Christmas came early to Marshfield Wildwood Zoo over the weekend as children and parents watched mountain lions, a lynx and wolves tear open presents.

"The gifts are a few pieces of meat," said Heather McBride, a zoo volunteer, as she wrapped three large shoebox-size containers with brightly colored holiday paper before the gift-giving Saturday morning.

Planned as an enrichment activity for the animals, the event also is a way for people to have fun and learn more about the zoo's wildlife, said McBride, a member of the Marshfield Zoological Society.

About 30 children and parents gathered at the viewing area for the mountain lions -- also called cougars -- to watch Thunder and Star tear into their Christmas gift. After the gift was placed in their enclosure, the door to the viewing area opened and the two cougars leaped into the enclosure and pounced on the box.

In seconds, the lions had torn open the box and were contentedly lying on the ground to gnaw on chunks of venison.

"Oh! They're fast," said Aaliyah Nelson, 4, of Marshfield as she watched the felines swiftly tear the paper off the box.

The enrichment activity simulates how the animal would eat their prey in the wild, said Steve Burns, zookeeper.

Betty Sweeney, left, of Plover, stands with the cast of “The Today Show.” She appeared on an episode to discuss her weight loss from 245 to 125 pounds. / Contributed photo

Betty Sweeney, a nurse at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, appeared on "The Today Show" on Tuesday morning to talk about her significant weight loss.

Sweeney, 71, of Plover decided to start a weight loss regimen two years ago and has now lost more than 100 pounds.

"The Today Show" awarded her an all-expenses paid one day trip to New York for a segment about getting in shape for swimsuit season. It was her first time in the Big Apple.

Like clockwork, a young black bear has been ambling into the backyard of Randell Kruger's home in the 400 block of West Park Street at 8 p.m. for the past two weeks.

"He's here until 9 or 10 or so. He used to eat all the bird seed. Now he just hangs out because the feeders are gone," Kruger said.

On Wednesday morning, a trap was set in the Krugers' backyard because the bear has become a neighborhood nuisance, said Barry Benson, a Wildlife Damage Specialist with the Wildlife Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

When rock legend Ted Nugent and his band arrive in Marshfield on Sept. 2 to headline the grandstand entertainment at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, there will be no rain or lightning.

Say what?

"It will be a beautiful summer night. I have spoken with God. I just got off my knees," Nugent said, followed by a hearty laugh, during a telephone interview Friday afternoon.

"Seriously, you people deserve a nice Ted rockout," he said.

Nugent's performance last year ended about 45 minutes into the concert because of heavy rain and frequent lightning strikes. He would not voluntarily leave the stage and was escorted off by a police officer.

"I stayed (on stage) until the last possible minute," he said. Strong winds blew heavy rain onto the covered stage while lightning flashed in the distance.

"I am a bit belligerent," Nugent said.