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CONTACT:
     Laurey Peat
     Laurey Peat + Assoc.
     214/871.8787

Caldwell Zoo Ed-Zoo-Cation EdVentures Make Summer 2004 A Wild Learning Experience
Register today for Summer Ed-Ventures for families and children of all ages

Tyler - Monday, June 7, 2004--During June, July and August, the Caldwell Zoo is offering a wide variety of inexpensive educational classes for families and children of all ages. These fun adventures provide the opportunity for hands-on learning, live animal experiences, art activities, games and much more. All classes are held in the African Huts directly across from the rhinos on the Caldwell Zoo property.

"These Summer Ed-ventures are a great chance for children and families who are interested in animals to learn more about natural science at the zoo," said Caldwell Zoo Executive Director Hayes Caldwell. "All of the activities are age appropriate and geared for fun."

Classes for 3-year-olds are designed to be shared with an adult and focus on animal information, stories, art activities, movement activities and games. Classes include:

• "A is for Anteater" on Saturday, June 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.
• "B is for Bird" on Sunday, July 18 from 1 to 2 p.m.
• "C is for Cat" on Saturday, August 21 from 10 to 11 a.m.

For 4- and 5-year-olds, classes provide animal information, walks on the zoo grounds, live animal experiences, games, songs and more. Classes include:

• "Trunk Lines" on Wednesday, June 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• "Kermit Kapers" on Thursday, July 1 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• "Wild Child" on Saturday, July 10 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• "Billy Goats Gruff" on Wednesday, July 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• "Butterpillars and Caterflies" on Saturday, July 24 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Classes for 6- to 9-year-olds provide developmentally appropriate hands-on learning experiences and include:

• "Trunk Lines" on Thursday, June 10 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• "Kermit Kapers" on Wednesday, June 30 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• "Butterpillars and Caterflies" on Saturday, July 31 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• "Picture That!" on Wednesday, July 28 and Wednesday, August 4 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Kids bring their own cameras to this special two-session class and become wildlife photographers at the Caldwell Zoo.

Classes for 10- to 14-year-olds are designed specifically for older kids who are interested in animals and natural science. Classes include:

• "Keeper Kamp" on Saturday, June 12 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
• "What's Buggin' You?" on Friday, July 16 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

For the whole family, the Caldwell Zoo is offering a "Beastly Breakfast" on Saturday, August 7 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Participants will wake up with the zoo and enjoy a fun continental breakfast with the animals.

All participants must pre-register (prices range from $7 to $15 per child/per class) for children's classes and the "Beastly Breakfast." Please call the Caldwell Zoo at 903/593.0121 for prices, registration forms and more information.

Over the last fifty years, the Caldwell Zoo has delighted millions of visitors. The zoo began as the backyard menagerie of Tyler business leader D.K. Caldwell. Today, true to Caldwell's vision and under the caring guidance of his nephew, Executive Director Hayes Caldwell, the Caldwell Zoo has become one of the finest small zoos in the country, with 2,000 animals representing 250 different species. A regional destination, the zoo attracts thousands of visitors each year and has been recognized as one of the top zoos in the South.

The Caldwell Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30; and from 9:30 until 4:30 PM from October 1 through March 31. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.