Animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will be as nearby as Muskingum University this weekend, and the public is invited to see them up close.

Rounding out three days of events to benefit local charities hosted by the University’s student radio station, Animal Encounters is one of the most anticipated events of WMCO Weekend.

“It is an event where we bring the zoo to you,” said WMCO Station Manager Lisa Marshall. “The Columbus Zoo brings smaller animals that are behaving well that morning.”

Animal Encounters begins at 12 p.m. Saturday in John Glenn Gym, located on the campus Quad. Doors to the event open at 11:40 a.m.

Following the educational presentation, the audience will have an opportunity to interact with some of the animals and have questions answered by their handlers.

Animal Encounters is a free event, but attendees are invited to make donations in the form of money or non-perishable food.

Anything collected will be donated to WMCO’s three charities — The American Red Cross, The Animal Shelter Society, Inc. and Mid-Ohio Foodbank’s Operation Feed.

“In the first 11 years, we have raised $4,334 and 2,572 pounds of food for our charities,” said Marshall. “So that is something we really look forward to and take pride in being able to give back to the community. We do not charge admission at any of our events, but we do appreciate donations at the door.”

Those who donate Saturday will receive extra chances to win prizes provided by local businesses.

For any business interested in supporting WMCO Weekend through prize donations, the radio station can be contacted through email at wmco@muskingum.edu.

Sponsors receive recognition at each event, as well as promotion online through social media.

To learn more about WMCO and Orbit Media, visit www.orbitmediaonline.com.