The Toledo Zoo Unveils Nature's Neighborhood, a Brand-new, Year-round Children's Zoo

By Cyndi Condit 

Toledo, OH - Imagine a place where kids can do what they do best—play, splash, jump, climb and crawl! Imagine a place that’s 100% explore-able, where young people can develop a lifelong love of the natural world. On Friday, June 19, that place will become a reality as The Toledo Zoo unveils Nature’s Neighborhood, a brand-new, year-round children’s zoo that’s perfect for young folks (and their families)—and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

Nature’s Neighborhood gives kids a chance to connect with an amazing array of animals, from the familiar goats and guinea pigs of our previous children’s zoo to exotic birds, fish and even insects. They’ll also engage in activities that will spark their imaginations and help them learn—through play, which studies show is the best way for kids to learn. As young people observe the behavior of leafcutter ants and honeybees, practice proper pet care by interacting with the Zoo’s education dogs and cats, or just enjoy the company of an adorable guinea pig, they’re sure to have so much fun they may not realize they’re learning!

Following the opening of Nature’s Neighborhood, the Zoo will present some very special events to commemorate this momentous occasion. On June 20 and 21 visitors can see their favorite Fisher-Price characters as they present special shows in the Zoo’s historic Amphitheatre. From June 22-28, all Toledo Zoo members who are Lucas County residents will be admitted at 9 a.m. (one hour before the Zoo’s usual opening time). Then from June 29 to July 5 all Toledo Zoo members will be admitted at 9 a.m. Admission to Nature’s Neighborhood is free with regular Zoo admission and is made possible primarily thanks to Lucas County voters and their support of the Zoo's 2006 Capital Levy.

The Toledo Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, please visit www.toledozoo.org or call (419) 385-4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. ID showing proof of residency is required.

The Toledo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement.

To view Toledo Zoo’s web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-50-Toledo_Zoo