Spring Fling: Celebrate spring break with keeper talks and animal feedings

Head to Woodland Park Zoo for Spring Fling on April 13-15 and 20-22. Enjoy keeper talks and an opportunity to feed the elephants, penguins and Australian birds (additional cost for feedings).

Take your own spring conservation action by picking up a free evergreen tree seedling to plant, with a purchase of $30 or more at either ZooStore (while supplies last; limit one per household).

Spring Fling programs are offered April 13-15 and 20-22 and are free with zoo admission, except as noted. Locations of programs are posted at the zoo’s South Entrance (N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.) and West Entrance (Phinney Ave. N. between N. 55th & N. 56th Sts.) All programs are subject to cancellation due to weather or animal availability.

Willawong Station Bird Feeding – 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This popular walk-through bird feeding experience transports you to the world of the Australian parrot and the Australian grasslands habitat. Willawong Station is a fun opportunity for the whole family to get up close and feed birds in a controlled, safe environment while learning about responsible care for birds both in the wild and at home. The aviary includes approximately 150 free-flying birds, primarily small colorful Australian parrots. Free with zoo admission. Bird sticks: $1 each, cash only.

Creature Feature at Zoomazium – 10:30 a.m. Get up close to live, furred, feathered or scaly animals. Meet the star from a puppet story. Practice observation skills to discover who’s in the Mystery Box. Design a play space for a curious creature and watch as it explores. Programs are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.

Penguin Feeding ‒ 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Here’s your chance to feed our tuxedo-clad Humboldt penguins a handful of tasty fish and experience these endangered birds hand to beak! Cost: $5 per person, cash only.

Shake, Rattle & Roar at Zoomazium – 11:30 a.m. Toddlers and caregivers are invited to sing, dance, and play instruments to animal and nature-themed music.

Willawong Station Chat – 11:30 a.m. How do zoo staff count and take care of all of the birds in Willawong Station? Here’s your chance to find out! Training the birds helps zoo staff and keeps the day interesting for the birds!

Quarters for Conservation Chat – 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. (topics and locations vary). Join education or keeper staff to learn about the zoo’s conservation programs, featuring Pacific Northwest wildlife, snow leopards, Asian hornbills, tree kangaroos and more.

Nature Exchange at Zoomazium – 1:00-3:00 p.m. Staff at Nature Exchange love to hear about the exciting things children see in nature and at the zoo. Bring in your drawings, photos, research or cool nature items and earn points to trade for natural history items in our ever-changing collection.

Raptor Flight Program – 1:00 p.m. Here’s your chance to learn more about birds of prey. Keepers will introduce you to the resident raptors while demonstrating their impressive flying and hunting skills.

Elephant Feeding – 1:30-2:30 p.m. Feed an elephant and see its wrinkles up close! Cost: $5 per person, cash only; children 2 and under free with paying adult.

Puppet Show at Zoomazium – 3:45 p.m. Animal puppets tell stories and sing songs. Children are invited up to dance and meet the puppets after the show.

Rainy Day Discount

For a Rainy Day Discount coupon, go to www.zoo.org/rainyday and check if it has been posted for the day. Discount coupons, when offered, are good for 50% off on regular admission to the zoo, limit four admissions per coupon. Coupons, if posted online, will appear no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before the coupon is valid. Discounts cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and are good only for the day indicated on the coupon. If there isn’t a coupon, be sure to check back on another day.

General zoo info

Hours through April 30: 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. daily.

Admission through April 30: Adult (13-64) $11.75; Child (3-12) $8.50; Toddler (0-2) free. Active and retired U.S. military and their families, seniors and people with physical disabilities receive an admission discount. Zoo members receive free zoo admission year round.

Parking: $5.25. Parking is limited. Consider taking the bus, biking, walking or carpooling. Conserving resources is one more way to help animals. For bus service to the zoo, visit: www.metro.kingcounty.gov.

Location: Enter through the West Entrance on Phinney Ave. N. between N. 55th & N. 56th Sts. or South Entrance at N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.

Gifts/Food: Visit the ZooStores for extraordinary gifts and zoo souvenirs. Stop by the Rain Forest Food Pavilion or other concessionaire locations to quench your thirst or appetite. Open daily during regular zoo hours.

For more information or to become a zoo member, visit www.zoo.org. Or call 206.548.2500 or 548.2599 (TTY).

Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos in animal care, conservation and education programs. Woodland Park Zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. By inspiring people to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future. For more information, visit www.zoo.org