Summer time in the jungle
favorite attractions this week: The ZOO.

The ZOO of Northwest Florida

The animals and caretakers at The ZOO have been busy over the last few weeks, adding a handful of juvenile animals to the park's inventory. New additions include 1-month-old barn owls, on display in the incubation room near the petting zoo; 3- week-old black buck antelopes, 1-month-old Zebra named "Carol," and a 3- month-old sable antelope named "Meg" on display in the park's wildlife preserve.

ZOO officials also recently opened the Kiwanis Kid's Club Park, which features a jungle gym, a dinosaur dig and covered seating for adults. The kids' park is located centrally in the park, close to the Caribou Café.

More adventurous guests may even want to feed alligators. Daily feedings occur from 10 a.m. until noon and again from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and the memorable experience only costs $3.

"It is always a family building experience to be with nature and around natural habitats," said Assistant Director of Visitor Services Christi Maeda. "There's no where close to the Florida panhandle that you will be able to see animals in their natural habitats. We try to keep it as real as possible."

Right now is the best time of year to be in the Florida Panhandle. So, what is one to do to take advantage of the area's mostly amicable weather, pristine shores and radiating sun? Gulf Breeze News has done a lot of the legwork to bring you the following list of top things to do during summer. Aquatic Charters, Fly the Boat, Gulf Breeze Boats, Innerlight Surf and Skate, Radical Rides and The ZOO of Northwest Florida opened their doors and demonstrated their products and services for Gulf Breeze News to inform the public of what is available in the Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach area. As the Gulf Breeze News "Top Things for Summer" list rolls on, we are featuring one of my personal

Maeda also added that on Father's Day, June 17, dads get in for free with a paying child or adult. Additionally, anyone wearing red, white or blue July 4 will receive $2 off admission.

General admission prices are $8.25 for children ages 3 through 11, $11.50 for adults ages 12 through 61, $10.50 for senior citizens aged 62 and up and Children under 2 are free.

For more information visit www.thezoonorthwestflorida.org, or call 850-932-2229.