There’s no arguing with the fact that we live in interesting times, and indeed, this is a blessing and a curse.
It’s frustrating to not be able to go out our daily business as usual, and especially for those of us penned up at home (come on, spring!) with small children, the hours and days are already starting to feel endless.
The nice thing is that so many businesses and individuals are coming together to do their part in making all of this madness just a bit easier to bear – and now the Cincinnati Zoo has joined in, putting all of their animals and exhibits up for viewing remotely.
“While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let us help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational. ”
Not only are their animals live on the web, but every day at 3 pm EST, the zoo will take kids on a “home safari” using Facebook Live. Animal experts will be live on Facebook to highlight a different animal every day.
“Each weekday at 3 pm we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home,” they said in the announcement.
So you can see the adorable baby hippo Fiona (and everyone else) at the appropriate social distance.
“Join us starting Monday, March 16, at 3 pm for our first Home Safari – featuring Fiona!
A toddler hippo is honestly just what we all need in our lives – she was born on January 24, 2017, the first one born at the zoo in over 75 years.
Just trust me on this one.
The zoo hasn’t made any advance announcements about the other animals they plan to feature, so you’ll just have to stay tuned in to find out.
Whatever they’re putting online at 3 pm, though, I can guarantee you it will be more fun and more education than listening to your kids whine about being bored or how they’ve eaten all of the snacks.
Again.
I think this is a fabulous idea and I hope that other zoos and educational establishments come up with their own ways to keep reaching out to kids and families, too.
We’re all in this together, and we’re gonna be okay.
Until then, go watch Fiona. It will be the best decision you’ve made all day.