FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2014

CONTACT: Andi Norman, Director of Public Relations 419.385.5721 ext. 2098 or [email protected]

Ed. note: please credit Toledo Zoo/Andi Norman on the attached image of the Toledo Zoo’s world-renowned Hippoquarium®.

FamilyFun Names Toledo Zoo Second in the Nation

TOLEDO, Ohio — The Toledo Zoo has been honored as a FamilyFun Magazine Travel Awards winner, and appears in the magazine’s April issue. The Travel Awards rely on real families from across the country to recognize the nation’s best kid-friendly locations and vacation spots. U.S. family travel destinations were ranked in a variety of categories, including kid-friendly cities and sites, zoos and aquariums, and theme parks.

The Toledo Zoo earned double national honors: second among zoos and aquariums, and eighth overall. “I’m honored that so many FamilyFun readers rate the Toledo Zoo as a top choice,” Jeff Sailer, the Zoo’s executive director, said. “We are grateful for our visitors’ support and for Lucas County voters’ longtime levy support which make this possible.”

The full list of categories in this year’s FamilyFun Travel Awards includes historic sites, museums, national parks and preserves, kid-friendly cities, zoos and aquariums, and theme parks. To view all the FamilyFun Travel Awards winners, check out the April issue of FamilyFun magazine in print or on the iPad, or visit familyfunmag.com.

The Toledo Zoo is a family favorite destination for weekends, spring breaks and any day. Upcoming events include Soar & Explore Apr. 5-6; the Animal Egg Hunt on Apr. 18; and Breakfast with the Bunny Apr. 18-19. Both the Animal Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Bunny are sponsored by Meijer.

The Toledo Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (starting May 3, weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The Zoo is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, please visit toledozoo.org or call 419.385.4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each non-holiday Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. Valid ID showing proof of residency is required.

The Toledo Zoo is committed to inspiring others to join in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. As part of that mission, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a leader in global wildlife conservation. AZA member institutions are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and a future for all living things.

FamilyFun Travel Awards Survey Methodology FamilyFun surveyed real families traveling with kids ages 3 to 12. Over 2,000 respondents in four regions – West, Midwest, South, and Northeast – were asked to rate more than 400 vacation spots in the six categories. For voting purposes, respondents provided feedback solely on regions in which they live.

About FamilyFun Magazine Reaching an audience of more than 4 million, FamilyFun magazine gives parents ideas and inspiration needed to create unforgettable family moments. Part of ’s Parents Network of brands, FamilyFun is a trusted expert on family cooking, vacations, celebrations, play, creative projects, and learning — the full spectrum of fun that enriches the precious time families share. Written for parents with children 3 to 12, FamilyFun is unique in the marketplace, delivering real ideas for — and from — real families.

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