Spring Spectacular “Zoomanji” will bring animals and bugs of all kinds

Bryenna Workman releases Salsa, the 31 year-old Catalina Macaw, during dress rehearsal for the 2019 Spring Spectacular at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College on Thursday, March 7, 2019. Salsa made a flying entrance and exit over the crowd, flaunting his feathers. Photo credit: Evan Reinhardt

By Susana Suffolk
March 4, 2020

Adventure and exploration await at Moorpark College for the annual EATM Spring Spectacular. In addition to the Spring Festival and Discovery Day on Saturday, March 14, the Moorpark College Zoo will be kicking off Spring Spectacular with the theme “Zoomanji.”

Spring Spectacular will feature Zoomanji shows, Creature Features, behind the scenes tours and the newest addition this year, a Bugology Exhibit.

“I always think this event is such a showcase of the good work that the students do, that this college does, and I look the most forward to having the largest crowd of the year here,” Zoo Operations Instructional Lab Technician, Mara Rodriguez said.

Beaker, an Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, presents himself to the crowd next to his handler, Jasmine Bolingbroke, during dress rehearsal for the 2019 Spring Spectacular in America's Teaching Zoo, on Thursday, March 7, 2019. Beaker celebrated his birthday two weeks ago, turning 18 years old.
Beaker, an Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, presents himself to the crowd next to his handler, Jasmine Bolingbroke, during dress rehearsal for the 2019 Spring Spectacular in America’s Teaching Zoo, on Thursday, March 7, 2019. Beaker celebrated his birthday two weeks ago, turning 18 years old. Photo credit: Evan Reinhardt

Rodriguez has taken part in all 30 Spring Spectacular events and looks forward to them each year.

“We get to educate more people, entertain more people, and really give people great access to the good that we do here every single day,” Rodriguez expressed.

The Zoomanji show will feature EATM second year students showcasing the animals at the zoo with an exploration theme.

Creature Features will include animals from outside companies. One of the outside animals to be featured is a production company that trains dogs for commercials, T.V. shows and movies.

“You’ll see a lot of familiar animal stars in that show,” Rodriguez said.

Santiago Flores guides Ibis, a 15 year-old African Serval, during dress rehearsal for the Spring 2019 Spectacular at America's Teaching Zoo on Thursday, March 7, 2019. According to the zoo staff, Ibis is often mistaken for a baby cheetah.
Santiago Flores guides Ibis, a 15 year-old African Serval, during dress rehearsal for the Spring 2019 Spectacular at America’s Teaching Zoo on Thursday, March 7, 2019. According to the zoo staff, Ibis is often mistaken for a baby cheetah. Photo credit: Evan Reinhardt

Another company, the Wildlife Learning Center, will hold wildlife education presentations that give the audience a chance to learn more about animals. Sky Patrol, a Bird of Prey company that features Eagles, Falcons and Hawks will present various birds.

Bugology is the newest feature showcase. Pacific Animal Productions has set up the exhibit for kids of all ages. The bugs featured will be crickets, cockroaches, ladybugs, tarantulas and scorpions. Guests will be able to learn more about these creatures as well as hold some. Edible bugs will also be available for attendees to eat.

For an additional $7 guests can go on one of the hourly Behind the Scenes tours. These allow the guest to get a closer look at what goes on in the Zoo and see animals closer.

There will also be face painting, food trucks and other vendors available at the event.

“I hope that first time visitors come and recognize that this zoo is a great place for family outing and recreation and will be determined to come back,” Rodriguez said.

Spring Spectacular will take place on two separate weekends, March 14-15 and 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for kids and seniors are $8, for adults $12 and $5 for zoo members. Kids under 2 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth in front of the Zoo.

For more information visit the EATM site or call at (805) 378-1441.