Spring Hours:
March 15 through April 30, 9:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. daily through April 30.

Spring Programs:
Programs are effective through March 1, through May 23, 2004 except as noted. Locations of programs are posted at zoo entries.

African Village Exploration — 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
African Village Exploration — 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Explore the seen and often unseen elements of the African Village with zoo staff. See how this exciting exhibit illustrates life in an East African village.

African Village Theater— noon Thursday through Sunday
Share an unforgettable experience of African culture through storytelling.

Animal Contact Experience — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekends only beginning April 3 (open weekdays April 5 – 9 during Seattle spring break).
Touch domestic farm animals and learn more about them in supervised areas at the Family Farm. Subject to cancellation due to weather.

Discovery Barn - noon - 3:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays only
While visiting the Family Farm, stop by the Discovery Barn to discover the world of wildlife through self-directed activities, crafts and a variety of “hands-on” experiences!

Elephant Updates — 11:45 a.m. daily
Meet an elephant keeper and get an update on our youngest elephant, Hansa. Learn about the new elephant exhibit changes for managing our elephants.

Humboldt Penguin Feeding - 11:00 a.m. Fridays
Here’s your chance to talk with zoo staff and watch as they feed fish to the endangered Humboldt penguins.

Jaguars — 2:30 p.m. Fridays
The reclusive jaguar is the largest feline in the New World. Did you know that jaguars are strong swimmers, and follow their prey into water during the chase? Join zoo staff and learn more about this amazing cat.

Ocelot Feeding — 11:30 a.m. Fridays
Watch zoo staff feed live fish to an ocelot and learn how keepers use a variety of feeding techniques to enrich the lives of the zoo’s animals.

Reticulated Python Snake Feeding - 11:30 a.m. March 25, April 29 only
Snakes swallow their prey whole, and can eat large animals relative to their own size. Find out how while watching a keeper feed an 18’ reticulated python or other large snake in the Day Exhibit. Program is dependent on the snake’s appetite (prey fed to snake is not alive).

Raptors - 2:00 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Keepers will introduce you to our resident raptors. Here's your chance to learn more about these hunters of other birds, mammals and fish. Subject to cancellation due to weather.

Yellow Anaconda Snake Feeding - 1:30 p.m. March 4, April 1 and May 6 only
Snakes swallow their prey whole, and can eat large animals relative to their own size. Find out how while watching a keeper feed a 10’ yellow anaconda in the Tropical Rain Forest exhibit. Program is dependent on the snake’s appetite (prey fed to snake is not alive).

Habitat Ramblers: Look for the “Ask Me” Button
Be on the lookout for a Habitat Rambler wearing an “Ask Me” button. Using a variety of animal props and enrichment items used by keepers, volunteer Habitat Ramblers provide information about bioclimatic zones, animal enrichment activities and conservation efforts.

Reptiles on Wheels/Bugs on Wheels
While visiting the zoo, look for special carts with banners titled “Reptiles on Wheels” or “Bugs on Wheels.” Stop by to see strange and beautiful bugs, snakes or lizards up close.

Spring Events

Chairman's Dinner, 6:30-9:00 p.m., March 18
Celebrate the Zoo-Chairman's Dinner 2004, at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, celebrates Woodland Park Zoo’s connection with the local community through exhibits, education and conservation.This year's keynote speaker is John Medina, Ph.D., founding director of Talaris Research Institute and an expert on brain development and early childhood learning.

A reception will be followed by a sit-down dinner and program at 7:15 p.m. Cost: $125 per person and a request to join the Safari Club with a donation of $1,000 or more for the zoo's Annual Fund, which supports WPZ's conservation and education programs and world-class animal care. For reservations and table host opportunities contact Trisha Besson at 206-684-4844 or email chairmans.dinner@zoo.org. For more information about the event, visit the zoo's Web site at www.zoo.org.

