Animals blessed at Trevor Zoo

MILLBROOK — In spite of the predicted rain, Sunday, Oct. 4 turned out to be a pleasant day, and a blessed one for the animals at the Trevor Zoo in Millbrook.With Lemurs screeching, and shadows of black vultures flying overhead, local clergy, zoo personnel and friends of the zoo stood beside the animal enclosures, listened to readings and heared stories about the endangered species that face extinction.

On the small bridge overlooking the area where otters play and cranes and other waterfowl live, the hosts, including current Trevor Zoo Director Alan Tousignant; former Zoo Director Jon Meigs; and his wife, Jane Meigs, former conservational education director of Trevor Zoo; and Reverend Matthew Calkins of Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook, met with clergy and other guests. Also part of the welcoming team were Jessica Bennett, Director of Programs, and Drew Belotti, on the zoo staff.

The Meigs, along with Tousignant, explained the plight of the animals in the zoo who represent species that, without human intervention, will become extinct in a few years. Clergy and laymen offered prayers and readings, with the others praying with them with the aid of the booklets that were given out. On this day of celebrating St. Francis of Assisi, the zoo animals, and by extension, all animals of the world, were prayed for and blessed.

Walking around to the different enclosures, the group visited not only the otters, but lemurs, emus and wallabies. Prayers were also offered at the birds of prey enclosures, including a special prayer for the snowy owl. Then, on to the red wolf, a mother and a cub who paced back and forth as the prayer was said and the reading took place. The two red pandas were next, one who slept through the action and another who came out to see what was going on. Last stop on the walking tour was the alpaca enclosure, and several ostriches who came to the fence to examine the visitors and listen to the blessings being said for all of them. There are 80 species represented at the zoo, and there are nine endangered species housed there.

For more information on Millbrook School and Trevor Zoo, go to www.milklbrook.org and www.trevorzoo.org.