Did you know that polar bears hunt for food at holes in the ice called "leads"? If you're hunting for a lead on winter fun, look no further than Polar Bear Days at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Throughout the month of January, whenever the day's predicted high temperature is 32 degrees or below, a Polar Bear Day is declared and admission to the Zoo is cut in half. Considering Zoo admission is already reduced for the winter, a Polar Bear Day means adults can get into the Zoo for only $3.50. Children ages 2-11 are just $2.50, and as always, Zoo members and children younger than 2 are free.
There's plenty to see at the Zoo over the winter, too. The Zoo's polar bear, Aurora, is capable of withstanding temperatures down to -50 degrees! She can be found in Northern Trek with many of the Zoo's other cold weather loving animals such as Amur tigers, reindeer, wolves, a grizzly bear and Bactrian camels.
Then you can ride the Zoo's complimentary, heated shuttle to the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building to visit the gorillas, snow leopards and sharks.
Warm up before your visit is through in The RainForest where the temperature stays a quite pleasant 78-80 degrees. The RainForest is where you'll find the Zoo's orangutans, otters, ocelots and more.
To find out if it's a Polar Bear Day, listen to V107.3 FM between 6-10 a.m., check clemetzoo.com or log onto facebook.com/ClevelandMetroparksZoo or Twitter. You can also find out by calling (216) 661-6500. There were 24 Polar Bear Days last year, so check often!
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular discounted winter admission through March 31, 2011 is $7 per person, $5 for kids ages 2-11 and free for Zoo members and children younger than 2. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480.
