Children often are the biggest fans of zoos but that does not mean that places such as Washington Park Zoo only offer attractions for that age group.
Zoo B Que on Aug. 25 in Michigan City offers fun for all ages.
“It’s like a big zoo camp for adults. It’s one of the up close and personal events at the zoo,” said Jamie Huss, director of Washington Park Zoo.
“People can see the whole zoo. It’s a nice setting. It’s just a relaxing night at the zoo. The animals are more active because it’s quieter and cooler. People like coming in and seeing the sunset across the lake.
“It’s one of the favorite events of the staff because it’s one where they can actually meet the people and show their love of the animals in the zoo.”
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New to Zoo B Que this year are raffle tickets, which will be given out for the opportunity to win one of 50 bat houses, which are similar to the bat houses in the new deer exhibit.
Previous Zoo B Que offerings have been enhanced for this go-around.
“We have a few more behind-the-scenes animal encounters. They can go behind the scenes at the new deer barn. In the big cat area, there are new animals to see,” Huss said.
“We have more silent auction items this year. They range from a fancy, high-tech coffeemaker to a quilt that’s being donated to riding lessons at an equestrian center. There’s all kinds of stuff. All of that money is going toward the big cat house to give them more space.”
Popular auction items include canvas paintings made by some zoo animals, including possums and armadillos.
“That’s always a big fan favorite. Some of the animals actually get into it and some of them just walk across the board for treats,” said Huss about how the artwork is created.
The eats at Zoo B Que dictate that tickets must be purchased in advance.
“We have limited tickets sold because it’s a catered event. There’s a buffet dinner of chicken and hot dogs with all the fixings. We do free punch and water with the meal,” Huss said.
“There’s a cash bar. Limited beer and wines are available.”
Silly Safaris from Indianapolis return with another live animal show.
“It’s a fun show. I could never do what he does,” said Huss about the conservative education company founded by Amazon John.
“He puts comedy into it. He brings new animals that we don’t have at our zoo.”
Zoo B Que also offers a chance for people to see what is new at Washington Park Zoo from three female arctic foxes to Sebastian, a lowland paca.
“We’re always adding and changing. The old lion head drinking fountain, which was a big hit up until the 1980s, is back so you can get those memorable photos. All of the parents have that photo if you grew up in Michigan City,” Huss said.
“The castle is going under construction in September so it’s the last time they can see the castle before it closes up.”
Huss said Zoo B Que, which also offers free train rides, has become a popular annual event.
“This is the ultimate zoo adventure. You don’t get that same connection at other events as you do for this event. We get a lot of people who return every year because it’s never the same. It’s a good time.”
Zoo B Que
When: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 25
Where: Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City
Tickets: $15 adult; $10 child
Information: 219-873-1510; www.washingtonparkzoo.com More Top Picks Adhd Homework Tips For Parents Fighting Nightly Battles