(Photo by Amber Phipps) Students at Phillips Elementary in Marietta enjoyed a presentation by ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Friday afternoon.

Students at Phillips Elementary in Marietta were paid a special visit from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Friday afternoon.

Beginning at 1:15 p.m. in the gym of the elementary school, animal ambassadors from the zoo presented the kids with a variety of unique creatures.

Students in first and second grades listened and watched as zoo ambassadors brought out a penguin, tortoise, corn snake, screech owl and a two-toed sloth. The students were attentive and engaged as each animal was presented and encouraged to participate by asking and answering questions.

“We’ve had a number of different zoos, animal shelters and other similar type organizations do educational activities with our students at various levels of our district,” said Marietta City Schools Communications Coordinator Christian Hudspeth. “I believe this is the first event we’ve had specifically with the Columbus Zoo for the past several years.”

The Columbus Zoo has a variety of outreach programs that schools across Ohio can book and schedule.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The first animal presentation was the penguin which captivated the students as they listened to the ambassador and learned more about the animal.

The zoo’s programs focus on the presentation of the animals and a 45-minute discussion about the ecosystem the animals are from. These programs have continually received a positive response from the district and community.

“Our families and students love events like this. Not only is it a tremendous and exciting learning experience for our kids, but our families love getting to see their students in the school environment,” said Hudspeth. “It’s a win for everyone and it’s made possible by the hard work and dedication of our educators and administrators.”

The district plans to continue having similar events for students to get engaged and interested in a variety of subjects.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Parents and legal guardians were welcome to attend the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium presentation at Phillips Elementary School in Marietta on Friday.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) One of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ambassadors showcased the penguin’s unique features and feathers.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Goldie the penguin enjoyed the spotlight as students watched in captivation.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Ambassador Rachel Moore discussed how the zoo came across Lucky the tortoise on a highway in Columbus despite being native to Africa. The zoo took in the tortoise and determined her age to be around 40 years old.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The corn snake has a distinctive orange shade that allows it to blend in with its surroundings. It is often mistaken for the copperhead which is highly venomous.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The screech owl sat perched on Ambassador Rachel Moore’s arm as she walked around the gym for students to observe and ask questions.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Students loved seeing the two-toed sloth and had lots of questions about its movements and fur.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The two-toed sloth snacked on some treats while the ambassador described its characteristics which elicited lots of questions from the first- and second-graders.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Phillips Elementary welcomed the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Friday for a presentation of live and exotic animals from the zoo.