NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zoo Breaks All-Time Attendance Record

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo broke its all-time attendance record of 541,399, set in 1996, on Sunday.  As of September 13, zoo attendance for 2009 stands at 544,648.  With nearly four weeks remaining in the regular season and the Great Zoo Halloween yet to come, the zoo is poised for its best season ever.

“The African Journey has generated huge interest,” said Zoo Director Jim Anderson, “and this summer’s weather was ideal for taking the family to the zoo.”  The $9 million African Journey opened on June 6 and is the largest project in zoo history.

Based on past seasons, 20,000-30,000 people are expected to visit the zoo before it closes on October 11.  An additional 20,000 people normally attend the Great Zoo Halloween event, which runs from October 16-31 this year.  School children also visit in November and December for special programs.  The zoo’s five-year average annual attendance is 502,426.

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is self-supporting and receives no tax dollars for operation.

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of the area’s major attractions and was recently named one of the country’s “Ten Best Zoos for Kids” by Parents magazine.

The zoo is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 11.  Admission is $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for children age 2-14 and $10.00 for seniors over age 60.  Babies age 1 and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free.

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