African Journey opens to record crowds

Kids from top money-raising schools Weisser Park and Ascension Lutheran help Bill the Lion and Zoo Director Jim Anderson cut the ribbon at the African Journey grand opening Saturday.

"That was awesome!"
"Amazing!"
"I can't wait to come back!"

We heard comments like these all weekend as zoo guests trekked down the Safari Trail to the all-new African Journey. The new $9.2 million exhibit officially opened on Saturday, June 6 to crowds of zoo-lovers anxious to see the lions, hyenas, giraffes, and dozens of new African animals.

More than 13,000 people turned out for the Zoo Member Preview on Friday, June 5, the zoo's largest one-day attendance in recent memory. On Saturday morning, hundreds gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony, where Zoo Director Jim Anderson was assisted by mascot Bill the Lion and children from Weisser Park and Ascension Lutheran Schools, the top money-raising schools for the project.

Plan your first visit to the African Journey today!

The perfect gift for dad!

Adopt Bill the Lion for Father's Day, June 21

When you adopt Bill, our new male lion, this Father's Day, you'll be celebrating Dad and the zoo's commitment to African lions. We're not "lion" when we promise your gift package will be "GRRRRReat!"

Bill the Lion

Adopt Bill the lion for Dad this Father's Day.

Adopt Bill the lion OR Ina the lioness at just $40, and you'll receive:

      Collectible lion or lioness stuffed toy
      Personalized adoption certificate
      Color photo and fun facts about lions
      Recognition on kidszoo.org

Adopt BOTH lions for $75 and you'll receive twice the benefits, including two collectible stuffed toys!

To adopt, visit kidszoo.org or call 260-427-6827 weekdays during regular business hours.

Author Jon Wassner will sign copies of his
book Saturday from
11 am - 1 pm.

Coming Up

Saturday, June 13
America's Best Zoos Book Signing event
Meet Jon Wassner, co-author of America's Best Zoos at a book signing event 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the African Journey Marketplace Gift Tent. Wassner and co-author Allen Nyhuis ranked the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's Australian Adventure as the Best Australian exhibit in the nation! Books will be available for sale.

Friday, June 19
Zoo Closes Early
The Australian Adventure will close at noon and the entire zoo will close at 4:00 p.m. as we prepare for Zoobilee, our sold-out gala fundraiser.

Wednesday, June 24
Wild Wednesday Extended Hours
Enjoy a summer evening at the zoo - for Members Only! The last admission is at 7:00 p.m.; grounds close at 8:00 p.m.

Z-Tips for Green Living

By making smart choices, you can make the world greener and help wild animals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Beginner:	Run your dishwasher only when full
Amateur:	Install a low-flow showerhead
Pro:	Use natural insect control in your garden

You can make a difference!

Hours and Prices

The zoo is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 11, 2009. The African Journey exhibit opens on June 6.

Admission is $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for children age 2-14 and $10.00 for seniors age 60 and over. Babies age one and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free.

For more information visit our web site.

Helpful Links

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