SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo, a widely regarded world leader in the conservation of animals, is also promoting conservation of another kind through an innovative program that brings people to the zoo in fewer cars. It’s called Way To Go . . . To the Zoo, an incentive program that kicked off May 1, and runs through September 30. Each person biking or bussing to the zoo will receive a free Woodland Park Zoo Sports-bottle while supplies last. Visitors need only mention they bussed or biked to any admission cashier, upon entering the zoo, to receive their free Sports-bottle.

Biking and riding the bus help minimize traffic congestion and on-street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding the zoo. Also, secure bike corrals will be available during the zoo’s summer concert series, Washington Mutual ZooTunes.

Way To Go . . . To the Zoo is co-sponsored by Woodland Park Zoo and the City of Seattle. It is being carried out with help from a City of Seattle Car Smart Community Challenge Grant. The City’s Way To Go program includes a series of initiatives to show people they can save money and make their communities more livable by making wise transportation choices, just as they do now with recycling and water conservation. It is estimated that 80 percent or more of all automobile trips, including 50 percent of those made during peak traffic hours, are for personal and family purposes rather than traveling to work. By individuals and families making small changes in their transportation habits, we can reduce traffic, improve air quality and conserve precious fossil fuel.

Woodland Park Zoo is a premier destination and has a long-standing reputation as one of the best family values in the Puget Sound region. With a mission of education and conservation, the zoo serves as a vital resource for tens of thousands of students and teachers across the state each year. Because of the region’s continued urbanization and loss of natural habitats, the zoo’s role in educating people about wildlife and conservation, and in providing a place where they can connect with nature, has become even more essential.

Getting to the zoo by bus: Metro bus routes 5, 16, 44 and 358 all stop within blocks of the zoo. Specific schedules can be obtained from Metro rider information at 206.553.3000 or http://transit.metrokc.gov. On Sundays and holidays, families including four children under age 18 can ride free as long as they are accompanied by one paying adult. The youth fare is now only $.50 anytime for kids under 18.

Getting to the zoo by bike: For the best bike routes, consult the King County Bicycling Guide map online at http://metrokc.gov or by calling 206.263.4700. For a Seattle bike map, call 206.684.7583.

For those who need strollers or wagons, they are available for rent at the zoo as supplies last. Woodland Park Zoo summer hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. For general zoo information, call 206.684.4800.