June 20, 2006 > The ZooMobile comes to town

by Sarah Cramer

Every summer, the Oakland Zoo reaches more than 18,000 people with the ZooMobile off-site education program. Many people visit the zoo to see exotic wildlife, but for those seeking an up-close animal experience, the ZooMobile is a great option.

Small, live animals (most of which can be touched) are loaded and driven to classrooms, summer camps, senior centers, community events, and even birthday parties. Kids and adults get a special thrill from coming nose-to-nose with a hedgehog or touching a real, live snake.

"The ZooMobile really put a smile on our clients' faces with all of the animals," said Amanda Cartwright, activities coordinator for Bay Area Community Services Adult Day Care.

The traveling show includes snakes, turtles, lizards, parrots, frogs, tarantulas, millipedes, cockroaches, chinchillas, rabbits, and hedgehogs. Tri-City residents can meet some of these animals in Fremont in June and July. Arrive early for a good seat! (Please note: touching the animals will depend on audience size.)

To schedule the ZooMobile for a visit, go to www.oaklandzoo.org.

The ZooMobile is scheduled to visit the following libraries in Fremont:

Thursday, June 22
2 - 2:50 p.m.
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Avenue
(510) 795-2629

Tuesday, July 11
2 - 2:45 p.m.
Niles Branch Library
150 I Street
(510) 795-2626

Wednesday, July 19
2 - 2:45 p.m.
Irvington Branch
41825 Greenpark Drive
(510) 795-2631