Take A Walk on the Wild Side with Franciscan Health System

In partnership with Franciscan Health System, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium presents its Take A Walk on the Wild Side walking program.  Walking the paths at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will help you keep your heart healthy and win you prizes!  Pick up a passport and map at the front gate or download your passport here, and discover the wild side of walking!  Fill out your passport and turn it in to the gift shop each time you visit and receive a wonderful prize:

ADULTS: Take a walk on the wild side at least eight times over a three-month period and you’ll earn a behind-the-scenes Zoo tour for yourself and a guest. 

CHILDREN:  Walk the Zoo & Aquarium route with an adult eight times (over a three-month period) and receive an animal backpack!

GRAND PRIZE:  The guest who walks the most by December 31, 2010, will receive a $100 REI Gift Certificate!

Join in the fun with the on-line walking log on the Franciscan Health System Web site and receive exciting information about other ways to keep you on the road to a healthy lifestyle. 

More information on Franciscan Health System walking programs and heart care is available on the Franciscan Health System Web site.

LET’S GET STARTED!

Starting Point: Front Gate

Start walking!  You will be walking in a counter-clockwise direction through the one-mile loop.

Checkpoint #1:

Elephant Barn

Did you know that elephants walk a daily average of 12K (6.2 miles)?

Checkpoint #2:

Camels

By this time you have gone through Asia, passed the tigers, the tapir, and who knows what else.

Checkpoint #3:

Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater (walkway between theater and grass)

Did you know that aardvarks travel an average of 6.2 miles at night, but have been known to walk up to 18.64 miles per night in search of termites?

Checkpoint #4:

Rocky Shores

You’ve taken the switchbacks down to Rocky Shores, passed ET, otters, and puffins and should be in front of the Rocky Shores Café.

Checkpoint #5:

Reindeer

Okay, so we all know that moose aren’t reindeer, but did you know that moose normally walk carefully and quietly through the underbrush and reach speeds of up to 35mph?  How fast are you walking?

Checkpoint #6:

Red Wolf (passing the building)

As if you don’t feel tired enough, these guys (and gals) walk at a clip of nearly 5 mph and can reach speeds of 30-40 mph! Currently the Red Wolf exhibit is being enhanced and you may experience a detour. 

Checkpoint #7:

Lower entry into North Pacific Aquarium

Head up the stairs, past the community tank and out the door.  Go up the short walkway and veer right.  Stay on this path until you get to the second set of stairs on your left.  Take them!

Checkpoint #8:

Gift Shop

You’re finished!  Walk it again if you like, or fill out your walking log and turn it into the gift shop.  Either way, the folks at Franciscan Health System want to thank you for participating.