[PRESS RELEASE] Celebrate Maggie the Bear�s 20th birthday at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor
Melanie A. Kenderdine , Cabinet Secretary Designate
Ben Shelton, Acting Deputy Cabinet Secretary
Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director
Contact:
Wendy Mason
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
NM State Parks Division
wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov
505-819-1785
Sidney Hill
Public Information Officer, EMNRD
sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov
505-629-2900
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 15, 2025
Celebrate Maggie the Bear’s 20th birthday at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Maggie is known for creating art with her paws
CARLSBAD, NM – The New Mexico State Parks will celebrate the 20 th birthday of Carlsbad local legend Maggie the Bear this Saturday, January 18, at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.
Maggie’s story began when she was orphaned as a one-month-old cub and raised by a wildlife rehabilitator in Missouri. She arrived at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park at five months old and has since charmed visitors with her signature paw-painting hobby, which started as a form of behavioral enrichment. As she turns 20, Maggie’s journey has become an inspiring testament to wildlife rehabilitation and the bond between animals and their human caregivers.
"Maggie’s 20th birthday is a celebration of her life, and a reminder of the important work being done by State Parks staff to support wildlife conservation and rehabilitation,” said EMNRD Sec. Designate Melanie Kenderdine.
CARLSBAD, NM – The New Mexico State Parks will celebrate the 20 th birthday of Carlsbad local legend Maggie the Bear this Saturday, January 18, at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.
This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a day of fun activities while also celebrating the incredible life of Maggie, the zoo’s black bear who has become famous for her unique ability to create art with her paws.
Maggie’s story began when she was orphaned as a one-month-old cub and raised by a wildlife rehabilitator in Missouri. She arrived at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park at five months old and has since charmed visitors with her signature paw-painting hobby, which started as a form of behavioral enrichment. As she turns 20, Maggie’s journey has become an inspiring testament to wildlife rehabilitation and the bond between animals and their human caregivers.
"Maggie’s 20th birthday is a celebration of her life, and a reminder of the important work being done by State Parks staff to support wildlife conservation and rehabilitation,” said EMNRD Sec. Designate Melanie Kenderdine.
Event Highlights:
Starting at 10:30 a.m., visitors can participate in fun-filled activities in the Visitor Center. Children can enjoy arts and crafts, sign cards for the birthday bear and compete in a contest to guess Maggie’s weight. There also will be cake.
At 1 p.m., Maggie will receive her birthday present in a special public presentation.
While all activities in the Visitor Center are free, standard fees will be charged to enter the zoo.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, January 18
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, Carlsbad, NM
Admission: Standard zoo entrance fees apply.
About Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park:
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is dedicated to promoting wildlife conservation, offering enriching experiences for visitors and showcasing the natural beauty of New Mexico's wildlife. With its diverse exhibits and programs, the park has become a cornerstone of education and preservation in the state.
For more information, please visit www.livingdesert.org or click on Find a Park at emnrd.nm.gov/spd .
(Figures 1 and 2) Maggie enjoys her leisure time at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad. Her paw paintings are on display and for sale in the visitor center. Photos: NM State Parks.
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New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department . The State Parks Division mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors.
Best regards,
Wendy Mason
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Records Custodian
NM State Parks Division
Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department
1220 S. St Francis Dr. | Santa Fe, NM 87505
Email: wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov | Web: emnrd.nm.gov/spd
PH 505.819.1785 (c) | Toll Free 1.888.667.2757
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