There may not have been actual diamonds at the David Traylor Zoo Saturday evening but the celebration was a jewel in the zoo’s crown as people came to the zoo to celebrate its 75th birthday.
The zoo started out as an informal exhibit at Peter Pan Park and evolved into what it is today — a fully accredited zoo that is located at Soden’s Grove Park. The zoo remains one of North America’s smallest accredited zoo.
Today’s zoo, which remains one of the few free zoos available to the public, contains many exhibits for guests from foxes to tortoises. The zoo also features lush plantings for guests to enjoy.
In the first 10 minutes of the zoo’s birthday party, 374 people showed up, said Lisa Keith, zoo director.
It wouldn’t be a birthday party without presents. Each guest had the option to bring the zoo birthday presents. A pile of presents accumulated on a table just inside the zoo’s entrance. Keith said presents included toys for the birds, treats for animals and a host of other items including a hose and shop vacuum.
Throughout the zoo, there were activities including free cupcakes and ice cream and clowns making balloon animals. Kids squealed in delight as they watched animals and partook in treats.