Here at Crane Lake we are lucky enough to have many different animals at our zoo. We have animals such as chickens, llamas, a pony, goats, pigs, a snake, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, and of course… puppies!

The animals come from all over to hang out with us for the summer. When the summer comes to an end, the animals are sent home with their original owners. The only animals that do not go home with their original owners are the puppies. The puppies are raffled off to four lucky campers. Not only do these four campers get to bring home remarkable camp memories, but they also get to bring home a puppy (with their parents permission of course)!

This summer we have two amazing zookeepers, Harry and Lauren. They work hard everyday to keep the animals safe and the campers entertained. Each bunk has the opportunity to go to the zoo several times throughout the session. During their time at the zoo, they can play with all the animals and even walk the puppies and llamas. Walking the puppies is definitely a huge moment that campers look forward to every summer. For campers who do not have pets at home, being around the animals for one month or two is an exhilarating experience.

Going to the zoo is very comforting for many campers because where else can you just talk and be listened to? Campers gain responsibility and respect for nature and animals at the Crane Lake zoo.

By Lindsey Blackman, Communications Specialist