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Zoo Named One of "Ten Best Zoos for Kids"
by Parents Magazine

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo today was named one of the nation's Ten Best Zoos for Kids by the editors of Parents magazine.

"This recognizes exactly what we try so hard to do:  provide a first-class experience for kids and their families," says Zoo Director Jim Anderson.  "We work at this every single day, and we are excited that Parents magazine recognized us for this."

The accolade is based on a survey of zoos around the country.  The results of this survey will appear in the May 2009 issue of Parents magazine.

The magazine selected the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo as one of the Ten Best Zoos for Kids because it offers hands-on, family friendly activities while fostering appreciation, knowledge and excitement about the natural world.  The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo was ranked 5th in the nation for its commitment to serving children in all areas of its operation.

To compile information for the rankings, Parents magazine staff conducted a three-month investigation of 50 zoos around the country.  Zoos are ranked based on their responses to detailed questions about their facilities, including accessibility of animal encounter exhibits for children, exclusivity of the exhibits, zoo shows, educational programs, staffing, zoo transportation, restaurant services, and admission prices.

"For 44 years, we have connected people to the natural world and provided a wholesome experience for families," Anderson said.  "This recognition is a testament to the 500,000 people who visit the zoo annually, our 13,000 member families, and the thousands of people who helped build the zoo with their donations."  The zoo operates without tax support, and nearly everything in the zoo was constructed with donated money.

"The people of Fort Wayne and surrounding communities have made the Zoo what it is today, said Michael O'Hara, president of the Fort Wayne Zoo Society Board of Directors.   "They know what a treasure they have in the Zoo. It is wonderful for the Zoo, and our community, that this treasure be recognized nationally."

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo was ranked number one. Other zoos in the top ten include Chicago's Brookfield Zoo (2nd), Cincinnati Zoo (7th), San Diego Zoo (8th), and Bronx Zoo (10th).  Parents magazine boasts 15.6 million readers. The entire article can be viewed at www.parents.com/topzoos.

The zoo opens for the 2009 season on Saturday, April 18.  On June 6, the zoo will open the $9 million African Journey, which will feature lions, giraffes, zebras, pelicans, and many unusual African animals.  The African Journey is the largest project in zoo history.

Zoo hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily April 18 through 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 free.

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