Camilla Captivates Capitol Hill (Video)
Yes, watching a grown man scootch in next to a disinterested pig for a selfie is funny.
But there’s something absolutely Zen about watching a wired mammal barrel through a ball pit.
“It’s enrichment. It’s just for fun,” an animal wrangler explained to the army of children transfixed by the sight of an up-and-at-’em armadillo plowing through a multi-colored obstacle course.
Per the armadillo handler, who claimed her fair share of the curiosity seekers who crowded into the Rayburn cafeteria May 13 to partake in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums annual reception, the 18-year-old, nine-banded specimen — “Her name is Camilla,” she said — was being particularly lively because she had just woken up.
“She’s nocturnal, so she’s raring to go,” the zookeeper told the surrounding kiddies.
That, and it was probably feeding time.
“There’s also some mealworms sprinkled around in there, so she’ll come across a little treat now and then,” the aide noted.
Not that anyone cared how much stick or carrot had been employed to fabricate the frenetic phenomenon.
“I’m just so happy right now,” a fellow political scribe, cold beer in hand, told HOH.
Attendees ooohed and aaahed at various attractions, pausing to capture precious moments with:
Slippery types
Chillaxing carnivores
Overdressed out-of-towners
Ominous critters
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