Youngsters get to be Assiniboine Park zookeepers for a day

Assiniboine Park Zoo got a little extra help in the zookeeping department on Friday. Five lucky kids won the chance to become a zookeeper for theday.

"Today is really to connect them to nature and from there, we hope that they will develop that interest in conservation and nature," said Janice Martin, a curator atthe zoo.

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The kids got a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo and helped take care of some of the animals. Tasks included checking on water dishes, preparing food for the polar bearsand releasing butterflies.

The contest is about helping young children learn about animals and conservation early, zoo staff said.

"They will remember this for their lifetime. Hopefully, this will be an extraordinary experience for them, and maybe they too will take [on] a passion for animals," said Martin.

The contest was held for National Zookeeper Week, which runs July 18-24. Throughout the week the zoo is offering specialactivities,including keeper talks, explorer huntsand bio-fact touch tables.