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Inviting Arkansas - Index

Inviting Arkansas - magazine - Index

In the Spotlight Anthony Costa, Woo at the Zoo Photography by Nancy Nolan
Clothing from Baumans
Beyond the Birds and Bees
A quick and quipping interview with
Anthony Costa revealed need-to-know
information about the Chicago native
and his role in this year’s Woo at the
Zoo event.
IA: Tell me something about you no one else
knows?
AC: I’m a very serious person…have a very
grave personality. Some say that seriousness is
my business.
IA: You know that we’re going to discuss
chairing Woo at the Zoo, right? I’m assuming
you’re comfortable discussing animal
mating facts in this interview?
AC: Know what I like best about animal mating
facts? They’re true. You know, it’s not about
feeling comfortable, Jennifer. It’s about discussing
and bringing to the forefront what’s on
everybody’s minds: animal mating patterns. I
think as a society, we’re fed up with the stories
we hear and see on Animal Planet. The people
of Little Rock and central Arkansas deserve the
truth about why, when, and how spider monkeys
mate. Comfortable or uncomfortable, we’re
promoting an activity that’s fun, factual, and in
the best interest of Little Rock residents…who
are over 21, of course. It’s going to be a great
event and I feel very comfortable about it!
IA: What would Charles Darwin think?
AC: Darwin? Is he on MySpace?
IA: He died over 100 years ago, Anthony. So I
highly doubt it.
AC: Well if he was, he’d even be welcome to join
Generation Zoo Young Professionals and the
Association of Zoo Keepers, Little Rock Chapter,
for the event. During the evening, guests
will take a guided tour through the Zoo to hear
special keeper chats and see some of our unique
animals. Eventually, we’ll all end up at the Civitan
Amphitheater stage, where free food from
local area restaurants and tasty beverages will
be available.
IA: And music from the tunes of Little Rock's
number one party band, Bushdog!
AC: Yes! Hey, did you know that some animals
attract mates by dancing? Squids begin mating
with a circling nuptial dance. Ferrets, especially
when excited, perform the weasel war dance,
which is a frenzied series of sideways hops. And
they hiss.
IA: Sounds a bit… unnerving. Should we expect
dancing at Woo at the Zoo?
AC: There will be the African Anteater dance, as
performed by Patrick Dempsey in Can’t Buy Me
Love. He went from totally geek to totally chic.
You do know that, right?
IA: Of Course! He totally underwent a makeover.
The only better personal style in a movie
was The Devil Wears Prada. Speaking of,
what are you wearing for the event?
AC: Well, attire is optional, but be sure and
wear comfortable shoes. They’re a must. I’ll be
wearing checkered Vans, khakis and an ironic
hipster t-shirt.
IA: Oh yeah? We hear you’re quite the local
fashionista. How would you describe your
personal style?
AC: Diva.
IA: Um… okay. No really. Don’t be modest.
Spill it.
AC: I take a little from lots of Hollywood fashion
icons: The Affleck brothers (more Casey
than Ben,) rolled into a little George Clooney,
with some Matt Damon and that guy with Angelina
Jolie. Basically, the entire cast of Ocean’s
11. Throw them into a woodchipper, stir ‘em
up… and that’s me.
IA: Well aren’t you humble. Um… I… don’t
know.
AC: Yeah (awkward pause). Did you know that
emperor penguins mate only once a year for a
period of 2-3 minutes.
IA: How unfortunate!
AC: Did you know male Anglerfish smell their
mates and never leave them again?
IA: Talk about codependence.
AC: I prefer co-commitment over codependence.
Did I mention that I’m chairing Woo at
the Zoo with last year’s chair, Yolanda Hugg?
Maybe I do depend on others too much. But
I’m committed. And I’m ready for June 7th!
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for Woo at the Zoo,
and tours start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only $35
per person, and you can call 501-661-7208 for
more information.
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Inviting Arkansas