Running Zone recently presented a check for $7,500 to the Zoo, a donation from proceeds received from the 3K race held at the Zoo on Saturday, March 3. This year’s race, the Raptor Run, took runners along the main entrance, down the service road to the back side of the Zoo, and then into the Zoo - around the main loop and through Paws On. From there, runners headed into Wild Florida and out onto the Dinosaurs: Dead or Alive? exhibit trail before circling along the back of the Zoo to the main entrance and the finish line. Animals were stationed along the course for runners to view along the way. Runners also caught a glimpse of the temporary dinosaur exhibit which closed on Monday, May 28.

The races at the Zoo are always animal-themed and bring a variety of participants, including children and families. More than 1,368 runners registered to participate in the race this year including 386 kids under age 14. This is the sixth year Running Zone has hosted a race at the Zoo and donated the net proceeds. In the past six years, Running Zone has donated a total of $34,000.

Arctic Blast Tuesdays are back this June and July! Each Tuesday at 1 p.m., the Zoo will drop giant ice cubes in the water play area of Paws On. Be sure to arrive on time as the ice will melt quickly in the summer heat. This event is FREE with Zoo admission.

In Paws On you can also enjoy an aquarium, fort building, an air-conditioned discovery room, and an animal petting area. Paws On is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Paws On Petting Zone is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CLICK HERE for more information about this and other upcoming events at the Zoo.