Spaulding Children's Zoo
and Wolf Woods

The Spaulding Children’s Zoo is divided into several areas geared toward the delight of children — Sealion Falls, a new North American conservation exhibit featuring Mexican wolves, Frisch’s Discovery Center, Blakely’s Barn, the Nursery and a playground.

Seal Falls is located on the right as visitors first enter the Children’s Zoo area. Above and underwater viewing provide visitors with spectacular views of harbor seals and sea lions showing off their swimming skills.

Wolf Woods highlights conservation efforts that are restoring North American habitats and the species that inhabit them. The first section along the Wolf Woods trail focuses on the conservation stories of the Ohio woodlands and its species, highlighting the North American river otter. The second section focuses on the conservation story of the Mexican gray wolf and thick-billed parrot, both native to the southwestern United States. Here, a rustic, historical trapper's cabin has been converted into a Mexican wolf field research station. The Wolf Woods Education Center is host to children's Zoo classes.

Sponsored by Frisch’s restaurants, the Frisch’s Discovery Center allows visitors an up close and personal encounter with some of the Zoo’s wildlife ambassadors as presented by trained staff and volunteers. The program fosters a connection between people and wildlife that encourages stewardship.

Blakely’s Barn fits the more typical idea of a children’s zoo, introducing young visitors to a variety of barnyard wildlife, including endangered domestic stock. Children are encouraged to participate in hands-on experience with the Nigerian dwarf goats.

When a problem arises for a young animal, whether its mother was unable to properly care for it or it became sick or injured, the animal may be taken to the Nursery. Visitors are able to view the young animals through glass windows as they are fed and treated by staff.

The playground allows parents to take a relaxing break as their children work off energy climbing a rope spider’s web, crawling inside a turtle shell or cooling off in the mist sprayed by animal statues.

Photos (clockwise, from top):
North American River Otter, Pot Bellied Pig, Miniature Donkey