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New Zealand: North Island – Animal Art in New Zealand
New Zealand art is influenced by the Maori culture. You can see the influence here by the swirl of this sculpture. Look at the small shapes – they’re all animals.
New Zealand: Otorohanga – Immigrant Cows in New Zealand
Neither cows, nor any other animals were native to New Zealand. They were all brought in by the British and other explorers when they arrived here.
New Zealand: Hamilton Gardens – All Kinds of Gardens at Hamilton Gardens, NZ
This fun animal pool garden is just one of creative gardens in the Hamilton Gardens. Some of the others are: English Flower Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden, Te Parapara Garden, Japanese Garden of Contemplation, Tudor Garden and Indian Char Bagh Garden.
US: Providence, RI – Over 5,000 Intricately Carved Pumpkins and Spooky Nights at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
A fall tradition at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, is the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, attracting more than 100,000 visitors for this truly “spectacular” event.
Don’t miss this year’s show that includes more than 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins featuring scenes of wizards, fairytales, and the luminaries of great myths and legends, alongside superheroes, and historical figures who changed the world. Revel in the sights and sounds of the season, and celebrate this otherworldly experience. This seasonal art show aims to delight and amaze the whole family, and not to scare anyone. – Tickets on-sale now
You can also experience the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. From 115 feet above riders enjoy an aerial view of the park and admire the plethora of jack-o-lanterns from above. Get an eagles-eye view over Providence and into Narragansett Bay in comfortable side-by-side seats.
There are also a number of Special Events taking place which are included in the price of admission (with the exception of Spooky Zoo and Boo at the Zoo Family Overnight). Kids and adults are encouraged to wear costumes; masks are not permitted for teens/adults over age 12.
Children’s Fairy Tale Nights – Wed and Thurs, Oct 10th & 11th @ 5:30pm-8pm: Meet beloved children’s fairy tale characters. Take pictures with Peter Pan, Cinderella, Snow White, Robin Hood and favorite Dr. Seuss characters such as the Cat in the Hat and the Grinch. As the sun sets, find your favorite fairy tales characters intricately carved on the pumpkins.
Wizarding Nights – Wed and Thurs, Oct 17th & 18th @6pm-8pm:
Wizards and witches get your wands, mount your brooms and fly on over to meet some of the characters from J.K. Rowling’s beloved series. Before you embark on the pumpkin trail, try a butter beer or a chocolate frog. Then travel the pumpkin trail, and identify characters and scenes from the wizarding world.
Super Hero Nights – Wed and Thurs, Oct 24th & 25th @6pm-8pm:
Comic book fans might meet Black Panther, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider Man, and the gang, take a photo, and find out how they all save the world. As the heroes go back out to fight evil, find your hero’s pumpkin on the pumpkin trail.
Spooky Zoo – Sat and Sun, Oct 27th & 28th:
Spooky Zoo is back, offering daytime outdoor autumn activities for the whole family. Come trick-or-treat (while supplies last) beginning at 10:30 am on the Treat Trail by the red wolf exhibit. Kids and adults will enjoy a packed schedule of seasonal activities. Activities are free with Zoo admission and all children 12 and under dressed in costume get in for half price.
Boo at the Zoo Family Overnight – Sat, Oct 20th and Sat, Oct 27th, 2018:
Snooze at the Zoo for the wildest family overnight adventure in town. The night begins with pizza and ice cream before educators engage you and your children in an owl pellet dissection, program animal encounters, and give you VIP access to the world famous Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Set up your sleeping bags in the Meller-Danforth Education Center with popcorn and a movie to snooze to. You’ll need your zzzzs before waking up with the animals. A light breakfast will be provided before a morning Zoo tour.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular takes place 7 days a week. Take advantage of Value Nights, Mon-Thurs, which will save you a bit of money and are usually less crowded.
