We were lucky enough to be invited to The Searching Safari at the LA Zoo recently. The event included a continental breakfast, face-painting and animal walk-abouts. Because of the rain the scavenger hunt was held in The Lair. Questions about certain animals would be given, and kids had to find that animal. At each step along the way, the kids were given rewards like hats and toys.
One of the funnest parts of the day was getting to be inside the zoo before it was open. We not only saw and heard the animals waking up, but we smelled them too — especially the gorilla. About the sleepy flamingos, little Greyson said, “They are stinky birds. I don’t love them.” But he loved the Lair and the Safari Club’s scavenger hunt!
The Safari Club is among the many programs presented by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, founded in 1963. volunteers and oversight of the Zoo’s food/retail concessions. There are currently 72,000 GLAZA member households representing more than 300,000 adults and children, the largest membership base of a cultural organization in Los Angeles, and a volunteer corps of over 700.
If you want to get in on the fun at the zoo, this weekend is Big Bunny’s Spring Fling on April 7 (Saturday) and 8 (Sunday) – 10am-4pm. “Entertainment includes Jim Gamble’s Puppet Show, children’s songs with Dan Crow, and a visit with the Spring Fairies. Bunny related activities include an educational Bunny Discovery Zone, and bunny ear making crafts. Admission to Big Bunny is free with paid admission to the Zoo. Face painting and Big Bunny photos are available for a nominal fee.”
Written and photographed by Lisa Rosales
