Lonely bear might have better digs, company soon

ASHEBORO -- Randolph Telephone has committed to a 10th straight year as signature sponsor of the N.C. Zoo Society's premier annual fundraiser, "Zoo To Do." Randolph Telephone pledged a $30,000 gift for the event, which will support Project: Polar Bears -- a capital campaign to expand and improve the zoo's polar bear exhibit and night quarters.

Project: Polar Bears improvements will include a small stream and shallow wading pool for the safety of cubs and the comfort of adult bears. Soft soil and sand will give the bears places to dig, and large rocks will provide for climbing and denning.

Two glass viewing blinds will allow for close-up encounters with the polar bears in a landscape that will mimic their Arctic habitat. The new night quarters will house as many as six bears and provide private denning space for pregnant females.

Zoo To Do 2009, organized by Randolph Friends of the Zoo and the Zoo Society, will be held on Sept. 12 and will feature live and silent auctions, fine cuisine and live entertainment. For information or to be included on the Zoo To Do invitation list, contact the N.C. Zoo Society at 336-879-7250 or e-mail zootodo@nczoo.com.