Camel Rides at the Louisville Zoo - adult, children riding one of the camels, who is being guided by a zoo keeper, everyone is smiling

Louisville Zoo Launches Camel Rides and Spring Season – New Baby Camel Also Makes Debut

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

The Zoo’s spring season launches March 12 when guests can stay at the Zoo a little longer and most rides and attractions will reopen for the season weather permitting. The Louisville Zoo will begin its camel rides March 19 and introduce a new baby camel.

As the Zoo staff gears up for spring, the Zoo’s hours move to 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (exit by 6) starting March 12 through September 25, 2016. The Zoo’s attractions including the train, tram, carousel and Great Clips Adventure Ropes Courses will also be opening March 12 weather permitting.

Guests may notice some refurbished and freshly painted new carousel pieces – a chariot was completely stripped and refurbished this winter while others received fresh coats of paint.

The Zoo’s Papa John’s Splash Park will be opening later this season on Memorial Day weekend. Lorikeet Landing will also reopen later when temperatures reach 50 degrees consistently (temperatures must be 50 or above for lorikeets).

The Norton Healthcare Get Healthy Walking Club starts March 1 and runs through Nov. 30, 2016. The Zoo Walkers’ loop at the Louisville Zoo is a hard-surface walk through the animal exhibits that combines flat areas and hills with the sights and sounds of the Zoo for a challenging twist on the traditional “weekend stroll.” Directional signs keep walkers on track and provide special health tips along the way. To become a member of this free program just call Norton Healthcare at (502) 629-1234. Presented with additional support by Subway.

CAMEL RIDES BEGIN MARCH 19

Camels are considered “the ships of the desert.” The Zoo’s 12-year-old male dromedary camels Petey and Amos will join 16-year-old male dromedary camel Max to provide Zoo guests the opportunity to ride a camel beginning March 19. Non-member camel ride tickets will be $6 and Zoo members will be $5.  Guests can purchase a camel ride ticket at the admission windows upon entering the Zoo, the train and tram station on the Zoo’s plaza or the camel area.  Camel rides will be available 10 a.m – 3 p.m. for the first two weekends weather-permitting. More details about expanded hours will be available soon. For ride restrictions and more camel ride information visit Louisvillezoo.org/camelride.

A month and half old camel calf, Loulou, will be making her debut on March 19 as well. The baby camel will not be available for rides. She is being bottle fed at this time and will continue to be for a few more months.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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