LOCAL FAMILY FUN
What’s next? The Zoo is preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Haunt the Zoo this fall, to be held on Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 7 through 29. Safari Lights will return for the holiday season Nov. 12 through Jan. 1, kicking off with an appearance by songstress Gayla Peevey to mark the 70th anniversary of the song “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” on Nov. 9. Long-term plans include the final piece of the Zoo’s 10-year master plan: a new sea lion habitat to replace the old aquatics building, which will be demolished before the end of the year. The sea lions, harbor seals and other aquatic animals that called the building home were relocated to other Association of Zoos & Aquariums facilities in 2022. Construction on the new 3.5 acre habitat will begin in the first quarter of 2024, and design plans will cover the current footprint of the aquatics building, plus the pollinator garden. Plans to add new pollinator gardens throughout the Zoo are already underway. Lawson estimates the habitat will be complete in 2026. The Zoo plans to release a new 10-year master plan in early 2024.
THE ZOO’S FLAMBOYANCE OF FLAMINGOS HAS A NEW HOME IN EXPEDITION AFRICA’S WATER FEATURE. PHOTO BY JENNIFER D.
The
presents
HAUNT THE HARN Thursday, October 19th 6:30-8:30 p.m .
Cost is $8 in advance/ $10 at the gate
Thank you to our Trick or Treat sponsors!
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2023 25
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