Children’s Zoo

Terrence V. Scott missed the big picture. In his response to “Kid Stuff” (Metro, Oct. 25) he says,” . . . Petting animals is the only thing most children would wish to do at a children’s zoo . . . “ (letter, Nov. 4). I disagree! As a writer for the new $8-million Adventure Island, I have seen the future (of the children’s zoo) and it’s coming to Los Angeles--Griffith Park, to be exact. By providing imaginative alternatives to the traditional petting zoo we are also providing the animals with more humane treatment.

Among the many exciting entertaining and educational alternative exhibits there will be animal hopscotches where children can step on life size footprints of various animals in order to hear them hoot, holler and roar, and a place where children can test their sense of smell against a bear’s.

There will also be a nursery where children can watch zookeepers care for newborn animals. How about peering through animal masks that allow kids to see the way the animal sees or a touch wall where children can use their “feelers” (hands) to locate cave-dwelling creatures?

These are just a few of the participatory exhibits specially designed to enlighten children about the world of animals.

You see, Mr. Scott, the children’s zoo is not just for petting goats anymore!

JACQUELINE HIRTZ

Burbank