Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| SPRINGFIELD The following events will be presented at the Zoo in in Forest Park. Animal Tales The annual "Animal Tales" Reading program is expanding this summer. Recognized and prominent persons from our community will come to the Zoo to read a storybook to young Zoo visitors and their families. Join us every Wednesday until August 24th under the big Event Tent in the Zoo at 11 a.m. to hear a story about animals. Afterward, enjoy a live animal presentation by a Zoo docent. This year we are happy to host the following line-up of readers: July 20 Mr. & Mrs. Bear, from Teddy Bear Pools & Spas July 27 State Senator Brian Lees August 3 Channel 40 Anchor/Managing Editor Dave Madsen August 10 WPKX morning crew: Mark, Jess & Shaggy August 17 Olympic Gold Medallist Tim Daggett August 24 State Representative Mary Rogeness This program is free with paid Zoo admission, which is: $4.50 for adults; $3.50 for children ages 5-12; $2.00 for Children 1-4; Free for ages up to age 1; $3.50 for Seniors. The Zoo In Forest Park and Education Center is open 7 days/week, weather permitting, from 10:00 until 4:30. Bugfest! On July 24, kids and adults will learn to love our creepy crawly neighbors in this very involved, hands-on program. Even if you are "creeped out" by some seemingly weird creatures, visitors may glean something useful to take home. Learn what plants are best for attracting butterflies and discover ways for combating peskyinsects without driving off beneficial bugs. Each family can also make a butterfly feeder to take home. For those who care to, meet some of the zoo's spineless residents like Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. If that is not creepy enough, visitors can also meet some non-insects, like a Rose Hair Tarantula, and an Emperor Scorpion. The program runs 3 times during the day, at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00. The program is free with paid Zoo admission. Animal Encounter Day On July 30, visitors will be able to learn about and touch a variety of Zoo animals. Visitors can enjoy watching the playful ferrets frolic about, or pet the bunny as it nibbles on clover. Feel the spines of the shy hedgehog and compare them to spines of an African porcupine. Compare the shells of our numerous turtles, including the painted turtle, red-eared slider, box turtle, and African Spurred Tortoise. Feel the scales of a snake and discover that they are not at all slimy, but dry. Visitors can even feel the back of a once highly endangered reptile from our own country the American Alligator. There will be an 11 a.m. and a 1 p.m. formal live animal presentation that all family members can enjoy. In between shows, visitors can visit stations to encounter the animals up close. The program is free with paid Zoo admission. Admission is: $4.50 for adults; $3.50 for children ages 5-12; $2.00 for Children 1-4; Free for ages up to age 1; $3.50 for Seniors. The Zoo In Forest Park and Education Center is open 7 days/week, weather permitting, from 10:00 until 4:30. |