'Zooper Saturday' to celebrate lion birthday this weekend

The Buffalo Zoo will host a lion birthday party during the March "Zooper Saturday" event March 7. It will celebrate the second birthday of Tiberius, a male African lion who arrived at the Buffalo Zoo from Rochester in December.

Activities include birthday treats for Tiberius, keeper talks, face-painting, and animal artwork raffles. A full schedule of activities follows:

• 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - Raffles, face painting, and birthday card craft in EcoStation, presented by Tops 
• Noon - Birthday treats and keeper talk at the lion exhibit
• 1 p.m. - Birthday presents and keeper talk at the lion exhibit
• 2 p.m. - Papier-mâché enrichment and keeper talk at the lion exhibit
• 3 p.m. - Raffle drawings in EcoStation (One need not need to be present to win)

Tiberius was born at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester March 7, 2013. He was hand-raised by keepers at the Seneca Park Zoo, along with his sister, Savanah. Tiberius was brought to Buffalo on a breeding recommendation from the Species Survival Plan for African lions living in Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

"Zooper Saturdays" take place the first Saturday of every month. Activities are free with regular zoo admission. For more information, call 716-995-6133 or visit www.buffalozoo.org.