ROANOKE TIMES 

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

DATE: SUNDAY, August 13, 1995                   TAG: 9508160031
SECTION: DISCOVER ROANOKE VALLEY                    PAGE: 90   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

HERE'S WHAT'S NEW AT THE ZOO

Mill Mountain Zoo, overlooking the Roanoke Valley from its mountain-top perch in the center of the city, exhibits exotic and native animals on its 10-acre site. There are 21 species of mammals, 14 species of birds and six species of reptiles and amphibians - and a total of 101 specimens.

Some of the favorite exhibits are Ruby the Siberian tiger, a breeding pair of red pandas, a breeding pair of golden-lion tamarins, Japanese macaques and a golden eagle.

This fall the zoo is planning to kick off a capital campaign to fund "Mountains of the Orient," an expansion and renovation project that will feature exotic animals, some of which are endangered, according to Amy Chattin, director of education at the zoo. One of the new exhibits will be "Snow Leopards of Asia."

Also new is a "Conservation Meter" into which coins are deposited to raise funds for the purchase of South American rain forest reserve property.

Mill Mountain Zoo is open daily throughout the year except Dec. 25. During the summer season, hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday. After Labor Day, daily hours are 10 a.m. -4 p.m.

The zoo is accessible from both Interstate 581 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. From I-581 south, take exit 6, making a right turn onto Elm Avenue; from I-581 north, turn left onto Elm Avenue. 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 2-11, free for children younger than 2. Reduced group rates are available.

Annual dues for membership are $15 per person, $20 for individuals plus a guest, $25 for grandparents and $30 per family. A conservator membership of $75 also is available for those who want to support the ACRES project, a separate breeding program in an area not open to the public. Any membership entitles visitors to unlimited zoo entry, a zoo newsletter and other benefits.

For more information, call 343-3241. 


 by CNB