MILLBROOK — The Trevor Zoo at Millbrook School is one of the best kept secrets in town, although it does have its dedicated followers who can be found there on a regular basis.
The zoo is a great place to visit and it’s usually open daily, year round. It’s now closed until further notice due to coronavirus pandemic, but the zoo is providing several different options so the public can still visit the animals, virtually, via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. At a time when people are being told to stay home to stay safe, what could be better than taking a virtual tour to see all the animals?
There are 10 different endangered species living at the Trevor Zoo, and about 180 animals in all. They are housed in natural settings much as they would be if they were roaming free.
A staff of eight, led by Director Alan Tousignant, is seeing to it that the inhabitants are fed and taken care of — no small feat given that when school is in session there are about 70 students who help maintain the zoo. The students are now on an extended break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the virtual programs are prerecorded and aired on YouTube, but some are live-streaming at all times. The cranes and other marsh dwellers are interesting to watch, and the red pandas, when they are lively, are also fun to observe. The animals seem oblivious to the cameras filming them. Find the animals at www.millbrook.org/trevorzoolive.
On Wednesdays, at 4 p.m., a show is live-streamed featuring different species, with fascinating facts and figures.
The zoo was started by Frank Trevor, the first biology teacher at The Millbrook School in 1936; Tousignant has been there for 30 years. It is the only zoo in the country located at a high school.
Students are encouraged to act as stewards of the animals. Dozens upon dozens work daily, cleaning and helping to plan exhibits, feeding the animals, maintaining their habitats and learning zoo management while obtaining first-hand knowledge of all aspects of wildlife.
Included in the many species at the zoo are Geoffrey’s Marmosets, Golden Lion Tamarin monkeys, emus, red pandas and red wolves. There are marsh birds and other creatures as well as playful otters; one might also see a wallaby, a fox or a bobcat.
On Wednesday, March 25, from 3 to 4 p.m., a new weekly Wednesday afternoon program on Facebook will feature Golden Lion Tamarins and two lively Marmosets. Go to facebook.com/trevorzoomillbrook to view it.
The zoo is Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) accredited, since 1989. While there are thousands of facilities in North America, only 232 are accredited by the AZA.
Those who are bored at home these days should tune in. And to help Trevor Zoo during this difficult time, supporters can become members (at www.millbrook.org/trevor-zoo-home); those who shop on Amazon may also use the AmazonSmile program to make free donations, at www.smile.amazon.com/ch/14-1413770, click on Millbrook School. When open, the zoo can be reached at 845-677-3704.
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