Lions and tigers and … snakes? Oh my.
Families were invited for a stroll around the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and an up-close encounter with a snake during a recent respite event hosted by the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s respite care team.
The event drew 31 families from across the state.
“It was a family day out and a chance to take a break from the daily grind of caregiving,” said Georgia Ryba, respite care associate.
Each person received free zoo admission, unlimited rides on the train, tram, carousel and Skyfari, and a picnic lunch. After lunch, the group had a meet-and-greet with — and the chance to touch — a snake.
Many families meandered around the zoo until it closed for the day.
Guests ranged in age from 2 to mid-70s. Bilingual staff and student volunteers from the Family Care Enhancement Project and the Applied Behavior Analysis master’s/PhD program were on hand to aid with Karen-speaking and Spanish-speaking families, Ryba said.
Family outings can be expensive. Add in a family member with a disability, and they can also become stressful, Ryba said. The zoo picnic offered families all of the amenities of the zoo at no cost.
The event also fostered a sense of community among families and caregivers.
“It reminds caregivers that there is a large, diverse network of support out there,” Ryba said. “We are honored to be able to give these families a wonderful day out.”