Have you ever though about how much food it takes to feed the animals at the zoo? I know how much I spend on just my family alone, so I can’t imagine how much it takes to feed all those animals.
We were invited out to learn how to make meatballs for humans and also make some for the lions at the Houston Zoo on behalf of TXU Energy. First we learned how to make Swedish Meatballs from Chef Larry Argoella of Sodexo. I am not a huge meat eater, but these meatballs were so delcious. The secret ingredient was allspice in the mix and I think that is what really made them. Coupon Contessa was also there with her family to learn how to cook. I have to say she did a fabulous job and asked lots of questions of the chef so we knew how to really make the meatballs. The whole time she was cooking the Lionesses were closely watching!!! So cool!
Next our girls learned how to roll meatballs to be able to feed the lions. There was no cooking there 🙂
We were then treated to a nice surprise of actually getting to help feed the lions through the cage!! They were hungry and it was so cool to see their teeth up fairly close, but not too close!!
All of this was put together at the Houston Zoo on behalf of TXU Energy in order to raise awareness of the great costs that it takes to feed all the animals at the zoo. Zoo entrance and membership fees can only go so far in maintaining and feeding.
The Houston Zoo’s animal family is large and diverse; 600 mammals, 800 birds, 500 reptiles, 400 amphibians, 4,000 fish and 4,700 invertebrates. Each day, the Zoo Commissary staff goes to work at 5 a.m. preparing and delivering animal diets that have been developed in consultation with a specialist in exotic animal nutrition. The staff works with one common goal – ensuring that every animal’s nutritional needs are met each and every day.
To help offset some of the costs the Houston Zoo has an annual Gift of Grub to help raise more funds to help feed all their creatures big and small. You can help by donating today and on top of that TXU Energy has pledged to match donation made up to $50,000!! What a great way to give back to a cause that delights children and adults alike. I hope you will consider donating today.
Thanks TXU Energy and the Houston Zoo for having us out 🙂
*Photos courtesy of Dave Einsel and TXU Energy (my iPhone photos didn’t turn ut so well 🙂 )
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