For all those party animals out there, here's your chance.
The third annual Red River Furball, which raises funds to care for zoo animals, will be Wednesday evening.
The event, which is for those over the age of 21, features food and drinks from several local businesses. Musical entertainment will be provided by 2nd Chance Band. Many items will be available for purchase through silent and live auctions.
But the event's show-stealers, of course, are the animals themselves.
"Evening is when the animals are more active," said the zoo's executive director, Paula Grimestad. "It's a fun, casual event where people can have personal encounters with some of the animals."
ADVERTISEMENT
Volunteer educators will bring out some of the traveling animals to give visitors a closer look at zoo residents, such as snakes, a short-eared owl, bearded dragons and hedgehogs.
Those who attend the Furball also will be able to admire the zoo's newest babies, including a Sichuan takin, Siberian reindeer and an East Caucasian tur.
Carriage ride tours will give Furball revelers a sneak peek behind the zoo scenes.
The money raised by the Furball primarily goes to care for animals. The zoo's annual budget for food and health care is about $40,000, Grimestad said.
Last year, the Furball raised about $10,000. Other costs are covered by private donations, membership fees and donations from corporations and businesses.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Erin Hemme Froslie at (701) 241-5534
