Day’Ron Sharpe, Nolan Traore Visit Prospect Park Zoo

Brooklyn Nets teammates Day’Ron Sharpe and Nolan Traore traded the basketball court for a day at the zoo, getting an up-close look at several animals while learning more about the work being done at Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn.

The Nets shared a behind-the-scenes video featuring the two players visiting the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo, where they explored different exhibits, interacted with animals, and spoke with zookeepers about the species living on the grounds.

From feeding goats to checking out red pandas and sea lions, Sharpe and Traore got to experience something a little different from their usual day with the team. The video also gave fans a chance to see the two teammates joke around and spend time together away from basketball.

For Sharpe, the trip was particularly memorable because it marked his first time visiting a zoo.

“This is my first time been to the zoo,” Sharpe said during the visit.

The Nets center wasted no time getting involved, showing plenty of enthusiasm as the two worked their way through the exhibits.

One of the first stops was a sea lion feeding and training session, where the players learned about the animals' behavior, diets and lifespans. They were surprised to hear that the zoo's oldest sea lion was 26 years old, well beyond the typical lifespan of sea lions in the wild.

The duo also visited the zoo's farm area, where they met several Nigerian dwarf goats. Sharpe and Traore had the opportunity to feed and walk the animals, although getting them to cooperate proved to be a challenge at times.

At one point, Sharpe joked that the goats were walking him rather than the other way around. He also made sure to get pictures with the animals before moving on to the next exhibit.

The players continued their tour by checking out different bird species and learning about the differences between males and females. A zookeeper explained how certain birds use their coloring and patterns to attract mates, while others have more muted appearances to help them stay hidden while nesting.

They also saw pudu, the world's smallest deer, and learned about the conservation efforts surrounding the endangered species. A zoo representative explained how the Wildlife Conservation Society works with other facilities to maintain a healthy population of pudu across North America.

Sharpe and Traore later stopped by the otter and red panda exhibits. The red pandas were a particular highlight for Sharpe, who couldn't hide his excitement at seeing one in person for the first time.

The visit continued with a look at the zoo's bee colony, where the players learned how bees turn nectar into honey. They eventually made their way to see baboons, other primates, and a sand cat, which quickly caught Sharpe's attention.

The sand cat was one of his favorites, along with the sea lions and red pandas. By the end of the trip, Sharpe made it clear that he enjoyed the experience and would be happy to return.

“Great experience for my first time,” he said toward the end of the video. “Seeing a lot of animals I never see in my life, you know.”

The zoo trip also gave Nets fans a chance to see more of Traore's personality as he continues getting comfortable with his teammates. The young guard appeared to enjoy the experience alongside Sharpe, and their interactions provided plenty of entertaining moments throughout the video.

Fans were quick to share their reactions in the comments, with several asking the Nets to make more content featuring the pair.

“These two could run a show together, and I'd watch it,” one fan commented.

Another called for more videos like it, while a different fan suggested that Sharpe and Traore should spend more time exploring New York City together.

Some viewers also pointed out Traore's physical development, with one commenting on how much he appeared to have bulked up. Others simply enjoyed seeing the young guard spending time with his teammates outside of basketball.

The reaction showed that fans would like to see more of the players' personalities beyond what they see during games and interviews. Trips like this offer a different look at the team and give supporters another reason to connect with the players.

Sharpe certainly seemed to come away from the visit with plenty of good memories. After spending the day meeting animals he had never seen in person before, he left the door open for another trip to Prospect Park Zoo.

And if the response to the video is any indication, Nets fans wouldn't mind seeing Sharpe and Traore team up for another adventure around Brooklyn or the rest of New York City.