AquaZoo Adventures Podcast Episode 5: September Events, Animal Wonders & Juliana Pig Facts
September is packed with exciting events, conservation opportunities, incredible wildlife stories, and fascinating animal facts at Hill City AquaZoo!
In Episode 5 of AquaZoo Adventures, Allen, Associate Director of Guest Experience, and Shannon, Zoo Director, share everything happening this September—from special admission deals and hands-on activities to conservation events and an inside look at two of AquaZoo's lovable residents, Penelope and Eloise the Juliana pigs.
Whether you're planning your next visit, searching for family-friendly things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia, or simply love learning about animals, this episode is filled with wildlife education, conservation stories, and plenty of behind-the-scenes fun.
Table of Contents
Upcoming September Events at Hill City AquaZoo
Iguana Awareness Day
James River Cleanup
Recycle Week
International Rabbit Day
3D Flower-Making Class
$10 Ticket Day
The Rare Barreleye Fish
Jaguar Rescue in Brazil
Pig Picasso
Meet Penelope & Eloise
Juliana Pig Facts & Care
Tips for Your Next AquaZoo Visit
Supporting Wildlife Conservation
Upcoming September Events at Hill City AquaZoo
There's plenty happening at Hill City AquaZoo this September! From special savings and creative activities to opportunities to get involved in local conservation, families have lots of reasons to plan a visit.
Labor Day Token Sale
Kick off September with savings on AquaZoo interaction tokens!
Members: 30% off tokens
Non-members: 20% off tokens
Tokens are a great way to add even more fun to your AquaZoo visit by participating in select interactive animal experiences.
Member Tip: If you visit AquaZoo regularly, membership perks and exclusive discounts can add up throughout the year.
Iguana Awareness Day – September 8
September 8 is Iguana Awareness Day, and Hill City AquaZoo is home to some incredible iguanas worth celebrating!
Guests can learn more about these fascinating reptiles, including their diets, behaviors, natural habitats, and the adaptations that help them survive.
Why It Matters
Learning about reptiles helps replace fear and misconceptions with understanding and appreciation.
Don't be afraid to ask questions during your visit! AquaZoo's ZooCrew loves helping guests discover what makes reptiles—and all of our animal residents—so incredible.
James River Cleanup – September 18
Conservation isn't limited to what happens inside AquaZoo.
On September 18, Hill City AquaZoo is joining Lynchburg Water Resources for a cleanup of the James River in downtown Lynchburg as part of an effort to protect local waterways and wildlife.
Volunteers will help remove litter and debris that could otherwise make its way through the ecosystem.
Why It Matters
Healthy rivers provide important habitats for fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and countless other species.
Keeping trash and pollution out of local waterways is one simple way communities can make a direct difference for wildlife.
Small actions add up—and conservation can start right here at home.
Recycle Week – September 21–25
It's Recycle Week at Hill City AquaZoo!
Throughout the week, guests can learn how reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling properly can help protect wildlife and the habitats animals depend on.
Special activities and educational seminars will make conservation fun and approachable for the whole family.
Guests can discover:
Why reducing, reusing, and recycling matters
How litter and waste can affect wildlife
Ways everyday choices can help protect waterways
Simple conservation habits families can practice at home
What You Can Do
Conservation doesn't always require a huge project.
Recycle correctly, reduce unnecessary waste, reuse items when possible, participate in community cleanups, and encourage others to do the same.
Every small choice can contribute to a cleaner environment for people and wildlife.
International Rabbit Day – September 25
Hop into AquaZoo for International Rabbit Day and learn more about one of our favorite animal ambassadors—Lotus the Flemish Giant rabbit!
Guests can discover fascinating facts about rabbit behavior, care, diets, and what makes Flemish Giants so unique.
Animal awareness days are also a great opportunity to ask ZooCrew members questions and learn more about responsible animal care.
3D Flower-Making Class – September 26
Ready to learn a new crafty skill?
Join Shelby and Meghan for a special hands-on flower-making class at Hill City AquaZoo.
Guests will learn how to create beautiful 3D flowers using materials including pipe cleaners, wire, and floral tape while also learning a little about flower anatomy along the way.
All materials are provided, so simply come ready to get creative and learn something new!
$10 Ticket Day – September 29
One of AquaZoo's most popular deals is back!
On September 29, everyone can explore Hill City AquaZoo for just $10 admission.
Spend the day discovering aquatic life, reptiles, birds, mammals, interactive exhibits, educational experiences, and more throughout the zoo.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Give yourself plenty of time to explore.
Pick up tokens for eligible interactive animal experiences.
Ask ZooCrew members about your favorite animals.
Check out animals you may have missed during your last visit.
Keep an eye out for educational programs and activities happening throughout the zoo.
There's always something new to discover!
Incredible Animal Stories from Around the World
AquaZoo Adventures isn't only about what's happening inside Hill City AquaZoo.
Allen and Shannon also explore fascinating wildlife stories from around the world, from mysterious deep-sea animals to inspiring rescues and some seriously talented pigs.
The Rare Barreleye Fish
Imagine a fish with a transparent dome on its head!
The unusual barreleye fish lives deep beneath the ocean's surface and has one of the most fascinating appearances in the animal kingdom.
Its transparent head allows its specialized eyes to look upward as it searches for prey in the darkness of the deep ocean.
Living roughly 650 to 3,300 feet below the surface, these mysterious fish are rarely observed.
