Animal Appreciation Program Day at Maymont October 11, 2011

From chickens and goats to American eagles, black bears and river otters, more than 400 animals call Maymont “home.” Maymont’s Adopt A Living Thing Animal Appreciation Program, now in its fourteenth year, is a special partnership between local elementary school children and Maymont’s animals.

Students throughout the greater Richmond region develop creative, community-minded fundraising efforts to support the care of Maymont’s animals, which can cost up to $500,000 a year. Participants will celebrate the success of this year’s program during Animal Appreciation Day on Tuesday, October 11 when hundreds of students enjoy a morning of animal encounters, special exhibits and exploring Maymont’s Children’s Farm, Wildlife Exhibits and Nature Center.

Key to the success of the Animal Appreciation Program is the enthusiastic support of the students, as well as the school teachers, staff and volunteers who bring their creativity and dedication to this program. The children are very resourceful when it comes to raising money for their Maymont favorites, organizing student-teacher kickball games, selling Teddy-grams or shooting hoops for the animals.

Teachers creatively weave the Animal Appreciation Program into their science curriculum as well as use the fundraising opportunity as a learning experience in economics and money. As last year’s overall fundraising winner, Twin Hickory Elementary in Henrico County had the honor of choosing the 2011-2012 Animal of the Year – Mona, Maymont’s Painted Turtle.

Maymont is home to many native Virginia animals including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish. Hundreds of animals, representing more than 80 species, reside within Maymont's grounds—at the Children's Farm, in the Wildlife Exhibits and in the Nature Center. These animals depend on the support of the community for their feed and care. Thanks to the efforts and generosity of our Animal Appreciation Program participants, Maymont continues to offer meaningful, first-hand experiences with nature through school programs that reach more than 25,000 area school children each year.

For information on Maymont’s Animal Appreciation Program, call 804-358-7166, ext. 313.