March has definitely come in like a lion and I don’t mean the weather. These first couple of weeks in March have been some of the most challenging the staff has experienced in a long time. There has been so much that we at least were expecting, but then faced more unexpected than we bargained for. Again, I must say how proud I am of the staff for how well they have stuck together through it all.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like old man winter is ready to give up anytime soon. Despite the thoughts of many ready to hit the links, move baseball practices outside, or even the tennis and pickleball courts, the forecast has us moving more snow before the end of the week and continuing beyond. But despite what is thrown our way, there is plenty ahead of us to get excited about.

On Saturday evening the Greater Minot Zoological Society (GMZS) will be hosting its inaugural Wild at Art event to raise money needed to complete the African Plains Building project. With help from local and regional artists and businesses, the event will also be spotlighting some of the zookeeper staff. Along with dinner there is a silent and live auction for attendees to participate in. Regardless of what the weather brings, my hope is that this event will become a community favorite just as the Bacon & Brew event. As of the writing of this article, tickets were still available.

At last weekend’s Volunteer Fair, the zoo had a decent turnout of interested individuals interested in participating as volunteers at the zoo. The attendees ranged from retired seniors to high school students whom we will be following up with to pinpoint their interests and availability. It was well worth the time spent. This upcoming weekend will be all about preparing and hosting the Wild at Art gala. Although the event is at a location offsite, there is a lot of last-minute preparation that will need to be done to make sure everything is in place before the guests start to arrive for the 5:30 cocktail hour. And finally, as we approach the last weekend of March, the zoo will be preparing for its Easter at the Zoo event on Saturday, March 30.

Weekdays and weekends all start blending as we approach spring and summer. It will often look like a sideshow as the zoo must keep all the plates spinning, so nothing gets lost in the mix and crashes down. Though it sometimes appears to be organized chaos, the staff has become accustomed to taking it all in stride with each focusing on their jobs but assisting where needed for the good of the whole.

Looking ahead to April is not even a thought as we stay focused on what is in front of us today. While March did come in like a lion, the chances of it going out like a lamb may only be a dream, but we’ll remain optimistic for now.