Editor note: Media may film/photograph activities on their own Saturday, February 14. Enter through the South Gate at N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N. or West Gate at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N.

What:
What do you give Woodland Park Zoo otters and monkeys for Valentine’s Day? Certainly not the traditional chocolates, diamonds or greeting cards…but mix together a little fruit juice and honey, zing it up with strawberries and cranberries, pour into heart-shaped molds, freeze overnight and “Bam!” You’ve got an otter ice pop! On Thursday, February 12, 10:00 a.m., media are invited to watch the zoo’s river otters lick and play with ice pops and DeBrazza’s monkeys unwrap their own “candy” - raisins stuffed in heart-shaped boxes.

Zoo visitors and members can enjoy Valentine’s Day at the zoo as otters, gorillas, sun bears, snow leopards, orangutans, African wild dogs and more are treated to heart-shaped ice pops or raisins in heart-shaped boxes. The special treats are part of the zoo’s environmental enrichment program. Enrichment activities approximate the challenges and opportunities animals may face in a wild environment and encourage natural behavior such as exploration and foraging.

When:
Otters and monkeys photo op: Thursday, February 12, 10:00 a.m.
Valentine’s Day treats at the zoo: Saturday, February 14, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where:
Enter through Woodland Park Zoo’s ARC near the West Gate at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Staff will escort you to the otter exhibit at Northern Trail.

Info:
A complete schedule of Valentine’s Day activities is on the zoo’s Web site.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, receive an admission discount coupon. Winter hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. For more information about the zoo and how to become a zoo member, call 206.684.4800 or 684.4026 (TTY), or visit www.zoo.org.