As a father, and an employee of the Phoenix Zoo, I’m excited the Zoo is doing so much for Father’s Day this year.  My son, Jarem, is three years old and since his first visit (at 2 weeks old) he’s loved coming to the Zoo.  I knew this was a special place when a year or so ago, we were walking down the hill to the old orangutan exhibit and he asked, “Are monkeys here?” We hadn’t even seen the exhibit yet (and Orangutans are apes, not monkeys), but he knew we were on our way.  By the way, watching him go nose to nose with Duchess the orangutan in the new exhibit this Spring, Orang-Hutan: “People of the Forest”, blew my mind!  We have created so many memories there, it’s become a huge part of his childhood, just like the Zoo was when I was growing up.

As a parent, I’m passionate about my family, and I’m proud to work for an organization that respects and helps build the magic that helps families flourish.  Spending quality time together outdoors is something that we’re missing so much in this day and age.  The Zoo provides an opportunity for this amazing quality time, while offering experiences that you cant get anywhere else.  I remember being so excited for my son to turn two years old because it meant that he was finally old enough to ride a camel.  When my wife and I hopped on the camel behind Jarem, we realized that it was also the first time riding a camel for both of us.  That memory is something that we’ll never forget.

Every day there is more and more research about how important fathers are in childhood and family development.  I’m so thankful that I, as a father, have a place like the Zoo to goto to spend time with my family.  You know, people always ask me, “How can you work all week and then go back on your days off?”  Let me tell you, it’s not difficult when you work at the Zoo!

This year, for Father’s Day, the zoo is doing all sorts of fun stuff.  Last week, we launched a Facebook photo contest where our fans have been submitting photos of dads at the zoo.  The winner of that contest will receive either a one year membership or a four pack of our popular WILD ticket admissions.  From the photos that have already been uploaded, we created a fun little video on YouTube.

Yesterday, we launched a Twitter contest which will give away a family four pack of tickets.  All of this comes together for our big deal for Father’s Day.  This coming Sunday, 6/19/11 every father will come in at the child’s price which is a savings of $9!  Even if you bring Grandpa, he’ll get in for the kids price as well!

What’s your favorite memory at the Zoo? Let us know in the comments.