Lots of reading by third graders at two elementary schools resulted in them getting a visit by some furry…and not so furry…friends. Representatives from the Gladys Porter Zoo recently dropped in on Leal Elementary School and Midkiff Elementary School for a special presentation to the third graders for winning the Books Come Alive reading contest. Through the Accelerated Reader initiative, the top two campuses earned the visit by the zoo. During the contest month, Leal Elementary School third graders read 6,045,822 words. Midkiff Elementary School third graders read 6,039,295 words. Pictured are students at Leal Elementary School getting an opportunity to “pet” one of the less-furry zoo visitors.