presents “Cupid’s Critters.”

Additional ongoing enrichment includes flower petals for red wolves and scented hearts for bats.

The enrichment activities encourage natural behaviors and allow guests to observe animal care while learning about conservation efforts.

Admission to “Conservation Hearts” requires only regular park admission.

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