As construction continues on African Elephant Crossing, the Zoo's new elephant conservation center, building is the theme for Father's Day. Dads and their children can build memories by attending the second annual Hard Hat Day at the Zoo this Father's Day, June 20.
All dads receive free admission to the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 20, and special activities for the whole family will be offered throughout the day. The first 2,000 kids under 12 will receive a souvenir hard hat.
A variety of heavy equipment used to maintain the Zoo will be on display, including a tractor, wheel loader, track hoe and more. Whether mini or mammoth, these mechanical marvels will delight builders of any age.
Nearby on the Zoo's Welcome Plaza, Zoo staff will present Get Close animal programs with some of the Zoo's most interesting and interactive animals. Zoo staff will also be posted at various exhibits to point out animal fathers and their interesting characteristics. They will highlight resident dads like "Jimma," a black rhino, and "Tiram," an orangutan.
A special "Cans for Conservation" aluminum can drive will be held that day to benefit the International Rhino Foundation, which is dedicated to the survival of the world's rhino species through conservation and research. The cans collected will be crushed with a steamroller in a public demonstration to coincide with the Hard Hat Day festivities.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with extended summer weekend hours. 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.
