Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is flipping the script for this year's April Fools' Day with a set of prank call lines.
Over the years, the zoo has been inundated with prank calls from people trying to get hold of animal-themed characters such as Mr Lyon.
Per a press release, the calls have "tied up zoo phone lines more than once" and as a result, Blank Park Zoo is getting ahead of it with a "playful twist".
For April Fools' Day (1 April), the zoo has launched its own prank call lines, as follows:
- Wally Bee – (515) 974-2670
- Don Kee – (515) 974-2671
- Cassie 'Cass' O'Wary – (515) 974-2672
- Mr Rory Lyon – (515) 974-2673
Each line features a custom voicemail message inspired by the animal behind the name, also providing "fun facts with just enough confusion to make recipients wonder what’s going on".
The zoo said the initiative is a lighthearted way to celebrate April Fools' Day, provide some animal facts, and avoid tying up its main phone lines.
Blank Park Zoo, Iowa's only AZA-accredited zoo, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It is home to more than 2,200 animals from over 200 species, and is the second-largest cultural attraction in Iowa.
The zoo is dedicated to inspiring an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and research. Its conservation initiatives protect wildlife around the globe and in Iowa.
AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, recently announced the accreditation of 27 world-class institutions.
Images courtesy of Blank Park Zoo
