Celebrating Seniors! Golden Celebration for animals at Lincoln Park Zoo; AARP discounts offered

Aug. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- Chicago – National Grandparent’s Day is Sept. 11 and this year some of Lincoln Park Zoo’s elder residents are taking part in the observance during the zoo’s Celebrating Seniors educational series which takes place every Sunday in September (4, 11, 18, and 25).

On Friday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., zoo guests will have an opportunity to meet the stars of the PBS Emmy-award winning show Grannies on Safari during a special kick-off event for Celebrating Seniors. The Grannies have traveled the globe, igniting a passion for exploration and adventure for all ages. For granny Regina Fraser, one of those trips many years ago helped the zoo transport lions from South Africa. One of those lions, Adelor, is a celebrated senior zoo citizen.  

Granny Pat Johnson said, “We're very excited to align ourselves with this celebration. As Chicagoans, we're proud of what the Lincoln Park Zoo has done for several generations including our children and grandchildren.  As seniors, we too are enjoying our "golden" years!"

Some of the zoo’s most popular and attention commanding residents, such as silverback gorilla JoJo and African lions Adelor and Myra, are well into their golden years. While baby animals often steal the spotlight, this September, animal elders will receive well-deserved celebration with special activities and educational programming.
 
Lincoln Park Zoo is a historic institution that has been serving the Chicago community for more than 140 years. “Zoo experiences are multi-generational. We’re celebrating seniors of all species – including the human kind,” said Erika Kohler, senior director of guest services.

Each Sunday in September the zoo is offering a special 10 percent discount for AARP card carriers on all food and merchandise. As always, admission to the zoo is completely free!

Special activities include informal, fun and engaging educational presentations which highlight numerous senior animals from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Ever wonder how long a rhino can father children, or how a gorilla gets his exercise? Find out during one of five special chats throughout the day located at the seal, red wolf, African lion, gorilla and black rhinoceros exhibits.

“As animals live into their golden years we want to highlight what makes them special and how they have made a difference for their species. Not only are these animals testaments to the excellent standards of animal care Lincoln Park Zoo provides, but caring for these special residents has helped advance our knowledge of their species and how to best care for them,” said Jessica Monahan, director of public programs and guest engagement.  

Find out which zoo residents are grandparents by downloading a special edition of Zoo Tracks self-guided, inquiry-based tour on the zoo’s website.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.lpzoo.org.

ABOUT CHICAGO’S LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The not-for-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization and one of the nation’s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call 312 -742-2000 or visit www.lpzoo.org.  


About Grannies on Safari ®
The Grannies on Safari® produce international travel television shows and digital content which showcase unique adventures to international destinations.  Created by Regina Fraser and Pat Johnson, the Grannies weave in a healthy dose of fun, spunk and wit while educating viewers both young and old about the world around them.  Learn more at www.granniesonsafari.com

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Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo operates one of the country’s largest zoo-based conservation and science programs. The not-for-profit zoo attracts an estimated 3 million visitors per year and is one of America’s last remaining free admission zoos.