SOUTH BEND — The community is invited to celebrate the holidays with the Potawatomi Zoo during its Winter Day series.

The zoo will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.

Those who visit the zoo can meet with Santa, and get their photo taken in the Jungle Gift Shop. A create-your-own snowman ornament craft will be offered for $5 each in the learning center classroom.

The Endangered species carousel will be running, weather permitting, with tickets available for purchase at $2 per seated rider.

Additionally, zoo visitors can celebrate an African lion’s sweet 16 birthday with a special enrichment party at the exhibit, starting at 1:30 p.m. 

The Potawatomi Zoo AAZK chapter will be hosting a bake sale to raise funds for animal conservation, and will be collecting enrichment donations for the zoo’s own residents. Guest can view the enrichment wish list on the zoo’s website to see items most needed and wanted for animals.

Those not able to make it to the Winter Day can bring items to the zoo during the week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or can purchase items from the zoo’s Amazon wish list, in which items will be mailed directly to the zoo.

The Congo Café will be open with a menu that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and more. Hot chocolate, coffee and other beverages available.

The Jungle Gift Shop will be open with options for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. The Potawatomi Zoo’s winter days are scheduled fpr Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17 and March 3. The zoo will be open from noon to 3 p.m. each winter day, with the last admission at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, go to potawatomizoo.org or call (574) 235-9800.

Admission for the Winter Days series is $5.50 per person. Guests two and under are free. Potawatomi Zoo members will get in for free.