News Release

May 25, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

Note: Photos of entertainment and activities scheduled for the 10th Birthday Celebration for Hamill Family Play Zoo may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/PressrRoom.

Hamill Family Play Zoo Celebrates 10th Birthday with Weekend Celebration
Zoo Guests Can Join In the Fun on June 11 and 12

What:
This June marks the 10th birthday of Hamill Family Play Zoo, a revolutionary exhibit at the Chicago Zoological Society’s (CZS) Brookfield Zoo that nationally redefined how children interact with and learn about animals and nature. In honor of the occasion, admission to Hamill Family Play Zoo will be free on Saturday June 11, and Sunday, June 12, as the zoo hosts a very special birthday party.

The fun-filled weekend includes crafts and activities, Zoo Chats, and FREE concerts from nationally-renowned children’s performers, including THE KRATT BROTHERS, whose popular television shows air on PBS and National Geographic. Ten years ago The Kratt Brothers performed at the opening of the Hamill Family Play Zoo, ushering in a decade of nature play education at the exhibit. For further information, visit www.CZS.org/events or call (708) 688-8000.

Both days of the Hamill Family Play Zoo’s Birthday Party are filled with concerts and activities, including:

Saturday, June 11, performances on the West Mall include:
  • 11:00 a.m.—Jeanie B!, one of hottest acts on the kids' music circuit
  • 1:00 p.m.—Jim Gill’s interactive music and play performance
  • 2:30 p.m.—Susan Salidor, award-winning singer, songwriter, performing artist, and teacher
  • 4:00 p.m.--Grammy-nominated Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Sunday, June 12, performances on the West Mall include:
  • 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.—The Kratt Brothers known for their hit PBS shows Wild Kratts, Zoboomafoo, and Kratts’ Creatures and Be the Creature on the National Geographic Channel (following the 1 p.m. performance the Kratt Brothers will host an autograph session)
  • 4:00 p.m.—Dave Rudolf’s wacky world of “Fun in Sun” songs

Both Days (unless otherwise noted)—Nature Play Special Activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • 2:30 p.m.—Release of ladybugs will take place at Hamill Family Play Zoo and the Roosevelt Fountain
  • Plant 10,000 wildflower seeds in a yogurt cup to take home, while supplies last (South Mall)
  • Explore Brookfield Zoo’s mobile animal clinic to learn how veterinarians care for the animals at the zoo (South Mall)
  • Create amazing party hats out of recycled newspapers (Hamill Family Play Zoo)
  • Try to find the answers to a birthday quiz during a Scavenger Hunt (Hamill Family Play Zoo)
  • Zoo Chats by animal keepers (Hamill Family Play Zoo and South Mall)
  • On Sunday, June 12, children can help Bim Willow, a talented nature artist create sculptures that will be installed in the Hamill Family Play Zoo’s new Sensory Garden

When:
Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St., Brookfield, IL

Contact:
Sondra Katzen, (708) 688-8351 or (708) 903-2071 (cell)


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