8/15: Creature Comforts at the Zoo

Do you worry that zoo animals get bored without a jungle or a vast plain to roam? From 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. today, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (3900 Wildlife Way, 216.661.6500) will show you what they do to keep the animals engaged. Zookeepers will demonstrate and explain these “enrichment” techniques — puzzles, tools and games that seem to involve a lot of papier-mâché: There’s papier-mâché prey for the lions and leopard, papier-mâché seals for the polar bear and papier-mâché ants for the giant anteater. (Bet they’d all prefer the real thing.) Professor Wylde’s Animal Enrichment Show — in the amphitheater at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. — will offer an overview of animal enrichment activities. The zoo will also offer info on how to use these tricks with your cat or dog and give you a chance to make something to take home to your pet. Zoo admission: $10 adults, $7 for kids. — Anastasia Pantsios