BSS Wildlife Club
Chehaw G.N.A.T.S. Program
When: October 20 & 21
Where: Chehaw Park Authority, 105 Chehaw Park Road, Albany, GA 31701
What: Good Night At The Swamp (GNATS) gives children the chance to do things they never thought possible like SPENDING THE NIGHT IN THE ZOO! When the lights go out, Chehaw comes to life. We started the evening by taking a night hike around the zoo. After seeing some of Chehaw’s native nighttime creatures, we got the opportunity to meet some nocturnal animals during hands-on animal encounters. We concluded the evening at the fireside with stories and s’mores. In the morning, started with an energizing breakfast, and then went to the zoo where we were able to help the zookeepers “wake” the animals in an exclusive behind the scenes tour! The Zoo at Chehaw is home to 238 specimens representing over 125 different species.
Although hard hit by Hurricane Michael, the staff worked diligently to get paths cleared and areas of the zoo accessible for our trip. Evidence of the damage was everywhere in this 700+ acre park of pine forest. This event was made special by all the up-close and personal encounters with most of the zoo’s animals and behind the scene tours in the barn and veterinary/commissary care areas.
Here are some highlights from our Chehaw adventure! And…stay tuned! This week we will visit the Georgia Buffalo Ranch in Townsend, Georgia!
Kelli Whitney, Science Lab Specialist
Blessed Sacrament School
