Zoo Atlanta to open early, hold special event for people with autism

In support of Autism Awareness Month, Zoo Atlanta will hold an event for families affected by the condition.

During the Zoos Go Blue, the zoo will open early for those families at 8 a.m. — before general admission begins at 9:30 a.m.

There will also be educational activities, a specialized World of Wild Theater bird presentation, animal viewing and demonstrations and character meet-and-greet opportunities, the Facebook event page says.

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A dark “Quiet Zone space” will be provided for families who may need to take a break, and volunteers from Georgia Autism Speaks will be available to answer questions and assist families.

The event has been hosted yearly since at least 2014.

Advance tickets for the April 22 event are required. They should be available for purchase Monday at $19 for adults, $14 for children ages 11 and under and free for children under the age of two.

In other news:

Panda twins Xi Lun and Ya Lun are hitting milestones and growing with their natural climbing skills and first taste of bamboo at the Atlanta Zoo.

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Becca J G Godwin

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