The Columbus Zoo Wants to Take You on an International Journey

By Patty Peters

Powell, OH - Put on your explorer cap and join us for a special presentation of our 2010 travel programs to Costa Rica and India. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium complimentary preview of our exciting 2010 travel destinations will be held on Wednesday, January 27 at 7 p.m. in the Zoo’s Education Building.

Our tour operator, Stacy Fiorentinos of Classic Escapes, will walk you through each wild and enriching journey. An expert in wildlife and nature travel, Stacy will share photos and personal experiences, illustrate what to expect on each program, and answer questions.

INDIA

The pages of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book come alive as you travel through India's ancient civilizations, architectural wonders and lush nature reserves. Feel your heart pounding at the excitement of watching a magnificent wild tiger stroll through native habitat, explore bamboo thickets and sal forest while riding on the back of an elephant and gaze in wonder at the legendary Taj Mahal. An exotic landscape of rich colors, textures and unique wildlife brimming with cultural wonders, you'll be inspired to pen your own ‘Jungle Book’.

Explore India with Assistant Curator Harry Peachey from October 17-31, 2010.

COSTA RICA

With its abundance of forests, concern for conservation and truly astonishing wildlife, Costa Rica is well-worth an extended stay. It is one of the top destinations in the world for people interested in birds and nature, and these tours are an excellent introduction. Incredible orchids will add vivid splashes of color to the rainforest, and the mammal species are exciting too – sloths, monkeys, and the elusive cats that are so difficult to spot. In addition, you’ll have a chance to work with the endangered sea turtles in Tortuguero, and make a personal connection with a local community in Sarapiqui.

Young teens are invited to join Education Director Danielle Ross on a conservation adventure and turtle tagging expedition to Costa Rica on July 4-12, 2010.

Join School Programs Manager Becky Nellis on an Educator’s Adventure to Costa Rica on July 25 to August 4, 2010. This program is offered in conjunction with Ashland University and includes trips to schools.

Complete itineraries and pricing can be found in the education section of the Zoo’s Web site www.columbuszoo.org. To RSVP for the free travel evening or for more information about travel with the Zoo call (614) 645-3411.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open 363 days of the year 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labor Day. General admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 9 and seniors 60+. Children under 2 and Columbus Zoo members are free. Admission is half-price during January and February 2010. The Zoo was named the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) For more information and to purchase advance Zoo admission tickets, visit www.columbuszoo.org.

To view Columbus Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-20-Colombus_Zoo_and_Aquarium