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FALCONERS Program has Record Breaking “Boo at the Zoo” Event in 2019

We welcomed visitors from all over the state for FALCOENRS Boo at the Zoo 2019!

For the second year in a row Potter Park Zoo’s FALCONERS program has had record breaking numbers. FALCONERS had its fourth annual sensory friendly Boo at the Zoo. We welcomed 365 participants to the October FALCONERS program, which invites children and adults with unique challenges (such as autism and other developmental disabilities) and their families to the zoo for a safe and welcoming experience.

Participants from all over the state of Michigan came to the free event Oct. 18, 2019. Public Boo at the Zoo is held three weekends in a row and can have thousands of people in a single day. That many people can be very overwhelming and loud for those with unique challenges like a sensory disorder. The sensory friendly Boo at the Zoo provided many of the same experiences, but in a more sensory friendly environment. Potter Park Zoo is proud to provide this opportunity every year so participants can have the opportunity to trick or treat in a welcoming environment.

We would like to thank our community partners for handing out candy and other treats to the participants. Our community partners included Capital Area District Libraries, Launch Trampoline, ASPPIRE, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, MSU Family Stress Lab, MSU Lingo Lab, First Tee of Mid-Michigan and Mid-Michigan Autism Association.

Earlier this year, Potter Park Zoo was certified by KultureCity and provides sensory bags and headphones to those that may need them while visiting the zoo. A quiet room is located inside the Discovery Center as well as designated quiet spaces throughout the zoo.

If you have any questions about our FALCONERS program please email falconers@ingham.org.

Registration for future events are on our website at https://potterparkzoo.org/falconers/