Calendar Advisory: Woodland Park Zoo

For immediate release Media contacts: Gigi Allianic, Rebecca Whitham
July 16, 2009 206.548.2550 / woodlandparkzoopr@zoo.org

Go behind the scenes with keepers at Woodland Park Zoo

WHAT: Ever dream of being up close and personal with some of Woodland Park Zoo’s
fuzzy, scaly and noisy creatures? With Eye-to-Eye tours you’ll take in the sights, the sounds, and yes, even the smells behind the scenes at our award-winning exhibits!

Take an exclusive tour with experienced zookeepers who will get you up close to the animals like you have never been before – touch a scaly reptile in the Day Exhibit, feed the elk of the Northern Trail or slide up next to a giraffe for an eye-to-knee view you’ll never forget.

WHEN: Upcoming Eye-to-Eye tours:

Day and Night Exhibits: Out from the Shadows
Sat., July 18, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
These animals are as different as day and night! From the large, hanging fruit bat to the sly, slithering legless lizard, you will get up close and personal with some amazing animals. Manipulate snake hooks, touch something scaly, and peer into the darkness as your keeper opens the door to the amazing world of nocturnal life.

Tropical Rain Forest: Warm and Wild
Sat., July 25, 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Go behind the scenes to experience the keepers’ world. Discover what it takes to care for the wide variety of animals from reptiles to primates. Then venture to the Conservation Aviary for a chance to meet one of the amazing Tropical Rain Forest birds up close.

Northern Trail: North American Wonders
Sat., Aug. 8, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Wander down the Northern Trail with a keeper as they introduce you to some of North America's resident species and watch as the elusive gray wolves receive their enrichment! You'll get to go behind the scenes at otters and get up close and personal with the elk herd as you feed them their afternoon carrots! Come and experience the beauty of North American wildlife. Please be aware this program includes areas with stairs and uneven surfaces.

Savanna Safari: Sticking Your Neck Out
Sat., Aug. 22, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Discover how to house a herd of hippo. Stand eye-to-knee with our 15-foot-tall giraffe. Warning: you will be so close to the giraffes, you may get a neck cramp as you experience the zoo from the keeper's side!


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Eye-to-Eye Tours / Woodland Park Zoo
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COST: Fees: Members - $45 per person; Nonmembers - $55 per person. Eye-to-Eye tours are available to adults and children 8 years and older (individual attendees must be 18 or over). For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, please do not bring younger children.
INFO: Advanced registration is required. To register, fill out the form available on the zoo’s Eye-to-Eye web page: http://www.zoo.org/eyetoeye/eyetoeye.html.

For more information, call 206.548.2424 or visit www.zoo.org.


Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos in animal care, conservation and education programs. The 21st century zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats in Washington state and around the world. By inspiring people to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.


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