Exciting family adventures await visitors to Ohio's zoos as they open for the 2008 summer season.

This summer the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium invites guests to "Party for the Planet" with giant endangered species sand sculptures, eco-friendly tips, special keeper talks, conservation lectures, and special children's entertainment each weekend.

This Zoo is serious about recycling - each visitor who brings a cell phone or plastic six-pack ring for recycling will receive $3 off the price of admission, and Hybrid cars park free at the Columbus Zoo.

Travel to exotic lands with a visit to tigers and elephants at Asia Quest; or see the gorillas and gibbons at the African Forest. Known for their conservation efforts, the Zoo will have a special program on conservation each Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion.

Also during the weekend a different area of the Zoo will feature some "wild" activities for kids, and keepers will be available to give insights about the animals.

Guests can become nocturnal and celebrate the longest day of the year on June 21, when the Zoo presents Zoofari 2008; and don't miss the Teddy Bear Safari in August.

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Zoo will discuss his work with the animals and introduce some of his favorite animal friends during special events at the zoo this summer.

The Columbus Zoo is located at 9990 Riverside Drive in Powell, Ohio. For more information call 614-645-3400 or visit www.columbuszoo.org.

Jellyfish will inhabit the Akron Zoo in 2008 with the opening of "Jellies: Rhythm in the Blue" an exhibit featuring 10 aquariums of jellyfish. The exhibit will also feature a touch tank that includes crabs, starfish and sea urchins. This is the first ever aquarium feature in the history of the Akron Zoo.

The exhibit will be in the zoo's education center, Komodo Kingdom, where visitors are sometimes invited to stay overnight during special "Snooze at the Zoo" occasions.

The Akron Zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world.

The Zoo is located at 500 Edgewood Avenue in Akron. For more information call 330-375-2550, or visit www.akronzoo.org.

Don't miss the Hippoaquarium, the first of its kind in the world at the Toledo Zoo. The Zoo is a leader in animal conservation, and established a milestone in polar bear history when it welcomed three polar bear cubs in November of 2006. The Zoo's meerkat mob from the popular Animal Planet hit show also wait to welcome their many fans this summer.

Guests can experience animal-feeding demonstrations at various exhibits and take part in keeper talks as they get an up-close look at some of the animals from the Zoo's Education Department.

Adults are invited to taste fine wine and hors d-oeuvres during Vineyard Adventure at the Toledo Zoo on Friday, May 30, 2008, from 7 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

The Toledo Zoo is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25) just four miles south of downtown Toledo.For more information call 419-385-4040 or visit www.toledozoo.org.

Things get hopping at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this summer when the party of the year, "Frogs, Hogs & Dogs" opens. This new summer attraction features endangered amphibians, red river hogs and New Guinea singing dogs.

The RainForest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo showcases more than 10,000 plants and 600 animals in natural settings. Guests can also take a Wallaby Walkabout at Australian Adventure and get close to free-roaming kangaroos.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located at 3900 Wildlife Way in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information call 216-661-6500 or visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is rated one of the top zoos in the nation by the Zagat Survey and Child Magazine. This year the Zoo added to its furry family when the first Mexican wolf pups were born in 2007. The pups are now exploring Wolf Woods in the Spaulding Children's Zoo.

See all of the new babies at the Zoo, including the Cincy bearcat, during "Zoo Babies" from May 10 to 25, 2008. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St., in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information call 513-281-4700 or visit www.cincyzoo.org.