In 2021, the Woodland Park Zoo is partnering with leading cultural organizations in Seattle for its Wild At Heart photo series. Arts, science and heritage are the heart of our region, and the Seattle Public Library embodies all three. ‘Together we let our imaginations take flight’ as the Zoo and SPL join to celebrate this spirit.
For the March installment of Wild At Heart, Woodland Park’s Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Buddy, along with the Oppossom Clyde, went inside the Seattle Public Library’s flagship Central Downtown branch. Buddy & Clyde serve as Ambassador Animals for the Zoo, helping build empathy and education about the need to take action for wildlife. SPL is another place where people, information and ideas come together to enrich lives and build awareness of opportunity and imagination. The Library supports the educational needs of our community with free access to a large collection of materials, physical and virtual, to inform us all.
“When we looked at the children’s books at the Library,” reported WPZ Animal Care Manager Janelle Lundin, “we could see how animals inspire imagination and creativity. And we can see how that’s true with Buddy because he always sparks curiosity and joy.” In addition to the Wild At Heart photos (which can be seen on the Zoo.org/Together web page – click here,) the Library does a weekly virtual story time, on the SPL YouTube Kids Channel. For March 17th, the Lead Animal Keeper Regina Smith and Coba the Spectacled Owl will read ‘Tanna’s Owl’ by Rachel & Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley. Click here to watch the reading.
While Buddy & Clyde were able to enjoy the Central SPL Branch for Wild At Heart, all SPL branches have been closed since March 13th, 2020 due to COVID-19 transmission concerns. SPL does provide Curbside Pickup Service at 15 locations. Find out about the many on-line SPL resources at SPL.org, or contact the Library’s Ask Us service at 206/386-4636.