ZooMontana Returns for “ECO-Critters” Program<br/><br/>American Prairie is pleased to announce an upcoming event in partnership with ZooMontana at the National Discovery Center in Lewistown. On Friday, July 29, educational staff from ZooMontana in Billings will be bringing a number of live animals to the NDC as part of the National Discovery Center’s new program, “ECO-Critters.” The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.<br/><br/>During this free event, visitors can explore multiple stations and learn about the natural world the animals live in and how they are cared for at the zoo. Visitors can also tour the NDC exhibits and learn even more about prairie plants and animals.<br/><br/>Animals visiting the NDC on July 29 will be the plains hognose snake, a tarantula, and a turtle. The plains hognose snake is native to the Central Montana prairie. When threatened, it will flatten its neck and raise its head off the ground, similar to a cobra, and hiss. This behavior has earned the hognose snake several nicknames, such as "blowing adder", "flathead", "spreading adder", or "hissing adder". To protect itself, it may also “play dead!”<br/>Bringing the animals to the NDC from ZooMontana will be Fernanda Mora, Education Specialist and Outreach Coordinator, and Brooke Tucker, Education and Social Media Coordinator. Prior to joining ZooMontana, Fernanda worked in multiple states with many different animals, including snakes, sea turtles, chimps, and birds of prey. “I've been with the zoo for a little over 6 months now and love that I get to meld my passion for sharing animal and conservation education with my love for wildlife.” Brooke Tucker began working at ZooMontana immediately after graduating from college in 2021. “There is a lot to love about my job, but one of my favorite things is how different every day is. Some days we are doing educational programs, but other days we are helping out with animal care and training — we never know what the day will hold!”<br/>ECO-Critters is just one of a number of new educational programs currently being developed by American Prairie’s NDC staff. “ECO-Critters is a great way to get folks of all ages interested in wildlife, and to spread the word about the great things that are happening at ZooMontana, on the prairie, and at the National Discovery Center,” said David Cunningham, the Kären and Jay Abbe Director of the National Discovery Center. “We are excited about our ongoing partnership with ZooMontana and future appearances by their staff as part of the ECO-Critters program. We hope everyone comes out to see the animals, meet Fernanda and Brooke, and learn about nature!” <br/><br/>The American Prairie National Discovery Center is located at 302 W Main Street in Lewistown, and is open Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Visit americanprairie.org/national-discovery-center to learn more, and follow American Prairie on Facebook for updates on upcoming events and programming. <br/><br/>About American Prairie<br/>American Prairie’s vision is to create a vast and collaboratively-managed prairie destination that serves as a fully functioning ecosystem for wildlife, and offers visitors permanent access to the landscape that shaped our nation’s character. Already open to the public for recreation including camping and hunting, American Prairie offers visitors an opportunity to connect with nature on a truly grand scale. Learn more at americanprairie.org<br/><br/>About ZooMontana<br/>ZooMontana is Montana’s only zoological and botanical park, and is dedicated to wildlife education and conservation revolving around Earth’s 45th parallel. It is an AZA accredited nonprofit educational organization committed to the best in animal care. ZooMontana’s education program reaches over 20,000 students per year, both on and off Zoo grounds. The Zoo is located at 2100 S. Shiloh Road in Billings, Montana. Learn more at zoomontana.org <br/><br/>