Three interactive exhibits at Queens Zoo

The kids at the Queens Zoo didn’t mind the scorching heat wave last week because they were having too much fun at the new interactive exhibits.
These three exhibits, or Conservation Quests, give any zoo attendee a chance to gain valuable knowledge and interact with methods of helping save plants, trees, animals and overall, the earth.
The first exhibit is called Take the Migration Challenge. At this interactive jungle gym, the children learn the ups and the downs of bird migration process.
This colorful and shaded area has a full jungle gym with two slides, a bridge, monkey bars and information on every part of the gym about the development of how these birds migrate, and what challenges await them.
“Queens has been invaded!” reads the sign of the next quest, called Backyard Invaders. In this exhibit, all zoo-goers take a deeper look into the life of non-native animals, plants and microbes like the Asian long-horned beetle and Snakehead fish.
This is the smallest of the exhibits, but it does not take away from its factual awareness. At this spot, the interactivity starts by reading the facts about non-native invaders and then revolves around a tree, which is located in the center, that lets the children go on a mission to see if the Asian long-horned beetle has already burrowed its way into the heart of the tree.
This adventure of quests is concluded with the final zone, called Saving Animals Conservation Station. Here, kids find out how to save endangered species and learn prevention methods for the future.
The first part of the saving animal’s zone is dedicated to endangered species, including the bald eagle. “The bald eagle went from being endangered to a conservation success story,” reads a large sign at the entrance of the station.
Even though this is the last quest, it is the largest one. Besides endangered species facts, this zone has an owl cage, endangered species climbing wall, and an eagle research station.
The heat might put a damper on the time spent at these quests, but the children and their guardians still seem to enjoy them. “These exhibits are great for the kids, but it also gives the adults a chance to take a breather in the shade,” said Jesus Day.
The “Conservation Quests” series is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the organization that runs the city’s zoos and aquarium, mission to educate visitors and enrich their experience through hands-on learning and discovery. WCS offers a variety of educational programs throughout all its facilities, including guided tours, public events, and workshops for families and children.
The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and is open 365 days a year. For more information call 718-271-1500, or visit their website at www.queenszoo.com.