The new Philadelphia Zoo exhibit, X•tink•shun, opened Saturday, April 9. Check out the photos below for a look at the live puppet experience, which is a collaboration with the Jim Henson Company.
About the Puppet Shows
When visiting the Zoo during X•tink•shun, families can stop at "Eco-Stages" throughout the park to watch and listen to one of seven puppets representing an endangered or extinct creature: Didi the Dodo, Leo the Golden Lion Tamarin, Alfreda the Cheetah, Iggle the Eaglet, Phibi the Frog, Igor the Tiger or The "Douc" Langur. Each animal puppet shares the story of their species and other endangered habitats, emphasizing that all humans can help make a difference. Shows run every half-hour and hour, daily, 10am-4pm, through Monday, Oct. 31.
Daily Parades & Movie
Don’t miss the larger-than-life "Save Our Species" parade around Bird Lake, twice every day (pick up a daily schedule when you visit for parade times). And head to the Big Cat Falls Theatre (it’s the room after you pass the lions), for an eight-minute movie on loop that tells the story of how — and why — the animal puppets came to the Zoo.
"Hail the Creatures!" Song
During the parade and movie, kids are encouraged to sing along to an original anthem, "Hail the Creatures!," written by Grammy Award-winning children’s musician Dan Zanes. (Listen here for a sample clip.) If your kids can’t get enough of the song, you can download it from iTunes. A portion of the download’s proceeds will be donated to the Zoo.
Leave Your Mark
There’s also an "X•pression" chalkboard along the Main Path where kids can write messages of support for the animals before leaving the Zoo.
All X•tink•shun activities are free with admission, $15-$18. Learn more on the X•tink•shun website.
