Visitors to the bank got to meet the newest member of the Zoo’s education department, “Percy” our two-foot American alligator. Staff and volunteers were on hand to provide an opportunity to encounter several of the Zoo’s educational programming animals. These animals travel to schools and civic organizations throughout the Roanoke Valley and surrounding Southwest Virginia areas as part of Mill Mountain Zoo’s educational/outreach programs. Each year over 40,000 school children in these areas have a special opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation. For more information contact David Jobe, Education Curator at 540-343-3241 Ext. 23 or education@mmzoo.org

It was also a debut of sorts for Board Member Diane D’Orazio, who was just named Staff Veterinarian for the zoo.

Alligators generally mature at a length of six feet 180 cm.