Moorpark, CA — America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College welcomes the community to join a birthday celebration this Saturday, Feb. 2, for Ira the lion as he marks his fifth birthday. The day of festivities will begin with a behind-the-scenes look at the location for Ira’s new exhibit space. Later, Ira will open gifts made by his student trainers and guests will join in singing “Happy birthday” before eating birthday cake. Additional arts and crafts activities will be available for children as well.

“What better way to prepare for this Sunday’s Super Bowl than to have a roaring good time Saturday at the biggest birthday party of the year?” asked Mara Rodriguez, a zoo staffer at the zoo. “Zoo guests will see the large difference a year can make in the life of a lion. In fact, since celebrating Ira’s birthday last year, he has grown from lion cub to lion king. His mane has filled in and his roar has matured. Ira is truly King of the Campus here at Moorpark College!”

America’s Teaching Zoo is a wonderful destination for families and was recently ranked among the top 100 places to take your children in Los Angeles by Mommy Poppins Magazine. The zoo is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, to mark this celebration. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, and $6 for children ages 3 – 12; zoo members will receive free admission to this event.

The zoo is located on the Moorpark College campus at 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, California, 93021. For additional information, please call Mara Rodriguez at (805) 378-1441 or visit zoo.moorparkcollege.edu.