Franklin Park Zoo, Boston

###Five Things to Know About Franklin Park Zoo Franklin Park Zoo covers 72 acres and goes back more than a century, to 1912. More than 100 species of animals may be found among the 12 exhibits with names such as _Tiger Tales_ and _Tropical Forest_. Before you bring the family for a day of animal fun, here are a few helpful hints and facts: * **There’s plenty for kids to see and do.** The children’s area features the cute red panda, the stately African spurred tortoise, and the industrious black-tailed prairie dog. There’s also a petting zoo at Franklin Farm replete with goats and sheep, as well as a 10,000 sq. ft. zoo-themed playground. * **The zoo takes conservation very seriously.** In addition to inspiring its guests to take an active role in saving animal populations, Franklin Park Zoo also participates in more than 80 species-survival plans that help endangered species survive and rebuild in captivity. * **The animals have plenty to do.** Zoos are far removed from the times when animals sat around in cages all day with nothing to do but sleep or despondently watch TV game shows covered in mustard and beer stains. Instead, zookeepers encourage the magnificent creatures to develop skills they would actually use in the wild, placing food in tricky-to-reach areas, and offering items such as “boomer balls,” tire swings, and egg cartons to help them stay occupied. * **Some activities are available for an extra fee.** Camel rides, spins on the carousel, and rhino-rescue film showings are among the extras available when the weather is warmer. * **There’s an annual beer fest.** Each year, the Brew at the Zoo raises money for Franklin Park Zoo and its sister zoo, Stone Zoo. It features frosty quaffs from a lineup of breweries that have included Coronado, Long Trail, and Samuel Adams. Other events include the Halloween-themed Boo at the Zoo and a party for the zoo’s gibbons.