Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 1, 1993                   TAG: 9308030310
SECTION: DISCOVER                    PAGE: D-91   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

COOL SPOT FOR RUBY, NEW ANIMALS ADDED AT MILL MOUNTAIN ZOO

In May, construction workers began a $10,000 pond for the tiger. The 190-square-foot pool was completed in mid-July.

"The pool is more comfortable and more naturalistic-looking than her old tub," said Beth Poff, executive director of the zoo.

Mill Mountain Zoo also has added several animals to its collection. A male white-nape crane has been acquired and a female crane is to come later this summer. Also, a red panda cub and a Natchie's tree kangaroo were born in June.

The Blue Ridge Zoological Society, which runs the zoo, also has worked with the Explore Project to start the American Center for Rare and Endangered Species (ACRES) program.

Located near the Explore Park, the 55-acre farm will be used to breed rare and threatened North American species such as the red wolf. The facility is not open to the public because the project expects to re-release the animals into the wild.

The three-acre Mill Mountain Zoological Park is on top of Mill Mountain, near Roanoke's landmark star.

The zoo features a contact area where you can pet goats, ferrets, deer, rabbits and sheep. It's a small, intimate zoo where it's easy to feel close to the animals.

The zoo operates daily throughout the year except Christmas Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter.

It is accessible from both Interstate 581 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. From I-581 south, take Exit 6, making a right onto Elm Avenue; from I-581 north, turn left. Then turn left onto Jefferson Street. From Jefferson take a left onto Walnut Avenue and follow the signs to the zoo. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, simply follow the posted signs.

Admission is $3.50 for adults, $2 for children 2 to 11, children younger than 2 free. Reduced group rates are available.

Annual dues for membership are $15 per person, $20 for individual-plus, $25 for grandparents and $30 per family. A servetor membership of $75 is also available for those who want to support the ACRES program. Any membership entitles visitors to unlimited zoo entry, a zoo newsletter and other benefits. For more information, call 343-3241.