| One of the gems of Indiana's Circle City is the | | | | children with disabilities. In addition to shows in the |
| Indianapolis Zoo located at 1200 W. Washington Street | | | | Amphitheatre and pony rides the Indianapolis Zoo has |
| in Indianapolis. With 350 species of animals living in | | | | other exciting avenues of entertainment to enjoy. Hop |
| natural habitats at the Zoo nature always offers | | | | on the White River Junction Express Train, take a trip |
| something unexpected and exciting to see. The | | | | on the 4-D African Safari Simulator, or try the thrilling |
| Indianapolis Zoo's newest exhibit showcases the | | | | Kombo Family Coaster. |
| enchanting underwater world of Pipefish, Seadragons, | | | | In the Deserts Biome we learned about a snake's |
| and Seahorses in the Waters Building. Looking in the | | | | unique sense of smell. Different galleries like "What a |
| tank we strained to spot one of these colorful | | | | Snake Does" explore the myths and life of these |
| creatures. But wait... what's this... | | | | unique creatures. |
| Master's of disguise. | | | | Strolling through the Plains area we spotted the baby |
| The unusual creature we'd mistaken for a leafy piece | | | | Baboons who'd rather play than be groomed by their |
| of seaweed is actually a Seadragon. This strange | | | | mother. Giraffe's ate a leisurely meal and the tiger kept |
| creature uses its natural ability to disguise to hide from | | | | a close eye on a squirrel. It didn't take long before the |
| predators. The Seadragon lives in the cold waters off | | | | squirrel realized his mistake and make a leap for high |
| the coast of Australia and New Zealand, and like its | | | | ground when the tiger started to climb the tree. |
| relatives the Pipefish and Seahorses it is a master of | | | | Spontaneous moments like these make visiting the |
| disguise. These amazing fish have gills to breathe | | | | zoo exciting because you never know what to expect |
| underwater and can range in size from 1/8 of an inch | | | | next. |
| to seven inches in length. Another unique characteristic | | | | Everywhere we looked we caught a glimpse of |
| of Seahorses is their pouch, similar to a Kangaroo's, | | | | preparations for one of our favorite events of the |
| where their young are kept safe. | | | | holiday season; the Kroger Christmas at the Zoo. Each |
| The Indianapolis Zoo's Dolphins show will return to a | | | | evening throughout December beginning at 5pm a |
| new facility in May 2005. The Dolphin Pavilion offers | | | | million twinkling lights transform the zoo into a magical |
| visitors a one-of-a-kind experience in the 12 foot high, | | | | winter wonderland filled with over 150 larger-than-life |
| underwater dome centered in the dolphin performance | | | | light sculptures. Inside the Kroger Party Pavilion Santa |
| pool. A coastal village wharf and special in-water | | | | and Mrs. Claus are on hand to greet children and take |
| dolphin program give visitors an opportunity to be up | | | | photos when children are finished having a ball in the |
| close to these amazing marine mammals. With the | | | | bounce house. These are just a sampling of the |
| expansion of the Dolphin Pavilion and programs held | | | | exhibits and activities available year around at the |
| throughout the year at the Indianapolis Zoo continues | | | | Indianapolis Zoo. |
| to promote education and awareness. | | | | For more information about the Indianapolis Zoo call |
| After watching the playful penguins, seals and polar | | | | (317) 630 -2001. Ask about the special accommodation |
| bears romp around we headed over to the Café | | | | packages available for visitors to the Indianapolis area |
| on the Commons for a cup of hot chocolate. In the | | | | which include tickets to Indianapolis Zoo, White River |
| warmer season the Enchanted Mill children's Play Area | | | | Gardens, and the Children's Museum. These special |
| across from the Commons becomes a cool retreat | | | | packages are perfect for families and include an |
| from the summer heat. Children love the water | | | | overnight hotel stay and admission to the three |
| features and special activities designed especially for | | | | attractions. The Indianapolis Zoo is located at 1200 |
| them. The playground located in front of the | | | | West Washington Street in Indianapolis, IN. The White |
| Café on the Commons is also accessible for | | | | River Gardens are located adjacent to zoo. |