Visit the great fathers of the animal kingdom
The most important job for a lion dad is to protect his young from danger. His lineage depends on it! Remember, next time your dad says you can’t go to that party that he’s only looking out for you. Check out Luke the lion in the Great Cats exhibit and stick around for a keeper chat at 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
For young gorillas, a relationship with their dad is vital to their survival. These fathers can use their canines to free their young from wire traps, kind of like how you call your dad for help when you’re in a sticky situation. Come see Baraka and the Zoo's other gorillas during a keeper chat at 1 p.m. in the Great Ape House.
Male catfish watch over their fries (or young) until they’re ready to be sent off to the real world at 3 weeks old. Unlike human children, they don’t come crawling back to him when they need money or a place to stay. Make your way down to Amazonia to see them in action.
To learn more about these animals or others, check out Sunday's full keeper talk and demonstration schedule.
A show he won’t snore through
There are tons of children that visit the Zoo, so help your dad fit in by taking him to a show as old as he is! The Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live show is a half-hour performance that will leave your dad clapping so hard he’ll fall off his dinosaur. Show times are 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Find out more information and buy tickets.
A ride you'll chariot forever
“Hey Dad, remember that one time we rode a naked mole-rat?” is a great dinner table conversation starter. Share a memorable bonding experience with your dad on the Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel for just $3.50. The proceeds even go to animal care and conservation initiatives!
Don’t let dad eat a horse or use that joke either
We all know what happens when dad gets hungry. Luckily, food trucks are located throughout the park! With options like Bootheel Bar B Que, Crepe Love, Big Cheese and Mulan Dumplings you can keep your dad full and joyful during your visit.
A cold one with the old one
If you’re 21 or over, head down to the Mane Grill at Lion-Tiger Hill between visiting exhibits and treat your dad to a nice cold beer — he’ll appreciate it.
One-up him with these dad joke-worthy animal puns as you walk around the park
- What do you call an elephant that doesn’t matter? An irrelephant.
- How does the farmer count their cows? With a cow-culator.
- What do you call an alligator with a vest? An investigator.