The public is invited to visit with Lowry Park Zoo Ambassadors (animals and outreach educators) for a special appearance at The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, from 1-2:30pm Sunday, Dec. 30.

The zoo "meet and greet" will be held outside on the Plaza and is free. Animals may include (may change depending on weather and temperature*):

• South American porcupine
• Martial eagle (the largest)
• Gopher Tortoise
• Barn Owl
• American Alligator
• Two Toed Sloth*
• Southern Vested Tarantula*
• Rhino Rat Snake*
• African Pixie Frog*
• Mexican Red Knee Tarantula*

Some of these animals are "touch" animals meaning that people can touch them with two fingers, toward the tail end of the body. Hand sanitizer will be provided to anyone who touches an animal. The number of people touching animals is limited to 15.

The zoo appearance is scheduled before Jack Hanna's Into the Wild Live show, scheduled at 3pm at The Mahaffey Theater. Tickets are priced from $22.50-$42.50.

Known as the world's favorite zookeeper, Jack Hanna is returning to his Florida roots to share stories from his world adventures. Hanna started working with animals at his local veterinarian's office when he was 11 years old and turned his interests into a career. He became director of the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, Seminole County, and two years later, moved to Ohio and became the executive director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Animals in Jack Hanna's show include: cheetah, penguin, leopard cub, armadillo, sloth and warthog.