Lions and tigers and... Staff Picnic, oh my
Tenth annual event at Rio Grande Zoo

Tickets are on sale through Wednesday, July 24. Admission is $2. Children under age three are free. Hamburgers and hotdogs fresh off the grill, ranch-style pinto beans and more are on the menu. Veggie burgers will also be available, just be sure to request vegetarian when purchasing a ticket.

Guajira, pronounced wah-hee-rah, has made a mark on the Latino music scene with their smooth vocals, fluid guitar and captivating rhythms. The group will perform throughout the evening on the zoo stage.

The picnic endured for more than a decade thanks to the dedication of the Staff Council Rewards and Recognition Committee and, in recent years, a boost from administration. “President Gordon assisted in making this an institutionalized event. He’s a big believer in staff recognition,” said Kathy Meadows, committee member and picnic volunteer from the start.

About 3-4,000 staff and their families attend the event.

“The picnic is in the University budget now and we can offer tickets at a very discounted price,” Meadows said.

“The zoo is closed off just for UNM employees and it’s a
great opportunity to meet fellow staff and administrators at a social level.”

Purchase tickets soon from UNM outlets at the Pit and Bookstore or at branch and north campus cashier offices.

Shuttles will run from the G Lot to the zoo every 15-30 minutes from 6-9 p.m.