EDITOR’S NOTE: To snag free tickets to the Zoofari, check out our amazing giveaway!
A visit to the Bronx Zoo usually entails animal attractions,
lessons about the natural world and, if you’re lucky, a ride on the bug
carousel. A single trip to the zoo can help turn your child into a
mini-veterinarian, a young science teacher or an animal enthusiast. This
summer, prepare to add LEGO engineer to the list.
From July through the end of September, the
Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Bronx Zoo and LEGO have teamed up to
create The Great Summer Zoofari; A LEGO Wildlife Expedition. Master Builders
will expertly shape LEGO pieces into intricate, life-sized lions and tigers and
bears. In an effort to help visitors learn more about the zoo and the Wildlife
Conservation Society’s global field work, the series of LEGO-inspired
sculptures will inhabit the park all summer, alongside real-life animals. You’ll
find Kihansi Spray Toads near the Reptile House Lawn; Chilean Flamingos by the
Pheasant Aviary; and the zoo’s own LEGO-made King Kong at the Congo Gorilla
Forest.
“Children love animals and they love
LEGOS. The combination of the two is sure to make a lasting impression on
our guests,” says Max Pulsinelli, WCS Assistant Director of Communications.
“The Great Summer Zoofari – A LEGO Wildlife Expedition was developed to use the
popularity of animals and LEGOs together to further connect our visitors to wild
nature and help tell the story of the Earth’s endangered wildlife in an entertaining
way,” he explains. “We focused on species that are both exhibited at the zoo
and benefit from WCS’s field conservation work around the globe.”
Upon entering the park, Zoofari adventurers will
receive a “Passport” to guide them through the new exhibit, packed with
interesting factoids. Along the way, kids can stop to get their “Passport”
stamped while learning how they can help make a difference in protecting the
wildlife.
Little zoo-goers can also assist LEGO Master
Builders as they continue to construct the various animal-themed sculptures,
like penguins and giraffes. Ultimately, the Master Builders will oversee the
building of a giant LEGO Mystery Mural in the Dancing Crane Pavilion, which
will reveal an animal scene when construction is complete.
Looking for more family fun? The park will also
be featuring Wildlife Theater shows, crafts and activities in collaboration with
the Museum for African Art—which re-opens on the Museum Mile in September
2011—as well as conservation learning stations. The Bank of America Explorer
Zone will host educational displays to teach visitors why field scientists
track animals in the wild with camera traps and how gorilla conservationists
determine habitat areas that need safeguarding. At a kid-friendly lunch tray
station, tots can try their hand at preparing meals for gorillas, tigers and
bears.
For a hands-on approach, plan a Zoofari day via
the Bronx Zoo’s Interactive Trip Planner. Kids can chart their own adventure to
visit much-loved animals by following a colorful drawing of the zoo’s online
map. After making their selections, the map cleverly configures the fastest
routes to your children’s chosen exhibits. Safari-goers can edit and reroute
their personal guide until it’s adventure-ready.
While expanding your knowledge of local and
global wildlife and conservation, you just might find yourself going home with
the next Jane Goodall.
The Great
Summer Zoofari; A LEGO Wildlife Expedition is presented by Disney Vacation Club
and sponsored by Bank of America. To learn more about the Bronx Zoo and
The Great Summer Zoofari, visit bronxzoo.com.
