The NC Zoo was recently closed due to a water main break but it is back open to the relief of parents and school groups across the region.

There are lots of reasons to visit the Zoo, including a very reasonable ticket price ($10 for adults, $6 for children under 12), but here are three you might not have considered:

• The Zoo has long been a recognized leader in trying "green" approaches to utilizing energy and waste. A biodiesel processor converts waste to diesel fuel, solar picnic shelters produce enough energy to power 13 homes, and a wetland was constructed to filter water runoff from the North America parking lot.
• The NC Zoo is the nation's largest walk-through natural habitat zoo. That's saying quite a bit in a country where there is still plentiful stretches of undeveloped land. The Zoo is best seen on foot (although there is a tram) and visitors are advised that their visit will likely last as long as 5 hours
• Looking for a fun educational experience for your child? The NC Zoo offers "Zoo Snoozes" where kids aged 8-12 can stay overnight at the zoo and learn about bats, reptiles, or even the African Savanna. Lots of fun but don't forget your sleeping bag!