Location: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Dates: Oct 4 – Nov 4, 2018
Times: 6 – 11 p.m. (last admission at 10pm)
Tel: 401-785-3510
rwpzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/jack-o-lantern-spectacular
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: goprovidence.com
US: Cape Cod, MA – Cape Cod Doxie Day – A Gathering of Doxies, Wiener-Wannabes, Dachshund Lovers, and Friends
Calling all dachshunds, wiener wannabes, dachshund lovers and friends…A Cape Cod tradition continues on Main Street, celebrating everything dachshund in charming Historic Barnstable Village.
Cape Cod Doxie Day invites you to join the first ever Wiener Waddle and Waggin’ Parade dachshunds in costume and decorated wagons, strollers and carts, are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, best wagging and best waddle. Cheer on your favorite doxie in the Doxie Dash.
Bring Fido and help celebrate everything dachshund. Enjoy the many contest including longest doxie, teeniest weenie, best trick to name a few. Enter competitions to win prizes and bragging rights.
Fun for the whole family including the furry ones. Come on out and sing the official Dachs-song, mingle and meet other doxies to benefit local animal organizations. Take photos with the mini Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and partake in the Blessing of the animals, and stop by the ask-a-vet table. There will be raffles, silent auction and more.
All well-behaved, on-leash dogs are welcome at Cape Cod Doxie Day. Admission is FREE and plenty of FREE parking. Rain Date Sunday, September 30th.
Proceeds from Cape Cod Doxie Day 2018 will benefit The Sampson Fund which helps pet owners pay for critical vet care bills which they would not have the means to do so without assistance (https://www.sampsonfund.org). They will be collecting donations packaged pet food and cat litter for Cape Cod Disaster Animal Response Team (CCDART) http://www.ccdart.org
Location: Barnstable Village, Behind the Barnstable Courthouse, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630
Date: Sat, Sep 29, 2018
Time: Noon til 3pm
Tel: 508-362-8986
ccdoxieday.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: capecodchamber.org
US: Ormond Beach, FL – Whimsical Four Footed & Fanciful Art Exhibit
There’s only a few more weeks for the whole family to appreciate the delightful and amusing summer long exhibition at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Garden. The Four Footed & Fanciful Art Exhibit showcases the work of three artists who create whimsical animal creatures.
Take a walk though the imagination of artists Adonna Khare, Cindy Burkett and Don Nedobeck and enjoy the fanciful creatures they capture. 
The exhibit features the artistic talents of California artist Adonna Khare, who creates large scale pieces using a carbon pencil. She was the winner of a $200,000 People’s Choice prize at Art Prize. Cindy Burkett, from New Smyrna Beach, creates intricate collages from recycled magazines and other materials for her collages that draw viewers in to find their surprising secrets and Don Nedobeck, a DeLand artist who creates fun animals, especially big fluffy cats, that he calls “caricatures in watercolor” and he has produced three children’s books. “Cats Eyes” collage by Cindy Burkett
Hurry in because the exhibit only runs through Sept. 9. Admission is free with a $2 per person suggested donation.
“Ornate Cat and Bert” Watercolor and ink by Don Nedobeck
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Garden, 78 East Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Date – until Sept 9, 2018
Time: Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm, Sat & Sun noon- 4pm
Tel: 386-676-3347
ormondartmuseum.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: daytonabeach.com
US: Walterboro, SC – “Going to the Dogs Band” Gives it all to the Dogs
The Going to the Dogs Band is hosting a Car Show to benefit Friends of the Colleton County Animal Shelter (FoCCAS), an organization very close to the band’s heart.
Going above and beyond with their commitment to animal groups and other deserving causes, Going to the Dogs Band is a 100-percent charity and benefit band. All members of the band refuse to accept any payment for their time and talent. They are dedicated to donating all money earned to Animal Shelters and Rescues, oxygen masks for animals for fire stations, bullet-proof vests for K-9 Police Units, as well as other charities including human, environmental, and other worthy causes.
The Wheels for Paws Car and Bike Show will be fun for the whole family with trophies presented to the top ten vehicles, raffles and 50/50 drawing, balloon art, and of course Live entertainment by Going To The Dogs Band.
