Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 2009 Schedule Includes EarthFest, Animal Adoptions and Much More

By Tom O’Konowitz

Cleveland, OH - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announces 2009 line-up of events.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo presents another wild year of special events and programs in 2009.  There’s something for everyone, so mark your calendars today!

Polar Bear Days:  January 2 to 31.  On any day the mercury stays at or below 32 degrees, take half off the already reduced winter admission rate, making it just $3.50 per person, $2.50 for ages 2 to 11 and free for kids and Zoo members.  Visit clemetzoo.com to see if it’s a Polar Bear Day.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteer Safari:  Saturday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 25.  Learn how you can join the elite corps of volunteers that makes the Zoo one of the best in the world.  Opportunities range from greeting guests to leading kids crafts.  Sessions start at 9:30 a.m. 

EarthFest: Sunday, April 19.  Ohio’s largest environmental education event returns with live music, more than 150 environmental exhibits, a recycling center, an organic food market and discounted Zoo admission. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mother’s Day at the Zoo:  Sunday, May 10.  Moms get free Zoo admission and tram tours highlight some of the Zoo’s most popular moms.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo Safari: May 25 – September 7.  This amateur photography contest awards the best photos of the Zoo and its animals.  Prizes in five categories.

Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo:  Saturday, June 13.  Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from local animal shelters will be available for adoption.  Plus, get pet-care tips and training advice from the experts.  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Father’s Day at the Zoo:  Sunday, June 21.  Dads get free Zoo admission and tram tours highlight some of the Zoo’s most popular fathers.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Senior Safari:  Friday, June 26 & Friday, August 28.  Everyone 55 and older gets free admission to the Zoo, complimentary fitness demonstrations and health-screenings.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ZooBlooms:  Sunday, July 19.  Tour the Zoo’s 168 acres of gardens, witness the annual ladybug release and get gardening tips from our expert Horticulturists.  10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Creature Comforts:  Saturday, August 15.  Watch enrichment demonstrations meant to keep the Zoo’s animals physically active and mentally engaged.  Plus, get tips for ways you can enrich your pets’ lives.  10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Teddy Bear Day:  Saturday, September 26.  Bring your teddy bear for a check-up at the Zoo’s Center for Zoological Medicine and learn how veterinarians care for all the Zoo’s animals large and small.  Activities 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wolf Awareness Day: Saturday, October 10.  Learn all about wolves and the need to protect them.  Crafts and activities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Boo at the Zoo:  October 15 to 18 and 22 to 25.  Cleveland’s premier Halloween event for families includes the Creepy Crawly Critter Show, magic shows, live music, the Not-So-Haunted Greenhouse, kids crafts and more.  5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving at the Zoo: Thursday, November 26.  Free admission for everyone, animal enrichment demonstrations, special feedings and Meet-the-Keeper sessions.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Breakfast With Santa:  Saturdays, December 5 and 12.  Join Santa and his helpers for a hearty meal followed by a ride on the Sleighbell Express to see the Zoo’s reindeer.  Bring a camera to have your picture taken with Santa.  Seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

December Days:  December 21 to 24 and 26 to 30.  Enjoy discounted admission and a festive holiday setting.  Ice-carving demonstrations, live music and holiday crafts.  Special activities 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Noon Year’s Eve:  Thursday, December 31.  Ring in 2010 during daylight hours with live animal shows, crafts, music, an alcohol-free toast and a traditional ball drop at noon.  Special activities 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stay tuned for information about even more Zoo events, special summer programs and new exhibits throughout the year.

Event details, including times and dates, are subject to change. 

For more details, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Regular admission is $10 per person, $6 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children under 2 and Zoo members.  From November through March, regular admission is reduced to $7 per person ages 12 and older, $5 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children under 2 and Zoo members.  Parking is free.  Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480.