Decatur Park District launches Dementia-Friendly Days at Scovill Zoo

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Scovill Zoo is now open, welcoming families to say hello to the animals for the first time this season.

The Decatur Park District is promoting its new Dementia-Friendly Days, two hours on the first Monday of the month where patients with dementia and their caregivers get free admission to the zoo.

Ken Frye with the Decatur Park District said that it's a special way to bond with your loved ones.

"From [1-3 p.m.], people with dementia and their caregivers get into the zoo for free, and get to hang out at the zoo and maybe get an animal presentation inside the building there, so it's just a good afternoon to get away and get a change of scenery, and it's always good to get out in nature and see animals with your loved ones," Frye said.

Scovill Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends.