Fathers Get in Free at the Abilene Zoo for Father's Day

The Abilene Zoo is celebrating Father's Day in a big way this weekend, said officials. All fathers will get in free with a paying child, even grown children. The first 100 fathers through the gate will receive a coupon for a family value pack at Abilene’s Cold Stone Creamery location.

“Dads are doers. They like to get outside and play,” said Executive Director Bill Gersonde. “We’re thrilled to see active dads with their children in the park every day.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to see expectant giraffe father, Mesi, as well as the zoo’s new howler monkey dad, Dante, who lives with his mate and youngsters.

Zoo keeper chats scheduled Sunday include a presentation at the Reptile House at 11 a.m. and a chat about the new red river hogs in the Giraffe Safari area at 2 p.m.

The zoo is open 7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admittance is 4 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 3-12, $6 for seniors aged 60 and older. Members are admitted free. People can visit www.abilenezoo.org, or call 325-676-6085.