Teaching Zoo Celebrates Opening of New Play Area

March 21, 2012

Twenty preschoolers, ages 4 and 5, recently descended from theLittle School to theTeaching Zoo to help the Zoo celebrate the grand opening of its new children's play area. (Click the photo above for more images by Aaron Daye.)

The Zoo received a $25,000 grant fromAlachua County's Tourist Development Council toward the feature, that cost a total of approximately $40,000, according to Director Jonathan Miot.

"There are covered picnic tables so people can bring snacks or a picnic lunch, and really take their time at the zoo," said Miot.

The playground is designed so that kids play while mimicking nature, in sight of the gibbon enclosure.

"They can slide like an otter, climb like a gecko on the jungle gym, hide under an artificial log like a python, and swing like a gibbon on the monkey bars," said Miot.

Visitors can tour at their own pace, as the zoo has initiated self-guided tours. It's open daily 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

"It's warming up, spring is here, and we welcome families to come out and enjoy the zoo," said Miot.

Anyone with an SF ID is admitted for free. Otherwise, it's $4 for kids ages 4-12 and $5 for adults. For more information please call 395-5601 or go online towww.sfcollege.edu/zoo.

See Erica Brough's photo gallery for the Gainesville Sun.

WCJB TV 20 story