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CINCINNATI (December 23, 2016) – Santa made the rounds this morning, giving special presents to some of the animals at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

“I’ll be heading back to the North Pole tonight to get the sleigh loaded up with presents for boys and girls, so today was my last chance to deliver gifts to the animals,” said Santa. “A few of the keepers have stopped by while I’ve been at PNC Festival of Lights to tell me what they want for Christmas. They didn’t ask for toys for themselves but wished for enrichment items for their animals. Maura wanted grapes & hard boiled eggs for Moe the sloth; Wendy wanted frozen bunnies and a big ball for the lions; Lisa asked for fish treats for Duke the sea lion and Val requested more fruits and veggies than I can carry for the elephants!”

Video: Santa delivers gifts to animals

Santa made the keepers’ wishes come true and delighted visitors who watched the animals enjoy their gifts.  Tonight (from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is the last night to visit with Santa at the Zoo.

The 34^th annual PNC Festival of Lights is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but continues nightly through January 1, 2017.  Hours are 5 – 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Back by popular demand, the Zoo will be hosting Happy Zoo Year, powered by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers, on Saturday, December 31, from 5-10 p.m. and kids of all ages are invited! Come out and meet Father Time and Baby Zoo Year during a one-of-a-kind meet and greet. Enjoy an EARLY Zoo Year Countdown starting at 8:55 p.m. and top off the night with party favors and Rozzi’s fireworks.