Hattiesburg Zoo holds events for Valentine’s and relief

 This week, the Hattiesburg Zoo is holding several events for Valentine's Day as well as free admittance on Friday.

                “A Family Affair” will be held today. The event, which sold out a week in advance, provides families with an alternative than the standard holiday events that will keep kids entertained while allowing parents to have a romantic outing.

                While the zoo did not take any damage from the tornado nor were any animals injured, the storm still affected event.

“We made a slight change to our plans for the event,” said Kristie Fairley, Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications for the Hattiesburg Tourism Commision. “The zoo will now donate a portion of the proceeds to Extra Table to help in the effort to feed victims of the tornado.”

                Extra Table is a non-profit organization that provides food pantries and soup kitchens to the people of Mississippi. It supports two locations in Hattiesburg: Edwards Street Fellowship and Christian Services.

"We felt this is one way that the zoo and our patrons could give to those who are hurting as a result of the damages suffered,” said Fairley.

                Friday will have a new type of event where they open their gates for anyone interested in visiting the zoo, free of charge. The event is not just to show that the zoo is back to business as usual, but to give back something to the community.

"Our hope is that this gesture may provide storm victims and emergency responders the opportunity for a much needed break,” said Fairley.

                The zoo is also asking for visitors to bring canned dog food and canned cat food to support Southern Pines Animal Shelter, which has taken in a number of displaced animals since Monday. The zoo is to return to its regular prices and scheduled events Saturday.

                The Hattiesburg Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and hosts 60 different species. Patrons of “A Family Affair” will enjoy a Valentine’s Day themed dinner, as well as a show themed around “love in the animal kingdom." For more information about the zoo, visit www.hattiesburgzoo.com. For more information and locations about Extra Table, visit www.extratable.com