FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 2, 2008
Contact: Debbie Rios-Vanskike
Phone: 734-7184, ext. 1043
Email: dvanskike@sazoo-aq.org

PARENTS MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES THE 10 BEST ZOOS FOR KIDS

NEW YORK, NY (April 2, 2009) - 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 50 zoos nationwide. Parents 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 this survey will appear in the May 2009 issue of Parents magazine on newsstands nationwide April 14, 2009.
 
According to the Parents survey, the 10 Best Zoos for Kids are:
 
1.  Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Florida
2.  Brookfield Zoo, Illinois
3.  St. Louis Zoo, Missouri
4.  Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Pennsylvania
5.  Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Indiana
6.  San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium, Texas
7.  Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ohio
8.  San Diego Zoo, California
9.  Houston Zoo, Texas
10.  Bronx Zoo, New York City

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.”
 
IIn addition to the 10 Best Zoos for Kids featured in the magazine, 15 runners-up are posted on http://www.parents.com/topzoos
 
About Parents:
Parents, published monthly by Meredith Corporation, has been America's #1 family magazine for more than 80 years. Since its inception in 1926, it has been a trusted source by every generation of parents. Currently, the magazine is a powerful community of 15.6 million readers devoted to supporting the efforts of parents, educators and other citizens who strive to make the world a better place for our children. Parents can be found online at http://www.parents.com.
 
About Meredith Corporation
Meredith Corporation (www.meredith.com) is the leading media and marketing company serving American women. Meredith combines well-known national brands - including Better Homes and Gardens and Parents - with local television brands in fast growing markets. Meredith is the industry leader in creating content in key consumer interest areas such as home, family, health and wellness and self-development. Meredith then uses multiple distribution platforms - including print, television, online, mobile and video - to give consumers content they desire and to deliver the messages of its marketing partners. Additionally, Meredith uses its many assets to create powerful custom marketing solutions for many of the nation's top brands and companies. In the last two years, Meredith has significantly added to its capabilities in this area through the acquisition of cutting-edge companies in areas such as online, word-of-mouth and database marketing.
 


Colleen Schwartz
Publicity
Meredith Corporation
125 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212.551.7033
colleen.schwartz@meredith.com