The Peterborough Examiner

Spend a summer day at the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborou­gh

Meet the Keeper, visit animals, ride the train and hear live music

- CAROLINE MCCONNELL

If you haven’t visited Riverview Park Zoo yet this summer, why not stop off and see what’s happening there? It’s a little gem right here in our city and in addition to checking out the animals, there lots to do and see.

The Meet the Keeper program is back this summer and it is as popular as ever. Catch one (or more!) of the sessions while you can; the program runs until August 31.

Each weekday at 1 p.m., excepting

holidays, a member of the Animal Care Staff meets with zoo visitors to give informatio­n about the animals and answer questions. A different animal is featured each day. Specific animals, days, and locations include the

African Dwarf Crocodile on Mondays at the Education Centre Exhibits; Bactrian Camels on Tuesdays at the Camel Exhibit; Slender-Tailed Meerkats on Wednesdays at the Meerkat Exhibit; African Crested Porcupines on Thursdays at the Porcupine Exhibit; and the Burmese Phython on Fridays at the Snake Exhibit located at the barn.

It’s always fun to watch the River Otters Melissa and Splish, but even more interestin­g to watch them when they eat! Join one of the Animal Care Staff daily at 1:30 or 4 p.m. when they feed the otters their afternoon treats.

Every other Sunday from 3 until 5 p.m., the Zoo hosts a free concert in the gazebo. These concerts, held weather permitting, include musical performanc­es to suit every taste, from rock to classical. The next performanc­e is August 5 with the Dixie Cats playing Dixieland classics. Just bring your own lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the tunes.

Of course, the playground is always a hit with the kids, and the splash pad is open daily to cool them off. The snack bar has treats and drinks to purchase

when you are ready for a break and the miniature train runs daily. It still only costs $2, a small price to pay for a memorable ride and hearing the kids test their lungs in the screaming tunnel.

The zoo is open each day until dusk, there is never an admittance fee, and parking is always free! What’s not to love about that!

CPR and AED

An infant/child CPR workshop with AED (Automated External Defibrilla­tor) training takes place Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m. at Play Café, 809 Chemong Rd, Brookdale Plaza. The course, taught by Amu Duchaine from All Heart CPR, will cover CPR for adults, children and infants, how to use an AED on all three, how to best handle an emergency, and when and how to help someone choking.

Classes are interactiv­e and breastfeed­ing and child friendly. The cost is $55 plus HST and preregistr­ation is required. Contact Play Café at 705-874-3517 or playcafept­bo@gmail.com

Free Market

The OPIRG Free Market space has been newly reorganize­d thanks to the summer staff. Stop by and check the recycled, reusable materials. Summer hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Free Market is located at the OPIRG Office in Sadler House, 751 George St. N.

Calendar

LIFE AFTER STROKE PETERBOROU­GH PEER SUPPORT GROUP: meets Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Northminst­er United Church,300 Sunset Blvd. Survivors and caregivers welcome. Wheelchair accessible; arrive 15 minutes early for elevatora access. Light refreshmen­ts provided. Call Sandy 705-760-2581 or visit LifeAfterS­trokePeter­borough.org

ACTIVITY HAVEN BID EUCHRE MINI BUCKS: Saturday. $5, no beginners please. Doors open at 11 a.m.; start time 12:30 p.m. 180 Barnardo Ave. 705-876-1670.

 ?? SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER ?? The Bactrian Camels are just one of the animals you can learn about through Riverview Park and Zoo’s Meet the Keeper program that takes place each weekday at 1 p.m.
SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER The Bactrian Camels are just one of the animals you can learn about through Riverview Park and Zoo’s Meet the Keeper program that takes place each weekday at 1 p.m.
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