The four major new exhibits are an indoor discovery room, a play lagoon, a construction and dramatic play area, and an expanded contact yard. Many of the new exhibits’ unique learning experiences will engage children in wildlife conservation by teaching them how to contribute to the eco-system. In the indoor discovery room, which already is open to the public, kids can practice caring in a play animal hospital and can meet diverse, small animals. The outdoor exhibits – the lagoon, play area and contact yard – will open next summer. The play lagoon will mirror the nearby Indian River Lagoon – even down to living marine organisms; families also will be able to visit a mangrove forest, a replicated sea turtle nesting beach and a traditional fishing vessel. The construction and dramatic play area – where children will be able to build elaborate forts – will be themed around animal homes. In the expanded contact yard, children will be able to sit quietly with a gentle deer or watch chickens feed – and thus will learn to care for animals in a safe place. Brevard Zoo's new exhibits seek to engage Florida's children. The four new exhibits are expected to be a big draw: The zoo expects to serve nearly 130,000 children ages 2 to 10 a year because of them. Brevard Zoo is a small zoo that thinks big. Its mission is Wildlife Conservation through Education and Participation. In fact, its education and conservation programs are recognized as models for small zoos. The zoo provides top-notch care for animals and develops educational programs with Brevard Public Schools for diverse audiences through authentic learning activities. The zoo also offers a chance for guests to experience nature and supports critical research and field conservation projects locally and abroad. Part of the Brevard Zoo’s focus on education comes from executive director Winsten’s own background as an educator. Its Zoo School targets every fifth grader from three underperforming schools for seven weeks at the zoo. In Brevard County, the zoo is an accessible, affordable attraction for families. It provides special admissions for low-income families, such as free days for students from schools in the Zoo School and free admission on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Veterans Day, and free Saturday nights during summer. Building positive youth development is important goal of the Brevard Zoo so children can “learn to love the world,” says Winsten. [back to topics]