Local zoo attracts groups of children from area schools

Sunday, July 9, 2006
Students, parents and staff from Sheldon schools visited the Two-By-Two Zoo near El Dorado Springs June 20. Above, visitors interact with one of the free-roaming deer at the zoo.

Herald-Tribune

Summer school students from area schools, like the group of nearly 75 students, parents and staff from Sheldon schools have been making the trek to a local seasonal attraction -- the Two-By-Two Zoo near El Dorado Springs.

Owned and operated by Clint and Tammy Markham, the zoo has more than 100 animals, including birds, lions, tigers, and bears -- and monkeys and several other exotic creatures from around the world.

Now in its third year, the zoo has made many improvements, has changed and expanded its entourage of animals and is capturing an audience of group tours.

"We've had a lot of schools come out this year. We have a good time when they come," Tammy Markham said.

Many who have visited the facility say it's well-suited to young children and a good place for an afternoon family outing.

Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, the zoo offers a close-up view of animals, according to Debbie Metcalf, Sheldon's summer school director.

"All of the animals were very secure, but the visitors are able to see them all very close. The animals are very healthy and visitor friendly," Metcalf said in a written account of the school group's visit to the zoo. Some, she related, even said they enjoyed it more than a larger metropolitan zoo, pointing out that the facility is easy to navigate, less tiring to visit and "you can see them (the animals) better."

Unique treats await visitors at the Two-By-Two Zoo. In exchange for spare change, visitors can feed the bears -- specially prepared "bear pop" that's nutritionally proper for the bears can be purchased and given to the bears at the zoo. Free-roaming deer allow visitors to touch and feed them. Barriers and fencing makes viewing safe for visitors, even though they are sometimes just a few feet from animals such as lions and tigers.

The Two-By-Two Zoo is located on U.S. Highway 54, just west of El Dorado Springs.

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