News Release

February 16, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Note: Images of Brookfield Zoo’s pigs may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/pressroom.

A Squealing Good Time Awaits at Brookfield Zoo’s National Pig Day Celebration

Brookfield, Ill. — A swinederful day is in store for pig lovers of all ages during Brookfield Zoo’s celebration of National Pig Day on Saturday, March 5.

The festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. in Children’s Zoo’s Big Barn with a hog-wild rendition of “Happy Pig Day” as the zoo’s newest residents, 6-month-old American guinea hogs Maple and Honey, are presented with a special cake. Immediately following, zoogoers of all ages can use noise makers and wands they made earlier in the day to join in a parade led by the ever-popular pink Pigmobile.
The parade concludes at the entrance to Hamill Family Play Zoo, where youngsters will squeal with delight over the fun pig-themed activities they can enjoy throughout the day. Activities include a scent game, mud play, a pig print paint stamping activity and a scavenger hunt in the Play Zoo’s backyard area. In addition, at 2:00 p.m., Jeremy Babcock of The Dreamtree Shakers from Old Town School of Folk Music will perform children’s music in the Play Zoo.

Children can remember their swinederful day at Brookfield Zoo with a keepsake National Pig Day photo taken courtesy of Bright Start, a 529 college savings program administered by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

First conceived in 1972 by two sisters, Ellen Stanley of Texas and Mary Lynne Rave of North Carolina, National Pig Day began as a way to honor and give thanks to pigs and has grown to become a national celebration of pigs’ best qualities and attributes.

Admission to Children’s Zoo and Hamill Family Play Zoo is free on March 5. Regular zoo admission is $13.50 for adults and $9.50 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and younger are free. Parking is $9. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. National Pig Day is sponsored by the Bright Start College Savings Program and American Airlines.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.
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