A keen eye and a steady lens could lead to great prizes for aspiring photographers. The annual Photo Safari at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo begins Thursday, April 1, runs through Monday, November 1, and is open to all amateur photographers.
Contestants can enter in two age groups: Adults (ages 12 and up) and Juniors (ages 2 to 11). Each person may enter up to three photos in the following categories:
- Bird
- Friends & Family
- Mammal
- Plant/Insect
- Reptile/Amphibian/Fish
Prizes will be awarded for the best photos in each of the five different categories, and a "Best of Show" winner will be selected.
Prizes include Zoo memberships, Zoo tickets, Cleveland Metroparks golf passes, Discount Drug Mart gift cards and -- for "Best in Show" -an Adopt-an-Animal package courtesy of the Cleveland Zoological Society, a Behind-the-Scenes Zoo Tour and a two-night stay for four at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio. Employees of the Zoo and its sponsors will judge entries.
New this year, one Photo Safari entry will be selected each month from April through October and posted on the Zoo's website as the "Pic of the Month." The winning photographer will receive four water park passes to Kalahari Resort.
Complete rules and entry forms will be available in the Zoo's Exhibit Hall, online at clemetzoo.com and at select Discount Drug Mart locations. Eligible photos must have been taken on Zoo grounds between April 1, 2010, and November 1, 2010.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with hours extended to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is $10 per person ages 12 and older, $7 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children under 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480.
To learn more, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.
