With so many baby animals born in the past year, the Indianapolis Zoo also has lots of mothers to recognize during its Mother’s Day Weekend celebration on May 7-8. Guests can enjoy two days full of family-friendly activities, themed animal chats, crafts and more, all to honor these amazing females — both human and animal.
Human moms will be in the spotlight as soon as they enter the Zoo where they will receive a special “proud mom” sticker and a coupon for a free treat at Café on the Commons. Younger guests will also enjoy creating Mother’s Day cards from 11am-2pm in the Dolphin Pavilion. Plus, families can snap fun photos at the Mother’s Day photo ops to help moms remember their special day.
Everyone can enjoy the Zoo-wide scavenger hunt and follow the clues to discover some Zoo moms along with interesting animal facts. For instance, orangutan mothers, like the Zoo’s newest mom Sirih, spend seven to 10 years raising their babies and modeling important life skills, like how to climb and build nests. Those who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a special gift in the Zoo Gift Shop.
Even the animal keepers chats will get a mommy makeover, with fun stories and information about the matriarchs of the Zoo family. Visitors learn about African lion Zuri, a first-time mom caring for three feisty cubs, during a Lion Chat at 11:30am. Then the moms of the Zoo’s African elephant herd will lead the way to some tasty treats at the Elephant Chat at 1:30pm.
New moms will also want to check out the Nursing Mom’s Nest presented by Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. Centrally located in Flights of Fancy, this beautiful space offers a private place for moms to care for and breastfeed their babies.
Mother’s Day Weekend activities are free for Zoo members and included with regular Zoo admission. Guests are encouraged to save time and money on their Zoo visit by purchasing tickets online at IndianapolisZoo.com.