Zoo calls for active primates

3 March 2008

Zoo calls for active primates

Primates, of the human variety, have the chance to get pronking, leaping, grooving and moving at Auckland Zoo's Active Movement Day, Thursday 13 March, 10am to 1pm.

The zoo's 16ha make a great environment for primates, big and small, to get moving, with lots to keep you active at the band rotunda. Fun activities include crazy dancing competitions, animal aerobics, a fun obstacle course, and a bouncy castle for children to play in - all designed to encourage movement.

Award-winning children's entertainer Joanie Bartels will hold two interactive 15-minute workshops- Moving with your baby (10.45am) and Moving with your toddler (noon). Joanie has sold over 3 million children's audio tapes and has captured the hearts of children and adults alike through her recordings and sing-along/dance-along concerts.

Active Movement advisors and Gymsport New Zealand coaches will be located at "fact stations" around the zoo encouraging visitors to stretch like a giraffe, leap like a frog, balance like a flamingo and much more. The coaches, specialists in working with pre-schoolers, will also teach children the importance of correct breathing, keeping hydrated and being sun-smart.

"At Active Movement Day we'll be encouraging children and adults to stretch like a giraffe , swing like a primate and jump like a tiger - which will be a great workout and lots of fun. Participants will also learn about some of the incredible species we have at the zoo and how to live an active life with their children," says Auckland Zoo events coordinator, Jackie Sanders.

Keep active and green with children: * walk or cycle instead of driving * take a walk on the beach or in the park and pick up any rubbish you see along your way * plant native trees in your garden.

Event details * Active Movement Day, Thursday 13 March, 10am - 1pm. 1 Supported by SPARC, Active Movement, Sport Waitakere, Counties Manukau Sport, Sport Auckland, Harbour Sport, Swimming NZ and GymSports New Zealand. 2 Normal zoo admission prices apply. 3 For more information visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz or phone (09) 360 3805.

ENDS

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