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Tuesday, Feb 18th

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Celebrate Maggie the Bear’s 20th birthday at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

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CARLSBAD, N.M. — The New Mexico State Parks will celebrate the 20th birthday of Carlsbad local legend Maggie the Bear Jan. 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,” The state's Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department Sec. Designate Melanie Kenderdine said.

Starting at 10:30 am, 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 pm, 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.



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