On Sunday, May 22, 2016, Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper joined members of the Denver Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors collection for a special “Blessing of the WILD Animals” service at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. The animals, which included a porcupine, Eurasian eagle owl and a Malayan box turtle, were walked to the church’s chancel by their handlers before being blessed as a group. The non-denominational, community event was meant as a celebration of life and all animals, honoring wild animals in particular. Afterwards, some animals and volunteers then remained to meet and educate the public and pose for pictures.
“Indeed no animals were left behind,” said The Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper.