From June 17 through Labor Day, Zoo New England is offering all Stoneham public school students free admission to the Stone Zoo. Zoo New England, which operates the Stone Zoo, worked with State Representative Michael Day, the Stoneham School Committee and Stoneham School Department to craft the program, which celebrates Stoneham as the Zoo’s host community by providing its students and families greater access to all the Zoo has to offer.

“The Stone Zoo is an incredible asset to our community, providing a hands-on learning experience for our students right in our backyard,” said Representative Day. “I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Legislature, partners at Zoo New England and friends at the Stoneham Public Schools to help with this program. I also appreciate the support of my colleagues in the House who supported my request for funding that will provide thousands of our children with free access to this terrific resource, regardless of their income level.”

“Instilling a love and appreciation for wildlife early on is critical to inspiring the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to be able to provide this opportunity of summer learning and fun for Stoneham Public School students,” said John Linehan, Zoo New England President and CEO, who added, “At Stone Zoo, classroom learning is truly brought to life as guests have the opportunity to discover and observe incredible wildlife. We look forward to sharing this experience with Stoneham Public School students throughout the summer.”

"The partnership between the Stoneham Public Schools and the Stone Zoo is a great example of how our valuable local resources can be shared and utilized for all Stoneham Public School Students,” said David Ljungberg, Stoneham Public School Superintendent. “My hope is that many more families will access and engage with this great educational resource right in our own backyard.  I am appreciative of the support of our local delegation and the Stone Zoo with establishing this partnership in our community."

Founded in 1905, the Stone Zoo welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. In addition to its general admission features, the Zoo teaches and inspires environmental stewardship and fosters wildlife curiosity through its engaging educational experiences, fun family programming and a variety of special events.

Students who wish to take advantage of the program will simply provide their names, schools and class years at the Zoo entrance to receive free admission at the Stone Zoo. All students under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult during their time visiting the Zoo. The program is active during general admission, daytime visits and does not include any special events or programs. All residents are invited to join for the program kick-off at 10:30 am on June 17 at the Stone Zoo.