Animal training program at Moorpark College to present spring show

The Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program at Moorpark College will present its Spring Spectacular Show, "Peter Pan and the Perils of the Pixie," starring Schmoo the Sea Lion, Happy the American Alligator and Scooter the Capuchin, for three weekends beginning March 18 and 19.

The 16th annual spring show will feature many special performances and activities. Second-year students will present the 45-minute scripted "Peter Pan" animal show. "Eye to Eye," a more intimate 15minute show, will be performed on a smaller stage. First-year students will conduct behind-the-scenes tours of areas that are normally off limits to the public.

"This is a really great time to bring kids," said Mara Rodriguez, Zoo Operations instructional lab technician. "The diversity and variety of animals you'll see up close and personal" is the best part of the Spring Spectacular.

The Kids Zone will include a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, and a scavenger hunt. Food and merchandise booths will be set up. Enjoy Kettle Corn popcorn and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and browse at Cookie Lee Jewelry and a booth offering dog jewelry.

Animal education companies, including the Wildlife Waystation, Zoo to You, The Animal Guys, and Birds and Animals Unlimited, will present programs called "Creature Features."

"This is the biggest event we do all year," said Holly Tumas, Zoo Operations assistant.

Students have been working very hard on the main show since last fall, according to Brenda Woodhouse, department chair of the EATM program. They wrote the script, trained the animals and created the scenery and props.

The EATM program, also known as America's Teaching Zoo, was established in 1974. It is a competitive two-year program that receives about 200 applications for 50 available spaces.

EATM students are required to work at the zoo long days and weekends, caring for the animals and attending classes. Graduates are currently working at facilities such as the San Diego Zoo, Animal Actors of Hollywood, Sea World, Universal Studios and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

During the Spring Spectacular America's Teaching Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $8 adults, $5 children and seniors. There is an extra $5 fee for Behind the Scenes tours, but all other performances and activities are included.

The Spring Spectacular continues weekends through April 1 and 2. "Peter Pan and the Perils of the Pixie" will be presented at 10:15 a.m., 12 noon., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

During the rest of the year, the zoo is open to the public every weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 adults, $4 children and seniors. It is located at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road. For more information, call (805) 378-1441 or visit www.moorparkcollege.edu/zoo.