Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo is celebrating Presidents Day a bit differently this year by hosting its first Prezoodential Election, a chance for the public to vote for the animal they think would best serve as zoo president.

After undergoing a rigorous application process, four contenders have emerged: Fran the capybara, Czar the snow leopard, Niles the African-crowned crane and Olive the sloth. Zoo spokeswoman Marisa Ogles says each animal boasts a uniquely progressive platform aimed at addressing key issues such as housing, education, nutrition and civil liberties.

Voting will start Monday in the zoo's Gift Shop, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave., and is already underway at Facebook.com/Chattzoo. Ballots may be cast until 5 p.m. Feb. 16. Those who vote in person for the winning candidate will receive a special gift.

Information about the zoo's new president, including details on the winner's post-election celebration party, will be announced on Facebook the morning of Feb. 17, Presidents Day. The winner will celebrate with a variety of enrichment activities starting at 2 p.m. that day.

"All of our animals are wonderful, and we can't wait to see who the public deems the best new leader for the Chattanooga Zoo," says CEO Dardenelle Long.

For more information, call 423-643-5703 or email info@chattzoo.org.