Jackson Free Press

Do you think you have to be stuck in the house all day on Turkey Day? You may think that everything's closed on Thanksgiving, but no. If you and the kids get restless, go visit the animals on Thanksgiving Appreciation Day at the Jackson Zoo.

The Jackson Zoo, located at 2918 W. Capitol St., is giving thanks to the community for its year-round support by opening its doors on Thanksgiving Day for free. The zoo will be open Thursday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Take your family to meet the zoo families. The giraffe family just welcomed a baby girl, Jasmine, in May. Watch the Sumatran tigers, three 4-year-old brothers hailing from Sacramento. As you walk off some of that stuffing, enjoy the wonder of the sea otters, Otis, Rocky and Nipper. Visit Chimpanzee Island, to see the chimpanzee family of six. Its youngest member is the adorable 2-year-old baby, Mojo. The train and carousel rides, priced at $2, will also be available to enjoy, weather permitting. Though admission to the zoo will be free all day, donations are welcome.

For more information, call 601-352-2580, or visit http://www.jacksonzoo.org.