Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth, Mn), Biologist Steve Redman assisting kids to get a closer look at the fish. - FWS photo by Steve Redman

The Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth, Mn)  hosted an annual Member  Appreciation Day Safari event at the zoo.  Over 800 members attended this year’s event, which highlighted the “best of the zoo’s best” as a thank you for their support throughout the year.  Along with the amazing animals, several food vendors participated and live music was performed on the grounds.

Biologist Steve Redman provided several adult lake trout and brook trout from the Iron River National Fish Hatchery.  Mr. Redman not only delivered the fish, but assisted zoo keepers in releasing them into the exhibits. These fish were sacrificed for a special feeding demonstration of various animals. 

Polar bears, kodiac and grizzly bears, river otters, and snapping turtles all eagerly awaited their “treat” as they created quite a display for onlookers.  When the demonstrations were over, many people had questions about the hatchery and its role with great lakes restoration.  This event served as an excellent outreach event in that many zoo members and staff received valuable information about the Iron River National Fish hatchery.