“Zoo Miami is such a great community resource and we want as many fami- lies as possible to enjoy it,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company. “In celebration of Independence Day, Ford is pleased to provide support so that the zoo is accessible to more people during this holiday week.”
Representatives from Ford will be set- ting up shop in the zoo on July 4, 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will receive giveaways when they register to win a new Ford Focus and will be able to view some of their latest car models. Guests visiting Zoo Miami on these dis- counted days can enjoy a few other good- ies in addition to visiting the lions, tigers and bears along with the normal attractions offered by the zoo. On July 7, Blue Bell will be helping guests cool down by dis- tributing free samples of ice cream to lucky zoo visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of Scoops for Conservation, a partnership between the Zoological Society of Florida and Blue Bell Ice Cream that encourages donations for wildlife conservation. Pepsi Next also will be distributing free samples to help keep visitors refreshed on July 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“There is always so much to explore and take part in at the zoo, so for $5, it’s really a steal,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami director. “Each visit is like a whole new experience.”
To help plan the perfect visit, Zoo Miami has launched a handy mobile application for iPhone and Android owners that equips users with a map, calendar, animal infor- mation and more. The application can be found by searching for Zoo Miami in the App Store or Android Marketplace. Free Wi-Fi also is offered in four large, convenient locations throughout the zoo.
For the whole Zoo Miami experience, guests should plan to explore the new Playworld Playground for some wet and wild fun for the kids. If visiting on a weekend, the Hippo Slide, the world’s largest inflatable water slide, is open to the public for a seriously slippery experience.
Along the way, the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station allows visitors to get up close and personal with a giraffe’s 14-inch tongue for a few bucks. Guests also can feed the Indian rhinoceroses, hop on for a camel ride or choose from the many different ways to travel through the zoo to view and learn about all the animals.
The special and limited $5 admission days are available only July 4-8 and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St. Regular zoo admission is $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (3-12), plus tax. Children age 2 and younger, zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m.
For more information visit online at www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251- 0400.
