On August 12, Purolite team members from the King of Prussia headquarters took part in a summer employee event at Elmwood Park Zoo. The 95-year-old community zoo is located amidst surrounding neighborhoods in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Among the zoo animals were giraffes, zebras, cougars, jaguar, bison, monkeys, eagles, snakes, prairie dogs, colorful poisonous frogs and more. In addition to an opportunity to see the animals up close, the Purolite team had a private, air-conditioned room which provided some relief from the hot afternoon sun.  Appetizers and light bites were served along with various beverages. As a bonus to help keep the team cool, everyone was treated to Petrucci's Ice Cream Stand.

Among the afternoon's highlights was the opportunity to feed a giraffe. Eighteen employees served up romaine lettuce leaves to one of the zoo's three male giraffes. "It was fun," noted Chrystal Stasicky, Sales Support Specialist. "The giraffe's tongue touched my hand...they have a lot of saliva!"  Matt Reilly, Finance Co-op, added, "It was pretty cool. It ate (the lettuce) real fast."

Holly Bretzius, Director of Finance, may have summed up the event best. "It was an amazing time. It was great to feel like a kid again!" Thanks to everyone who came out and special thanks to the Human Resources team for planning this great event.