WATERLOO (KWWL) -
Patti Nie grew up on a farm and still loves animals. She's the new curator at the Sunrise Children's Zoo in Waterloo.
The zoo is operated by the Sunrise Exchange Club.
"Our overall goal with the exchange club is prevention of child abuse, so children are our actual focus," said volunteer Ann Condon.
What better way to help raise money for children than to offer a fun activity for kids. And the best part, there's no cost to visit the zoo.
"Absolutely free to come in. We do ask for donations. We have a minimal cost to feed animals," said Patti Nie.
Nie said her goal as curator is to offer interaction with education.
"Teach kids how to interact whether with animals or plants, eventually someday they're all going to grow up to be mothers and fathers and everything needs a heart to learn to live," said Nie.
From pigs to goats to horses, you can see and feed more than 25 different animals. Also, some of the animals are available for adoption.
"It's beautiful this year. There's a lot more animals, and it's just more family friendly," said Ann Condon.
Sunrise Zoo is open everyday except Mondays.
Hours are 11 to 7 Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 6 Friday and Saturday and Noon to 4 Sunday.
It's located on the National Cattle Congress grounds through September.
