FRANKLIN—Mandy Hall and her children of Sedley were a few of the many visitors to the Bear Path Acres Wildlife Heritage Day on Saturday at the animal education center located on Rt. 258, which is about 9 miles south of Franklin.

In her own words Hall said, “Bear Path Acres is a real jewel for the area. The community and schools need to be more supportive of the facility.”

She added that she and her children visit the center regularly and enjoy each visit.

Debbie Jeter, director of Bear Park Acres said, “This is the fourth year of the festival, and in view of other events that are going on today the turn-out has been good.”

The annual festival is designed to make the public more aware of this licensed zoological park that is located in the Franklin/Southampton County area. The facility is also a state-licensed rehabilitation center that cares for injured, orphaned and abandoned native wildlife. Many of the animals seemed to know Jeter and respond to her as she visited them in their special areas.

Along with the many visitors of the day, she had accompanying her members of the board of directors, volunteers and vendors, which were donating profits to supporting the operation of the center.