Children’s Zoo is now open

We’ve been patiently waiting for more than two years. We’ve seen the signs change … “Children’s Zoo coming in Fall of 2009.” “Children’s Zoo coming in Spring of 2010.”

Friday, March 12, that day finally came. The Oklahoma City Zoo opened their new Children’s Zoo, located on the zoo grounds.

First tip:  Do not try to find an entrance near the Canopy Food Court. You will have to come all the way back to the main entrance to take the route to the right down to that area. 

Second tip: When you find yourself just inside the Children’s Zoo, be sure to duck down before entering the tunnels. They are made for the kiddos, so don’t hit your head.  There are some neat things to check out in the tunnels.  Bugs, scorpions, other creepy-crawlies, so don’t miss them.  When you come out on the other side, there is a big slide for the kids and a path to come up to everything else. 

The best part: the Barnyard.  Although you only get to really pet the donkeys the zoo staff brings out, seeing the other animals up close is fun for the kids.  Children get to brush the donkeys outside of the barn and go inside to see the bunnies, goats, sheep and hogs.  If your children are really small, you may have to lift them up to get a good look at the animals.

A really neat exhibit is Explorikeet Adventure.  You enter in a little area where lorikeets are flying around, landing on your arm, your head, everywhere.  My son, who is 3, was a little scared but thought it was hilarious when I bent down to talk to him and all of sudden I had a bird on my head and one on my back. 

Third tip: Don’t stand directly under the lorikeet tree.  They tend to poop … a lot.  And they’re not looking at where it’s going to land.

All in all, the new Children’s Zoo is a lot of fun, especially for younger kids. They’ll have a blast, guaranteed.

And while you’re at the zoo, be sure to check out the very cute, 2-month-old baby giraffe.    

For more information, go to www.okczoo.com.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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