– Chloe the dwarf zebu, for minding her manners and chewing with her mouth closed.
– Peaches the Chilean rose tarantula for being a gentle ambassador for her species and helping people overcome their fear of spiders.
– Will Smith and Xena, the red pandas for eating their greens (and being amazing after Xena settled in to her new habitat!)
– Vintana and Nify, the black-and-white ruffed lemurs for helping with each other’s grooming.
– The guinea pigs for eating their veggies.
– Bayou the American alligator, for working well with his keepers to assist with his own care.
– Wogle and Makiki, the Parma wallabies, for being a great mom and dad.
For others…well, there’s always next year!
– Solomon the eclectus parrot, for screeching when people exit the room.
– Misti the capuchin monkey, for throwing her food on the ground.
– The meerkat mob for arguing over their burrows.
– Rooster the scarlet macaw, for his questionable dance moves.
– Sophia the jaguar, for opening her presents early.
Just remember everyone: eat your greens, mind your manners and have a safe and happy holiday season.