By Sara Crytzer
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A Bump in the Night!
Where else can you pet a zebra, hand feed giraffe and hold a baby kangaroo?
Offering a close-up experience with dozens of different animals, Living Treasures Animal Park Night At the Zoo is an intimate experience; much different than trips we’ve had at any zoo. We absolutely love it! In fact, this was our second trip.
The “Wild” Animal Park has two locations in Donegal and Moraine. We visited the Moraine location in New Castle, PA, which seems to be the crowd favorite.
They recently began their night hours for the annual “Night at the Zoo” in October. Bring the kids in costume (and a jack-o-lantern*) and enjoy the night as it comes alive!
The Moraine location is quite easy to get to. A short drive from the highway exit, you enter through the wooden gates, under the ornate iron sign and come into a small parking lot. Forge ahead through a leafy pathway and into the Gift Shop/Ticket Counter to purchase your admission tickets.
Upon admission purchase, you have the option of buying feed and carrots for the animals. They’re about $3.50 per bag but worth the little extra for the experience. You will have the opportunity to feed almost all the animals!
A Flashlight: You’ll definitely need one. The paths and exhibits are minimally lit with tiki torches. You’ll be able to see where you’re walking but the flashlights allow a little extra insight into the animal dens.
A Costume: Besides just making the experience all that more fun, children who wear a costume to the Zoo will receive a free gift bag. If you get your picture taken with one of the animals you’ll also be entered into a contest and be eligible to win a prize package.
* A Jack-O-Lantern: Children who bring their Jack O Lanterns receive free admission with a paying adult, The Jack O Lanterns will be displayed at the park and Prizes are awarded every week for the best pumpkins.
Quarters: Throughout the park, there is feed available from quarter machines for certain animals that require “special” food such as the alligators and birds. You may also want to bring a little extra cash if you plan on purchasing a photo with the baby kangaroo ($6).
Warm Clothes: Check the weather! The nights always get a little cooler. It took us about an hour to walk through the park and it was all outdoors.
Park Information
Location
Living Treasures Animal Park Information (Moraine)
268 Fox Road
New Castle, PA 16101
Hours
Night at the Zoo: During October; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 7-11
Seasonal Hours: April 1st through mid November; Open daily 10:00am to 6:00pm
Seasonal Hours: June 1st through September 1st; Open daily 10:00am to 8:00pm
Admission Prices
Children 2 and Under: FREE!
Children 3 - 11: $7.99 (*Please note info on free admission with Jack O Lantern!)
Adults 12 and Over: $10.00
Seniors 62 and Over: $9.99
Contact
(724) 924-9571 or visit www.LTAnimalPark.com
About the Author
Sara Crytzer, a local Pittsburgh mom, recently took a leap from a career in early childhood education to pursue a her passions as a work-at-home mompreneur. Using what she’s learned as an early childhood educator, Sara blogs about her dabblings in crafts, parenting issues, photography, health, and recipes. Read more at CuriousLittleKid.com
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