Learn how animals get romantic at Great Plains Zoo's first-ever, adults-only 'Woo at the Zoo'
Tired of celebrating Valentine's Day with the same old dinner out? Looking to preface the most romantic day of the year by learning about how animals ... get down to business? Then, the Great Plains Zoo has an event for you.
The zoo will be hosting "Woo at the Zoo: Mating, Dating & Copulating" at 6 p.m. Feb. 11, an event intended for adults 18 years of age and older that promises "an evening of shocking animal facts — and big laughs" centered on the topic of "romance" in the animal world.
Denise DePaolo, the director of Marketing and PR for the zoo, said this is the first time for the event at the Great Plains Zoo, though it's a program that's been done at other zoos throughout the country.
The program will be delivered by Conservation Director Stephanie Arne and Education Director Leigh Spencer, who DePaolo said are both very knowledgeable and great performers.
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As for some of the facts expected to be shared, DePaolo shared one about the Superb Lyrebird of Australia, which uses a combination of song, sounds and a display of tail feathers to attract a mate.
"On occasion, a male lyrebird may also practice deception to gain a breeding advantage," DePaolo added. "He ends his display with a warning call from another local bird, causing the female to freeze in response to a potential predator and giving him extra time to finish his business, so to speak."
Another part of the event will see the group "dive into the displays of two-dimensional sperm images and measurements, ranging from white rhino to a rattlesnake."
DePaolo said the event would be great for couples who have never thought about coming to the zoo without their kids before, and promised visitors would leave laughing and smiling.
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Appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks will be included with tickets, and beer and wine-based beverages will also be available for purchase.
Tickets are $35 each and are available for purchase at the zoo's website. Proceeds will benefit the zoo's conservation programs.
DePaolo added the Butterfly House and Aquarium, which recently merged with the zoo, will be once again holding its "Cuties or Cooties" event, in which a $20 donation gives you the option to either name a butterfly after a loved one or a cockroach after someone you may be less fond of.
"Your donation will help our cockroaches and other ambassador animals continue to educate and bring joy to others," their website states. "Unlike your ex!"
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Great Plains Zoo to host 'Woo at the Zoo' for Valentine's Day