There will also be a featured Bike Ride to benefit the furry friends at FoCCAS, (Friends of Colleton County Animal Shelter), a volunteer-based organization that helps animals at the county’s animal shelter. Kickstands up at 11am.
Get out and show your support of FoCCAS and The Going to the Dogs Band who keep paying it forward.
Location: 1013 S Jefferies Blvd Ste C, Walterboro, SC
Date: Sat, July 14, 2018
Time: 9am – 2pm
Tel: 843 – 300 – 0347
goingtothedogsmusic.com/wheels-4-paws.html
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: walterborosc.org
US: Mystic, CT – Sharkfest Swim, Kayak and SUP Races Down the Mystic River
It’s the inaugural Mystic River Day, a day celebrating the Mystic River Community.
Festivities include: children’s activities and games on the Mystic River Park green, discover Mystic River history, many local non-profits, animal encounters, meet the Mystic Mermaid in the park – photo op, Sharkfest Swim, Kayak and SUP races down the Mystic River.
Cheer on the Mystic Sharkfest Swimmers from 8:30 am – 11:30 am, on their 1500 meter swim from Middle Wharf at Mystic Seaport, down the Mystic River, under the famous Bascule drawbridge, finishing at Dock A at Seaport Marine.
This swim will give you the perfect excuse to visit a classic New England seaport on Long Island Sound. The swim course will take you past the fully restored whaling ship, Charles Morgan and around the Mystic Harbor lighthouse and down river through the picturesque village that is steeped in shipbuilding history.
Participating downtown shops, restaurants, and bars will offer specials, discounts and extended happy hours throughout the day.
Location:Mystic River Park, Cottrell Street, Mystic, 06355
Date: Sun, July 8, 2018
Time: 9am – 2:30pm
Tel: 860-572-9578
thisismystic.com/event/mystic-river-day
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: mysticchamber.org
US: St. Augustine, FL- Learn all About Dolphins on a Dolphin Paddle
Join Anastasia Watersports and Marineland Dolphin Adventure for a fun-filled interpretive Dolphin Paddle on Salt Run at Anastasia State Park.
The park’s estuarine tidal marsh is teeming with plant and animal life . Learn about the biosphere and natural habitats, hop into a kayak, paddle onto Salt Run, and keep an eye for birds, turtles, manatees and especially dolphins.
Staff will provide illuminating details about the ecosystem and the myriad wildlife that inhabit it. A dolphin expert from Marineland, will fill guests in on fascinating facts about the dolphins that are born, breed and thrive in this waterway.
The event will start with 30 minutes of classroom discussion followed by 90 minutes of paddling. Come out and enjoy real, undiscovered Florida. Program fee: $40/person, includes boat rental. Park admission fees: ($8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. email, info@anastasiawatersports.com to make a reservation.
This informative event is Family-Friendly.
Location: Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Date: Sat, June 16, 2018
Time: 9am – 11am
Tel: 904-460-9111
floridastateparks.org/park-events/Anastasia
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: floridashistoriccoast.com
US: Wilson, NC – Celebrate Cinco de Barko in Wilson with your Favorite Furry Friend
Join The Maggie Society on May 5th for Cinco de Barko, a family friendly, dog friendly afternoon of fun, food and music all to support a worthy cause.
If you’re an animal lover, grab a tailgating chair, the kids and the dog’s leash and get ready to PAWTY!
Along with the amazing Steve Hardy providing the tunes, food trucks will be on site so make sure to show up hungry. (Valid ID required for adult beverage purchases)
Other event activities include: bounce house, crafts (for children), PAWtraits (for the furry guests), silent auction, demonstrations, photo booth, Maggie Gear and adoptable dogs.
Kids 10 and under Free Admission.
Proceeds will go to: The Maggie SocietyCanine Rescue, Rehabilitation, & Education
Location: 210 Tarboro St. West, Wilson, NC 27893 (The “Grassy Lot”)
Date: Sat, May 5, 2018
Time: 4 – 7pm
themaggiesociety.com/current-events.html
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: wilson-nc.com