New Zoo Sky Safari Ride Opens Friday

                                   

Visitor will soar above the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo when the brand-new Sky Safari ride opens to the public at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 1.

 

“The Sky Safari adds a whole new dimension to the zoo experience,” says Zoo Director Jim Anderson.  “You’ll have to ride it to believe it!”

 

The Sky Safari is the first new feature of the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo’s $10.5 million African Journey project, which will completely renovate the 30-year-old African Veldt.

 

To ride the Sky Safari, visitors sit in chairs suspended from cables 38 feet above the ground.  Nine towers support the ride as it traverses the south end of the African Journey exhibit.

 

Rides have always been popular at the zoo.  “Not only are the rides fun for kids and adults, they let our visitors view nature and animals from different perspectives,” says Anderson.  “Plus, they generate important revenue for the zoo.”  As one of only 10 zoos nationwide receiving no tax dollars for operations, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo relies completely on its visitors to stay in business, Anderson says.  In addition to the new Sky Safari, the zoo offers a miniature train ride, Australian dugout canoe ride, an Endangered Species Carousel, and a pony ride.  Cost for the Sky Safari is $2 per person.

 

Sky Safari riders can view the African Journey construction as it progresses this summer.  Work has begun on buildings that will hold lions, hyenas, vultures, and other African animals slated for the new exhibit.  The zoo’s giraffes, monkeys, leopard, and some African birds remain on display this summer during the construction phase.  The grand opening of the African Journey is set for 2009.

 

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of the area’s major attractions, drawing 500,000 visitors every year.  The zoo was named one of the country’s “Ten Best Zoos for Kids.”

 

The zoo is open every day 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 14.  Admission is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children age 2-14 and $7.00 for seniors over age 60.  Babies age 1 and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free.