Hattiesburg Zoo's Birthday Bash has new attractions | Community Spirit

By Karrie Leggett:

When the Hattiesburg Zoo opens its doors for their birthday bash Saturday, Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission says any age will enjoy the festivities, especially the youngsters.

"Probably most importantly to our 2-year-old to 11-year-old customer is our splash pad," said Taylor.

This splash pad is just one of the zoo's new attractions.

"But it will be a chance for them to cool off when they come out to the zoo all summer long. It's something we have been very excited about introducing," said Taylor.

Some lucky tots got to have a test run on the zoo's latest attraction, and its designer, Wes Hanson  says their reaction was pure satisfaction.

"I was looking at their faces, and they were pretty excited. They were looking at all the new stuff, and looking at the mirrors. They had a great time and that's the pay off," said Hanson.

The pay off will continue with more in store for the zoo.

"Our new education building will allow us to put a lot of our animals that are not on display out on display. One of the most popular question we get is, "Where are the snakes?," believe it or not we have snakes here at the Hattiesburg Zoo. So, we are going to be moving them to a new home where they will be on display," said Taylor.

Coordinators of the zoo's birthday bash say this anniversary is a must-attend event for the pinebelt.