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Zoo celebrates Winter in July
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Humans aren't the only ones who find Arizona hot as blazes this time of year. The animals at Phoenix Zoo could use a cool-down, too, and Saturday they'll get one in the form of 50 tons of snow and ice.
The zoo and Fry's Food Stores are partnering for Winter in July, an annual event that brings a day of snow play to the zoo's residents and their human visitors during the hottest part of the year.
From 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., children can romp around in piles of snow, fire snowballs at targets and take refreshing spins down inflatable water slides. Toddlers will even get a separate, calmer play area in which to explore the powdery white stuff.
Throughout the morning, many of the zoo's animals, including elephants and primates, will also get in on the fun. Various animals will find snow piles or ice treats in their enclosures, providing plenty of ooh-and-ahh moments for visitors. The zoo gives the animals the treats as a behavioral enrichment exercise; the frigid substances stimulate the animals to use their senses and engage their minds and bodies.
The snow play festivities are free with regular paid admission of $16 per adult. The zoo is free for kids age 12 and younger until Aug. 31.
As part of the deal, the zoo is offering a discount on special Wild Tickets. Flash your Fry's VIP card at the ticket window to get $2 off a "wild ticket," which includes zoo admission and unlimited access to the endangered species carousel, camel rides and the safari train. Wild tickets are $26.
Winter in July
What: Chill out with the animals and play in 50 tons of snow and ice
When: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Cost: Free with regular zoo admission of $16 per adult; free for kids age 12 and younger until Aug. 31.
Information: (602) 273-1341 or www.phoenixzoo.org
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