TAMPA, Fla. — ZooTampa is hosting Christmas in the Wild this year, giving the community the chance to celebrate the holidays in style. 

There’s a giraffe sculpture taller than an actual giraffe. There are more than 1 million twinkly lights, and animals from around the world.

It’s Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa.

And it’s all for the benefit of animals like African penguins, or as their handlers call them, “Cats of the bird world.”

“They’re just like cats. They like anything shiny and reflective,” said animal care professional Galyn Williams.

Williams introduces human guests to Rocky and his counterparts during the zoo’s Animal Encounter Program.

“I love them. I’m going on almost six years working with these guys,” Williams said.

And it all starts in the kitchen for this animal care professional. One must have the treats to reinforce their positive behaviors.

So when Rocky hops to the top of the rock like they practice, Williams offers praise and food. “So a lot of our training we do is for a more positive atmosphere for them,” said Williams.

Not only does it provide enrichment, it also helps when penguins need checkups or other medical care.

For Williams, she’s leaning hard into her dream-come-true job.

“This is my childhood zoo,” Williams said. “So being able to come back here and working with these guys, my favorite animal, is a great pleasure and a way for me to give back to my community.”

ZooTampa offers the community a chance to both celebrate the holidays and keep the cats of the bird world thriving.

You can enjoy ZooTampa’s Christmas in the Wild on select nights through December.