Zoo animals aid in Gulf oil cleanup

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Plenty of people have been trying to clean up oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. Now animals at the Rio Grande zoo are also helping.

The animals will be donating their fleeces.

Today llamas, alpacas, sheep, and camels lined up to be sheared.

The animals usually get a haircut this time of year.... But this year their fleeces will go to "new Mexico's hair to help."

It's a group of New Mexico nonprofits working with the national group, "matter of trust," which creates oil-absorbing mats and booms to help clean up oil spills.

The group is asking for hair and cash donations.

It will stuff the hair into pantyhose to make booms and then take them to the gulf.

Wildlife experts from New Mexico will also go with the group to help in the gulf.

Hair donations are being accepted at the zoo administrative office at 903 10th St. SW, the aquarium administrative office at 2601 Central Ave. NW, and the Tingley Train Stations, 1800 Tingley Dr. SW. They also are being accepted at the Cause for Paws Foundation at the Veterinary and Emergency Specialty Centers at 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE in Albuquerque and 2001 Vivigen Way in Santa Fe.

Donors also can call (505) 797-8540 for pickup by Grand Circle Field School.