It’s summer, school’s out and the kids are bored — and in need of a little fresh air and physical activity. What to do? Go to the Zoo!
University Health System and San Antonio Zoo have teamed up to provide guests of all ages with a way to combine fitness and fun. The Zoo’s Fitness Trail is a one-mile loop situated among lush vegetation that connects guests with some major animal exhibits, and includes signs that help guests track their progress at each quarter-mile mark. Signs also include encouraging fitness facts that offer motivation and inspiration.
“Too often during the summer break, kids are parked in front of the TV or glued to a tablet or phone,” said Dr. Robert Sanders, a pediatrician and associate medical director of University Health System’s PediExpress. “It won’t take much convincing to get them moving around the Fitness Trail at the Zoo, past all of the amazing animal exhibits. We’re excited to be part of this partnership with the Zoo to encourage kids and families to be more active.”
The partnership goes beyond the Fitness Trail. University Health System provides medical supplies for San Antonio Zoo’s First Aid Program, offers flu shots for Zoo Crew, and first aid training for all Zoo Crew through Stop the Bleed classes led by University Hospital’s trauma team. Recently, San Antonio Zoo hosted an exclusive evening event for University Health System’s pediatric cancer patients called DreamNight.
Morning walks are great way to start your day while enjoying the animals and avoiding the afternoon sun. Or enjoy the cooler evening temps during the zoo’s Jungle Boogie Nights each Saturday starting June 16 to Aug. 25. Guests enjoy extended zoo hours, live music, games and food trucks.
WHAT: Media are invited to tour the new Fitness Trail at the San Antonio Zoo, sponsored by University Health System
WHO: Dr. Sanders and Zoo officials will be available for interviews.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14
WHERE: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St.
