The habitat staff at Grandfather Mountain will hold a birthday celebration later this month in honor of the mountain’s animal inhabitants.

According to Grandfather Mountain’s public relations director, Landis Wofford, the celebration will feature birthday treats and enrichment programs for the animals as well as cake, crafts, games, and other surprises for the mountain’s human visitors.

Dozens of bears, cougars, deer, eagles, and otters have called Grandfather Mountain home since the mountain received its first bear, Mildred, in 1968.

The birthday celebration will be held on Tuesday, June 16.  There is no additional charge for visitors during the birthday celebration.  Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children.