In hopes of boosting cold-weather attendance, Buttonwood Park Zoo is planning an unusually full schedule of winter programs, including new events developed during a zoo-wide brainstorming session earlier this year.
Among the new programs are "Stroller Strolls" for young children and their parents or caregivers, zookeeper-led talks to give visitors the inside scoop about animal care, and a football-themed event on Super Bowl Sunday.
David M. Prentiss, executive director of the zoo, said many people think of it as a summer destination. He wants them to be more aware of the zoo as a year-round place for programs that are fun and educational.
"That's the whole idea," he said.
Weekly "Stroller Strolls" for parents and their little ones started this week.
"We've had some interest from visitors about something like this," Mr. Prentiss said.
Weather permitting, parents and caregivers meet in the zoo at 10:30 a.m., kids and strollers in tow, for two laps around the zoo grounds. Strolls run Wednesdays and Fridays, now through March.
The total distance is half a mile, and participants get free hot chocolate or coffee afterward in the Bear's Den Café.
The strolls give adults a chance to socialize while the kids get some fresh air.
"It's a lot more interesting than walking around the neighborhood," Mr. Prentiss said.
For visitors interested in animal care and the life of a zookeeper, a zookeeper will present a 20-minute program called "Close Encounters of the Keeper Kind" at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, now through February.
Topics include the animals' favorite treats, the tasks of a zookeeper, and the answer to what zoo staff call "the big question" — "Where does all the poop go?"
On Thursday, Jan. 18, the zoo offers a free showing of Al Gore's film, "An Inconvenient Truth," at 7 p.m. in the education center. Refreshments will be served; RSVP to (508) 991-6187 extension 30. Since the film will be shown in the evening after closing, no zoo admission required.
Also new this year is a special Feb. 4 Super Bowl Sunday event, "Zooper Bowl Sunday," at which the zoo will highlight its NFL mascot animals, including bears, eagles, and a raven.
"A lot of the teams playing in the playoffs are named after animals we have at the zoo," Mr. Prentiss said.
The zookeepers are working to give the day a football theme.
"There will be some pretty neat surprises during the event," he said.
Tailgating food will be available for purchase, and the festivities end in time for folks to get home for the game. At 2 p.m., the "half time" show will feature the Toe Jam Puppet Band. The education center will show footage of animals starring in past Super Bowl commercials.
In addition to the new programs, some old favorites are returning.
Among them is the weekly Toe Jam Puppet Band Creative Arts Playgroup, every Monday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A fee of $5 per family will be charged for the playgroup in addition to zoo admission, but Mr. Prentiss said many families who attend regularly become zoo members to save money.
Membership costs $45 for households with children, and members get unlimited zoo admission.
On Jan. 13, visitors can see the state winners of the 2006 Junior Duck Stamp art contest, and enter the 2007 contest under the guidance of artist Maura Conron. The workshop is open to students in grades K-12, and pre-registration at (508) 991-6178 x22 is required. Participants will be given the start time when they register.
For Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, the zoo offers special "shadow-y" activities for preschoolers and parents from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Valentine's Day cookie decorating happens Feb. 10-14 in the Bear's Den Café. Participants will make edible art on heart-shaped cookies, at a cost of $2 per cookie with zoo admission.
During school vacation week, Feb. 19-23, the zoo offers Cabin Fever Week, five days of activities related to the theme "Winter Mysteries." Each day, a new mystery will be discussed at 11 a.m., followed by kids' craft time from noon to 2 p.m.
All zoo exhibits are open in the winter, but when the temperature drops below 45 degrees, the elephants remain in their barn and are not visible to the public.
A number of sheltered spaces welcome visitors who are concerned about getting out of the cold, including the farm animal barn, heated aquatics building, educational center, and café.
"We want people to know," Mr. Prentiss said, "that we're making an effort to become a year-round resource for them, instead of just a summertime experience."
Starting in March, the zoo hosts two children's playgroups: the Bear Cub Club for 2- and 3-year-olds and their parents, and the Buttonwood Bunch for 4- and 5-year-olds and their parents.
With the exception of the evening film, all events require zoo admission of $6 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and teens, and $3 for children. Kids under 3 are admitted free.
For Buttonwood Park Zoo information, call (508) 991-6178 or visit www.bpzoo.org. The zoo is at 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford.
Date of Publication: January 04, 2007 on Page A12