Why It Matters
Animals like the barreleye are a reminder of just how much remains to be discovered about our oceans.
Protecting marine ecosystems gives scientists the opportunity to continue studying extraordinary species and better understand the environments they call home.
Jaguar Rescue in Brazil
Episode 5 also highlights an incredible wildlife rescue involving a jaguar in Brazil.
After suffering multiple gunshot wounds, the injured jaguar was discovered struggling to survive in a river.
Military rescuers, veterinarians, and conservation professionals worked together to save the animal. After receiving treatment for more than 30 wounds, the jaguar recovered enough to return to the wild.
A GPS collar was used to help monitor the animal following its release.
Why It Matters
Wildlife rescue often requires cooperation between many different people and organizations.
Stories like this demonstrate how veterinary medicine, conservation, wildlife management, and community action can come together to give an animal another chance.
Pig Picasso: An Artistic Pig
Pigs are known for being intelligent—but what about artistic?
Episode 5 introduces listeners to Pigcasso, a rescued pig from South Africa who became known around the world for painting.
After being rescued, Pigcasso learned to use a paintbrush and created colorful artwork that attracted international attention while helping support animal welfare efforts.
It's an unusual story, but it also leads perfectly into this episode's featured animals.
Because Hill City AquaZoo has a couple of pretty incredible pigs of its own!
Meet Penelope & Eloise
Say hello to Penelope and Eloise, Hill City AquaZoo's lovable Juliana pigs!
In Episode 5, Shannon shares more about these intelligent animals, their care at AquaZoo, and some of the misconceptions people may have about keeping pigs as pets.
While they're certainly adorable, pigs are also highly intelligent animals that require appropriate care, enrichment, nutrition, space, and a long-term commitment.
Pigs Are Smarter Than You Might Think
Pigs are incredibly intelligent and capable of learning a variety of behaviors.
They can:
Learn behaviors through positive reinforcement
Solve problems
Recognize routines
Learn to use designated bathroom areas
Interact with enrichment toys
Build relationships with their caretakers
Because they're so intelligent, mental stimulation is an important part of keeping pigs happy and engaged.
At AquaZoo, enrichment gives Penelope and Eloise opportunities to explore, root, investigate, and use their natural behaviors.
The Truth About "Teacup" Pigs
One important topic discussed in the episode is the idea of "teacup," "micro," or miniature pigs.
The name can sometimes give people the impression that these animals will remain extremely small throughout their lives.
That's not necessarily the case.
Even smaller pig breeds can grow considerably larger than someone expecting a tiny pet may anticipate.
Thinking About a Pet Pig?
Do plenty of research first.
Pigs require appropriate:
Space
Nutrition
Veterinary care
Enrichment
Training
Exercise
Long-term commitment
Understanding an animal's adult size and care requirements is essential before bringing any animal home.
Caring for Juliana Pigs
Animal care goes far beyond providing food and water.
Penelope and Eloise receive care designed to support both their physical and mental well-being.
Their routine includes:
Daily enrichment
Opportunities to root and explore
Walks and exercise
Routine nail care
Veterinary care
Proper nutrition
Positive interactions with their caretakers
Like many intelligent species, pigs benefit from opportunities to make choices, explore their surroundings, and stay mentally active.
Tips for Your Next AquaZoo Visit
Planning your next family adventure at Hill City AquaZoo?
Here are a few ways to make the most of your visit:
Check the AquaZoo website and social media before your trip for upcoming events and promotions.
Pick up interaction tokens if you'd like to participate in eligible feeding and animal experiences.
Ask ZooCrew members questions—they love sharing animal facts and stories!
Take your time exploring. You never know which animal might be especially active that day.
Look for ways to continue conservation at home through recycling, reducing waste, and protecting local wildlife.
Always follow ZooCrew instructions and respect animal boundaries during encounters.
Supporting Wildlife Conservation
Every visit to Hill City AquaZoo is an opportunity to learn more about wildlife and the world we share.
September especially highlights how conservation can take many different forms.
It can mean volunteering to clean up the James River.
It can mean recycling and reducing waste.
It can mean learning about an animal you've never encountered before.
And sometimes, it can simply mean becoming curious enough to ask a question.
By making wildlife education engaging and accessible, Hill City AquaZoo hopes to inspire guests of all ages to care about animals and the environments they depend on.
Plan Your Visit to Hill City AquaZoo
If you're searching for:
Things to do in Lynchburg, VA
Family attractions near me
Educational activities for kids
Animal encounters in Virginia
Interactive aquarium experiences
Reptile exhibits
Family-friendly events
Wildlife education
Hill City AquaZoo offers a unique experience filled with animals, interactive opportunities, education, and family fun.
Website: https://hillcityaquazoo.com
Follow Hill City AquaZoo on Facebook and Instagram for animal updates, upcoming events, behind-the-scenes stories, conservation education, ZooCrew highlights, and special promotions.
Another Adventure Awaits
From September events and hands-on conservation opportunities to mysterious deep-sea animals, an incredible jaguar rescue, and the lovable Penelope and Eloise, Episode 5 of AquaZoo Adventures is packed with stories that show just how fascinating the animal world can be.
Whether you're visiting Hill City AquaZoo for the first time or returning to see your favorite residents, there's always something new to learn, experience, and discover.
Come explore Hill City AquaZoo, join us for our September events, meet incredible animals, and continue discovering the wild world around us with AquaZoo Adventures!
