The Manitoba Moose found themselves surrounded by other northern animals when they went to Assiniboine Park Zoo to make a donation and sign autographs for fans.

Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Moose have partnered in the past, and it happened again this year. On February 3, the Moose wore polar bear themed jerseys against the visiting San Jose Barracuda. The jerseys were auctioned off and the net proceeds went to Assiniboine Park Conservancy's Polar Bear Rescue Team. Along with the donation, the Moose presented one of the themed jerseys to the zoo as well as a Moose jersey signed by the whole team.

"We're here with the entire team to meet with kids at Assiniboine Park Zoo," Dan Hursh, Vice President of Operations. "Great partnership we have here with Assiniboine Park Conservancy and one we are incredibly proud of."

After the presentation, Moose players headed to different parts of the Journey to Churchill exhibit to sign autographs for fans. Families were dressed in in Moose jerseys, toques and sweaters. Despite the fairly constant rain, they waited in line for their favourite players to sign a passport that gave them a chance to win an autographed jersey and Moose tickets.

"We're seeing a lot of kids, a lot of families," Hursh said. "They're really taking advantage of these opportunities and coming out and interacting with the players and having a lot of fun."

The players had a lot of fun, as they all signed autographs. A few players spent time reading stories to kids who had gathered around and they were all willing to pose for pictures.

"It's fun, it's exciting," Moose captain Patrice Cormier said. "Coming here and seeing the kids, seeing the animals, seeing the polar bear, it's pretty cool."

The Manitoba Moose are back in action tomorrow as they take on the Rockford Icehogs right here in Winnipeg.