Bunny Bounce - 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., April 10
Hop, skip and jump to Woodland Park Zoo for the third annual Bunny Bounce, featuring amazing egg hunts for children ages 1 to 8, crafts, bunny encounters, and eggs-citing zoo programs throughout the day. Fun for the whole family! Activities are free with zoo admission and free for zoo members. Children may bring their own basket or a free Bunny Bounce egg hunt bag will be provided, while supplies last. For more information, visit the zoo's Web site or call 206-684-4800.

Easter Breakfast - 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., April 11
Usher in the season of spring at Woodland Park Zoo's Easter Breakfast at the Rain Forest Food Pavilion. The delicious menu includes ham, potatoes, breakfast meats and more, a special visit from the Easter Bunny and an up-close animal encounter. Advance reservations and pre-payment required. Cost: In addition to tax and gratuity, $20.95 per adult, $11.95 per child 3-10. Kids under 3 are free. Cost does not include zoo admission or parking. Call 206-684-4825 for prices and reservations.

Summer Hours - 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
May 1 through September 14

Mom & Me at the Zoo — 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., May 8
Back for its 14th year, moms and families enjoy live music, face painting, games, discovery boxes, live music, inflatables and more in the zoo’s North Meadow. Beginning in April, admission packages can be purchased at any Western Washington Bon-Macy’s Kidsworld Department. Each package includes zoo admission, event T-shirt and activities. Proceeds benefit the zoo. For more information, visit the zoo's Web site or call 206-684-4800.

Festival for the Birds — 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., May 8
In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), Woodland Park Zoo’s Festival for the Birds pays tribute to the world’s migratory bird species. Flock to the zoo for a variety of activities and bird demonstrations to help rediscover some of the wildlife in your own backyard! Activities are free with zoo admission. For more information, visit the zoo's Web site or call 206-684-4800.

Mother's Day Champagne Brunch — 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., May 9
Surprise mom with a lovely brunch and wild zoo visit. Begin her day at the zoo’s Rain Forest Food Pavilion sipping champagne and nibbling on a delightful brunch. The spread will feature fruits, pastries, an omelet station, cheese and berry blintzes, potatoes, breakfast meats, a dessert buffet, a special flower for every mom, and an up-close encounter with one of the zoo’s magnificent raptors. Advance reservations and pre-payment required. Cost: In addition to tax and gratuity, $20.95 per adult, $11.95 per child 3-10. Kids under 3 are free. Cost does not include zoo admission or parking. Call 206-684-4825 for prices and reservations.

Butterflies & Blooms Reopening - May 21 through the end of September, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Daily
Back for its seventh year, the serene experience treats visitors to a vibrant display of nearly 1,000 free-flying butterflies representing 35-50 North American species, a colorful explosion of flowering plants in bloom and an outdoor conservation garden. Cost: $2.00 in addition to zoo admission; free for kids 2 and under. Closes September 30.

Masters of the Web, May 29-October 31
The New Spider Exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo
“Bug” World is transformed into the intriguing world of spiders. Discover the amazing traits of a variety of exotic and local spiders: the mystery of web building and silk weaving, how spiders hunt and kill prey, which spiders are dangerous and which ones aren’t. Also enjoy a variety of interactive and fun family experiences.

General information

Hours: Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. daily, 365 days of the year. Closing times vary: 5:00 p.m. March 15 through April 30; 6:00 p.m. May 1 through September 14; 5:00 p.m. September 15 through October 14; 4:00 p.m. October 15 through March 14.
Zoo admission: Adult (13-64) $10; Child (3-12) $7; Toddler (0-2) Free. Seniors and disabled receive a discount and zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round.
Parking: $3.50. Parking is limited. Please call Metro at 206-553-3000 for bus service to the zoo.
Gifts/Food: Visit the ZooStore for unique gifts and zoo souvenirs and the Rain Forest Food Pavilion to quench your thirst or appetite. Open daily during regular zoo hours.
Info: For more information and how to become a zoo member, call 206-684-4800 or 684-4026 (TTY), or visit the zoo’s Web site at www.zoo.org.