The Akron Zoo will honor area moms and grandmas with their fifth annual Mother's Day Garden Party Sunday, May 11, 2008 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. However, visitors looking to treat mom to an extra special experience, can eat breakfast at the zoo, before it opens, at 9 a.m. Reservations are required for the breakfast.

Breakfast will be provided by Country Diner and includes sausage and egg casserole, pancakes, fruit and beverages. All mothers attending the breakfast will also receive a flower. Admission to the zoo and the day's festivities are included with the breakfast special.

The annual garden party will take place in the zoo's Lehner Family Zoo Gardens with activities throughout the day. The gardens feature over 7,000 plants and flowers that are native to Ohio and dancing water fountains. Guests will get to enjoy a tour of the gardens, with the zoo's horticulture staff and volunteers, and complimentary tea and muffins provided by Main Street Gourmet and Susan's Coffee and Tea, while supplies last. While mom is relaxing in the gardens and listening to live entertainment, kids can decorate flower pots and plant a garden.

The Akron Zoo's Mother's Day is sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Susan's Coffee and Tea and Main Street Gourmet. The cost of the breakfast is $10 for Akron Zoo member adults, $8 for Akron Zoo member children, $12 for non-member adults and $10 for non-member children.

The Akron Zoo, which is home to over 700 animals from around the world, is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and admission is $9 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, $5.50 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $20.

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.