Toledo Zoo to raise prices

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) -- The Toledo Zoo says a 2009 price increase will be the first in three years.

Zoo executive director Anne Baker explains that the economy may be down, but the animals haven't stopped eating.

Zoo admissions will go up $1. Beginning in March, adults will pay $11 and children and seniors will be charged $8. Youngsters under 2 will still be free.

Baker says even with the higher prices, a down economy could bring more visitors next year as people look for diversions close to home.

The zoo estimates it will finish 2008 with attendance of 861,000, down from about 956,000 last year. Toledo Zoo finance director Allison Duncan says new polar bear cubs were a big draw in 2007, while this year's attendance has been hurt by poor weather and construction.

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Information from: The Blade, http://www.toledoblade.com/