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About the Petting Zoo:
The Sunrise Children’s Zoo in 250 Ansborough Ave #2134, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States, is a free-admission petting zoo offering families a close encounter with various farm animals. Established in 1974, it operates seasonally, typically from May to September.
The zoo prioritizes providing educational experiences for children and fostering a connection with animals. It is a valuable community resource, especially for families with young children.
Services:
- Free Admission:Â Entrance to the zoo is free, making it an accessible option for families.
- Donations Encouraged:Â While admission is free, donations are encouraged to support the zoo’s upkeep and animal care.
- Seasonal Operation:Â The zoo operates seasonally, typically from May to September. It’s advisable to call beforehand to confirm opening hours during this period.
- Variety of Farm Animals:Â The zoo features a variety of farm animals like goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, alpacas, chickens, ducks, pigs, and even peacocks.
- Interactive Experience:Â Visitors can enter specific animal enclosures, like those for goats, chickens/ducks, and sheep/cows, allowing for a closer interaction with the animals.
- Animal Encounters:Â The zoo provides a unique opportunity for visitors, especially children, to get up close to various farm animals, observe their behavior, and even feed them.
- Animal Feeding:Â The zoo offers food for purchase, allowing visitors to feed the animals. This provides a fun and engaging experience for children.
- Educational Programs:Â While not explicitly mentioned, the opportunity to interact with the animals and the presence of knowledgeable staff likely contribute to an informal educational experience for children.
- Cleanliness and Facilities:Â The zoo maintains a handwashing station for visitors to use after interacting with the animals. Additionally, there are portable restrooms available on-site.
Directions:
Sunrise Children’s Zoo is located in 250 Ansborough Ave #2134, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States.
Add Review
Alexis Ferguson
a month agoA great place to take the kids for a little outting. It's nice to feed and pet the animals and the staff is beyond wonderful to parents and kids alike. We go as often as we can as entrance is free and a bucket to feed all the animals is fairly priced for the experience. The volunteer working, I didn't get a chance to catch his name but he was an older gentleman, was beyond lovely. I've loved this place since I was young. I'm glad my kids get to enjoy it as well
Paula Carlson
a year agoGreat petting zoo! You can buy food to feed the pets. They do not charge admission but please bring cash to do a free will donation and/or buy food! They have goats, sheep, a cow, donkeys(burrows), an alpaca, chickens & ducks, pigs, some kittens and other birds to look at. You can go into the goat, chicken/duck and sheep/cow pen. Possibly the pigs too but we didn't. I may have forgotten some of the animals. There is staff present to help you feed the correct food to the correct animals and to help with other questions or problems that may arise. They have a handwashing station to use when you are done. I think there was a porta-potty but I wasn't paying close attention to that.
Amber D
a year agoWe're from out of town but each time we're back visiting family our little one always requests to go feed the animals. Such a cute little park. Highly recommend to anyone with young children.
Donna Barta
3 months agoMy kids grew up in the 70's enjoying & helping out at the Sunrise Petting Zoo... today I'm here with their grandchildren. Still waiting for all of the animals to get here..kids love it!! Make sure & drop a little donation in to help keep it going!
Dan and Lynn Bolin
3 years agoWhile not necessarily a destination "zoo" as a quick stop (30-45 minutes) while in Waterloo it's a nice little Petting Zoo. My elementary aged kids enjoyed seeing the animals up close, petting them, and feeding them. Since it's small I didn't worry too much about my youngest wondering off. I appreciate that this petting zoo is available for the Waterloo community giving kids & families an opportunity to experience animals up close. They have a hand washing station & a porta potty for use as well.