This year is quickly coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean all zoo events are over! Many local zoos are planning to greet 2010 with a bang this year.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo holds their "Noon at the Zoo 2009"
On December 31, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will hold its annual New Years celebration that they call “Noon Years Eve.” This event is tailored especially for young children who may not be able to ring in the new year at midnight. Instead, the zoo invites families with children to countdown to noon on the 31st.
Last year my father and I went out of sheer curiosity. It was actually a very cute event. A DJ was present and busy providing musical entertainment for the kids, Zoo staff were handing out free goodies and everyone was having a general good time. When the time came to countdown to noon, a large boomer ball with 2009 painted on it was lowered as attendees watched.
Noon Years Eve at the Toledo Zoo
The Cleveland Zoo isn’t the only one with New Years festivities. The Toledo Zoo will also be having their own “Noon Years Eve” on December 31. The Toledo Zoo will also be holding family-friendly activities from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. which includes a countdown to noon.
The Cincinnati Zoo will also be holding a similar event called a Happy Zoo Year on December 31st.
These events not only provide a fun activity for families with children, they also give zoos a chance to engage their public. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that the zoos have to offer and hopefully gain some new members out of the visiting families.
Zoos also like to hold specials during the winter months to keep visitors coming even when it is cold out.
In order to entice people to visit during the coldest part of the year the Cleveland Zoo has Polar Bear days. Starting January 2nd and lasting until the 31st, admission to the zoo is half-price when the temperature is below 32 degrees.
The Cincinnati Zoo holds a similar event called Frozentoesen. From January to February admission to the zoo is half-price. There is also ice carving, entertainment and special animal feedings for guests to enjoy.
The zoo goes all out for the holidays and adorns every inch of their park with lights. In an effort to conserve on energy, many of the lights have been converted to LEDs.
Halloween may be over, but more celebrations are just around the corner! For zoos and aquariums, the winter holidays are a wonderful opportunity for public relations. Zoos attract visitors by celebrating the winter holidays with various events like New Year’s parties and extravagant light shows.
2. Make your own Mask: Vinyl masks emit toxic fumes and plastic masks are not biodegradable. Instead of using these, they suggest painting your face with 
