Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo is widely recognized as one of the great Zoos in the country. The Zoo has won more “Best National Exhibit” awards from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums than any other zoological institution except the Bronx Zoo, in New York.
When you visit the Zoo you will quickly see why they have been so honored.
Seattle is lucky to have the Zoo!

Since 1899, when it opened, the Zoo has been a pioneer on focusing on protecting and investing in animals and exhibits. Of equal importance, the Zoo has been consistent with it’s outreach to educate people on the need to respect and protect our fellow creatures, who roam the planet with us.

Thanks to a recent Levy the Zoo is able to offer affordable, or free, programs to schools throughout King County. Any school, public or private, that meets the “30% free or reduced meal program” is offered free transportation and waived entrance fees on self-guided or guided visits.

 The Zoo is proud that they can offer a stellar learning opportunity to kids from all over the county.

The Zoo offers classes and programs year-round to all ages. Infants, toddlers, grade schoolers, teens and adults can choose from dozens of opportunities to learn more about the animals, the environment, ecosystems, conservation and how these all interrelate.

One of my favorite memories at the Zoo was when I joined  “Behind the Scenes.” That opportunity allowed a small group of people to work with one of the “keepers” as a volunteer for the day.
My first experience was helping to cleanup the Grizzly habitat. Plants were encroaching into the little creeks that meander through the exhibit and needed to be thinned out. After hours of labor the Bear Keeper guided us to the inner sanctum where the bears are kept when not out roaming around their territory. We passed through three sets of locked grated screen doors to enter a small area that allowed us to get within inches of the bears, which were eager to accept a bit of apple pushed up against the screening.
It was a thrill to be so close to these amazing animals as they pushed up against the steel screening separating us!

The very best times at the Zoo were with my daughters and grandson!

I invite you to accompany a group of kids visiting the Zoo for the first time. They are so amazed by the diversity of animals, the foliage that makes you forget you are in a major city, the smells and sounds that all support the messaging delivered by a cadre of trained educators at the Zoo, who are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the animals to the kids.

Woodland Park Zoo, for me, is a treasure that invites me to visit on a regular basis. Sometimes I stop in for a few minutes and sometimes I’ll spend an hour or so watching one resident interact with their habitat.
Patience will deliver rewards!

You can help support the Zoo’s educational outreach through membership and donations. It’s a great program designed to allow future generations the opportunity to share the planet with many incredible residents.

For more information call 206.548.2424 or visit www.zoo.org clicking on Education.