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Houston Zoo named among the Top Ten in the Nation for Kids

Parents Magazine 10 Best ZoosFamilies across the United States today are finding out what Houston families have known for decades – the Houston Zoo is one of the 10 best zoos in the nation for kids.  In fact, Parents magazine today has ranked the Houston Zoo number nine in the nation for children.

Parents magazine today revealed the exclusive findings from its first-ever 10 Best Zoos for Kids Survey.  The results are the culmination of a three-month study which examined zoos nationwide.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by a publication of Parents stature as one of the ten best zoos in the nation for children,” said Houston Zoo President Deborah Cannon.  “The Houston Zoo has been a treasured community resource for more than 86 years.  It’s quite an honor to see the hard work of our dedicated staff recognized in this manner,” added Cannon.

Parents magazine focused on honoring zoos that offer a variety of hands-on, family friendly activities while fostering appreciation, knowledge and excitement about the natural world.  The results of the survey will appear in the May 2009 issue of Parents magazine on newsstands nationwide April 14, 2009.

Zoos are ranked based on their responses to detailed questions about their facilities.  The questions focused on: accessibility of animal encounter exhibits for children, exclusivity of the exhibits, zoo shows, educational programs, staffing, zoo transportation, restaurant services and admission prices. 

"Introducing children to nature at an early age is so important,” says Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. “It sparks their imagination, inspires appreciation of a world beyond their own backyard and helps teach conservation. All of the zoos on our list are dedicated to affordable family fun while ensuring that a day trip feels like a globetrotting adventure.”
In addition to the Top 10 Best Zoos for Kids featured in the magazine, fifteen runners-up are posted on www.parents.com/topzoos.