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An owl costume may be in Councilman Jeff Leonard's future.
On July 7, Leonard and Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass entered into a wager to see who could raise more money in the dunk tank at the Sequoia Park Zoo's Zippity Zoo Day on July 11.
The loser would come to the July 21 council meeting dressed in an animal costume.
Between the two of them, they raised $1,054 for the zoo, said Melinda Booth, development director for Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation. Booth didn't want to say how much each had raised, but she did say Leonard earned more at the dunk tank but Bass won through mail-in donations.
”We sure appreciate the support of the council and the city,” she said.
Zippity Zoo Day isn't one of the park's main fundraisers but it still managed to earn the park about $2,900.
”It's designed more as a community good will and fun day,” Booth said.
The event provided many activities including ice cream eating contests, a three-legged race and an obstacle course.
Leonard was unavailable before deadline but Booth said she has a suggestion for his next suit.
”I'm pushing for an owl because we have a full mascot costume he could wear,” she said.
The mascot is Hoot the Owl, a black, gray and white owl costume shown in the park's YouTube video, “OWLS of the Redwoods.”
Bass was relieved to know she wouldn't have to attend the next meeting in costume. But she had prepared a tiger costume
”It was simple, yet elegant,” she said. “Well, maybe not elegant.”
Bass said she was excited that their “fun” competition helped raise money for the zoo. Bass said she had been in a dunk tank before but had forgotten how cold it was and how accurate locals were.
”I didn't realize how many people had good pitching arms,” she said.
Although Leonard lost the wager, Bass plans on bringing some moral support to the council meeting.
”I'll put the (tiger) ears on so he won't feel too bad,” she said.
Leonard's costume can be seen at tonight's 6 p.m. council meeting in City Hall at 531 K St.
The park's next fundraiser, Zootini, is Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. to benefit the red panda exhibit.
Allison White can be reached at 441-0506 or awhite@times-standard.com.
