The Philly Phanatic visited Popcorn Park Zoo Thursday, May 26th to spread the word about compassion towards animals to visiting schoolchildren and adults alike. The famed bright green character, mascot of the Major League baseball team, Philadelphia Phillies, spoke to children, mingled with the crowds, and visited with some of the animals at Popcorn Park. He also enjoyed a few photo ops, including one with our General Manager, John Bergmann, (see photo at right).

Featured on the Popcorn Park Zoo home page and below, the Phanatic poses with children from the Long Valley Middle School of Long Valley, NJ, a loyal group of animal lovers who support both cats, dogs and zoo animals. Each year they visit with a huge amount of goodies that they collected just to help the animals. This group is the epitome of what the Phillie Phanatic came down to demonstrate - love and compassion for animals!

The Phanatic also stopped for a photo op with our lovely camel, Princess!

Check back soon for additional photos of the Phillie Phanatic's visit to Popcorn Park!

Pictured at right, Long Valley Middle School students - they brought down, among MANY other things, a wet-dry vac, kitten food, 574 cans of cat and dog food, 8- 50# bags of deer food, 10 bags guinea pig food, 79 blankets, comforters and sheets, and the list goes on and on. Thank you!

And a BIG thank you to the Phillie Phanatic and the Philadelphia Phillies for spreading the word about compassion to animals.