‘Ambassador’ kinkajou Copper brings military discounts

ALBANY — As part of a tour promoting Wild Adventures’ expanded military discount program during the Independence Day holiday, theme park Public Relations Manager Adam Floyd and Communications Coordinator Stephanie Barden brought Copper the kinkajou to The Albany Herald Monday.

Kinkajous are omnivores, native to Central and South America, and related to raccoons and opossums. Copper’s favorite foods are scrambled eggs and bananas, according to Barden, who noted that “Copper will eat just about anything put in front of him.”

The communications coordinator, who is trained as a zookeeper as well, said kinkajous’ hind feet face have the ability to swivel so that the animals can run as quickly backward as they can forward.

Some Herald employees had the chance to pet Copper’s tail, which is prehensile, allowing to sometimes us it as an extra hand.

Floyd and Barden said they wanted regular and new visitors to the park to know about the upcoming changes to Wild Adventures’ military discount program.

“At Wild Adventures, we’ve shown our appreciation for the military through discount programs and free admission days,” Patrick Pearson, the park’s marketing director, said. “But now we are expanding those programs to include all who have honorably served.”

During “Celebrate America Week,” from Saturday to July 8, all honorably discharged military veterans with a valid DD-214 form will join active, retired and disabled military personnel as eligible for Wild Adventures’ military discounts and free admission days. Everyone in their parties will receive a $10 discount off general admission.

Wild Adventures is also offering a special military-only season pass for $49 during “Celebrate America Week.” The week surrounds Independence Day and includes concerts by country musicians Chase Bryant and Seth Ennis, a performance from a capella group Linkin’ Bridge and a Patriotic Fireworks Spectacular on July 4.

To cap off the event, Valdosta residents will receive exclusive discounts during Valdosta Hometown Day on July 8.

More information is available at WildAdventures.com.