Ask the News - Aug. 20

How much does it cost to get into the Clovis zoo? And what if a teacher wants to bring a class of students? Is that free? Does the zoo offer programs for schools and, if so, how might I arrange a visit?

Admission to the Hillcrest Park Zoo is $6 for adults. Zoo Director Damian Lechner said adults are those who are 12-years-old and up.

“It’s $3 for those 3-years-old to under 12 and free for kids under 3,” Lechner said.

Lechner said when it comes to classes coming to the zoo there is a group rate of $2 per person.

“You have to fill out a form on our website so visits can be scheduled. This is popular; school group season is insanely popular,” Lechner said.

As for programs for schools Lechner spoke of the zoo’s education center.

“We are looking to use the education center for programs but we don’t have the staff yet. We hope to have programs going at the education center by next school year,” Lechner said.

Lechner said new animals are coming to the zoo.

“Three female ostriches are coming to us from a safari park in Tennessee. They’ll be sharing space with the zebras after they’re through with quarantine,” Lechner said.

Lechner said the zoo will also be taking in two coatis; he also calls them “Mexican raccoons.” The pointed-snout, ring-tailed mammal, known as the coatimundi, ranges from New Mexico’s bootheel and much of Arizona southward into northwestern South America.

“These two are a donation to us from a facility in Virginia,” Lechner said.

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