Critters Uncaged: Miller Park Zoo | Meet Ringo the Opossum

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Ringo is North America’s only marsupial, and he’s spending time with us on today’s Critters Uncaged. Miller Park Zoo Educator Ty Harris joins ciLiving today to introduce us to Ringo.
      
Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. Their range extends from Costa Rica to southern Canada. Frostbite is a major hazard for northern opossums in winter. Their ears, hands, and tails are mostly hairless, making it difficult for them to stay warm. Occasionally, opossums may move to more populated or urban areas in order to stay warm.

Virginia opossums are omnivores and will eat everything from fruits, vegetables, insects, and meat. They can eat up to 5,000 ticks per season, making them excellent pest control agents!

Many people assume that all opossums “play dead” when frightened, but this is usually only the case when they are young. As they age, opossums will pose as a threat, with their mouths open and hissing to show off their 50 teeth (the most teeth of any land mammal in North America).

Virginia opossums also have a lower body temperature than most mammals, making them much less susceptible to many diseases, including rabies! In the wild, Virginia opossums can live up to 1.5 to 2 years in the wild, but can live up to 3 to 4 years in human care.

We offer classes for ages 3-17 all summer long as well as senior tours on the second Wednesday of every month!

Safari Camp at the Zoo – 8-9 years old
Around the world
Each day we will explore a different continent and learn about the animals that live there. Animal encounters, crafts, games, and unique behind-the-scenes glimpses will highlight this five-day camp. A snack is included each day. Campers will receive a t-shirt to wear throughout the week. Activities are the same for each camp session.
15/07-19/07………………. 8:30-11:30
15/07-19/07………………. 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
29/07-02/08………………… 8:30-11:30

Animal adventure camp for 10 to 13 year olds
Biomes Bonanza
From rainforests to deserts to mountains, we will learn about the different types of environments that make up our planet and the animals that live there. It will be a week filled with animal encounters, projects, and activities that will show us the adaptations animals have made to live in their very varied biomes. A snack is provided each day. Campers will receive a t-shirt to wear throughout the week. Activities are the same for each camp session.
29/07-2/08……………1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Pollinator Palooza Mini-Camp for ages 8-15
During this mini-camp, you will learn all about pollinators and their important contribution to a healthy ecosystem! Did you know that pollinators are not just insects? We will learn about plants, their pollen power and the animals that help them grow! We will even meet animals along the way. A snack will be provided.
8-10 years old: July 22 and 23…….8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
11-15 years old: July 22 and 23 ……..1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Flamingo Flapjacks!
Back by popular demand! Join us for this fun summer event! Miller Park Zoo will be offering the chance to have breakfast with our flamingos! You will be able to enjoy flamingo flapjacks while the flamingos have breakfast! Listen to the flamingo keeper talk about our flamingos. Afterwards, visit the other animals too! This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased by calling Miller Park Zoo at (309) 434-2250. Space is limited, so don’t delay!
Date: Saturday July 13
Time: 8:00-9:30

Website
https://www.bloomingtonparks.org/facilities/miller-park-zoo
Social Media Links
https://www.instagram.com/millerparkzoo/?hl=fr

https://www.bloomingtonparks.org/programs/program-guide

Miller Park Zoological Park
1020 S. Morris Avenue Bloomington, IL 61701