COMMUNITY
Whittier~Whittier's new miniature horse will celebrate his first birthday Saturday, June 27.  The birthday party will begin at 11 a.m. at the Parnell Storybook Zoo, 15390 Lambert Road.

A highlight of the event will be the naming of the little brown horse, who arrived in Whittier on April 27 to take up residence at the Zoo.  A naming contest for children 12 years and younger was held earlier in June, and the winning name will be announced at the party.

"The little horse has settled in nicely at the Zoo," said Fran Shields, Director of Community Services.  "He is lively and feisty, and popular with Zoo visitors."

She added that there have been approximately 200 name submissions in the contest.

The birthday will feature a Cowboy Western theme, with "Cowboy Bill" doing fancy rope tricks and refreshments

"We would like to invite residents to a fun afternoon at Parnell Park to welcome the miniature horse to the community," Shields said.

The miniature horse was purchased by the Whittier Community Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage, facilitate and develop funding for community activities in response to the community's needs.

For more information on the miniature horse's birthday party, call the Community Services Department at (562) 464-3360.