Over 900 come for the first free Monday night at Utica Zoo
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: June 11, 2012
Throughout the summer, the Utica Zoo will be offering free admission for all ages once a month.
The free nights at the zoo used to correlate with "Utica Monday Nite," and since that ended, the zoo's Executive Director wanted to still keep an event for the community.
People of all ages are invited to come see their favorite animals and on the zoo's first Monday night, Executive Director, Andria De Lisle-Heath says over 900 people showed up.
"I thought it would be a great opportunity for the kids. They were very excited, and it's free. It will be a nice opportunity to come and have a nice Monday night," said Yorkville resident, Kristen Graziano.
For Utica resident, Jynee Zimdars, not only was it the first Monday night at the zoo, but the first time taking her daughter as well.
"It's been fun, she's been enjoying every minute of it," said Zimdars.
Along with the free admission, there are also other special attractions can the community can find on the Monday nights.
"We try to beef up our volunteer presences...volunteers who bring animals out, different animals so that people can get up close and personal and maybe touch a snake or see one of our really cool birds up close. It happens other times, but this is a special night," said De Lisle-Heath.
The free nights at the zoo used to correlate with "Utica Monday Nite," and since that ended, the zoo's Executive Director wanted to still keep an event for the community.
People of all ages are invited to come see their favorite animals and on the zoo's first Monday night, Executive Director, Andria De Lisle-Heath says over 900 people showed up.
"I thought it would be a great opportunity for the kids. They were very excited, and it's free. It will be a nice opportunity to come and have a nice Monday night," said Yorkville resident, Kristen Graziano.
For Utica resident, Jynee Zimdars, not only was it the first Monday night at the zoo, but the first time taking her daughter as well.
"It's been fun, she's been enjoying every minute of it," said Zimdars.
Along with the free admission, there are also other special attractions can the community can find on the Monday nights.
"We try to beef up our volunteer presences...volunteers who bring animals out, different animals so that people can get up close and personal and maybe touch a snake or see one of our really cool birds up close. It happens other times, but this is a special night," said De Lisle-Heath.
