Growing up, it was tradition in my family to go to the Como Zoo in Saint Paul, at the end of every summer. We'd spend the entire day riding rides, eating Italian Ice, cheering on Sparky the Seal, and spraining our necks looking at the giraffes.

Unfortunately, at the Como Zoo, they don't offer anything like this- Summerfield Zoo is now offering private animal encounters.

Just imagine the look and wonder in your child's eyes when they first see that adorable baby Red Kangaroo; they'll smile from ear to ear and you'll have memories to last for a lifetime. I'll just go ahead and crown you "Parent of the Year" now.

Summerfield Zoo opens for the season on April 22nd and you can book your private encounter right now, do it here.

Catch Mandy James on “The Steve Shannon Show with Mandy James” on 97 ZOK from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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