ANIMAL MAGNETISM ZOO CENTER FOR KIDS SET FOR OPENING.

Byline: Sabrina Decker Staff Writer

The Los Angeles Zoo will unveil a $3.4 million, two-acre facility today, billed as an interactive learning area for children.

The Winnick Family Children's Zoo features an outdoor amphitheater, indoor learning center, petting corral, animal care center and numerous animal exhibits. It was made possible largely from a $2 million donation from L.A. Zoo Commission member and children's book author Karen Winnick.

``More than anything I believe in education and to have children meet the animals and then learn about them and learn to respect them,'' Winnick said. ``For children to come close to animals is very special.''

Formerly known as Adventure Island, the area now includes a new petting corral and remodeling of all of the previous animal exhibits. The outdoor amphitheater and the former animal nursery were also renovated and improved. The entire project took just eight months to complete.

``We really tried to get an opening for this summer,'' said Bill Lukehart, the project manager. ``The city really had a commitment to get this project done.''

Along with a host of other amenities, including kid-friendly and soon-to- be bilingual information boxes, easy stroller and wheelchair access, glass walls and plenty of tables and shade, some new animals have been added.

For a few fortunate weeks, quiet visitors can come within drooling distance of a shy but always curious and hungry baby giraffe. There are also prairie dogs, lizards and insects, a rescued golden eagle, and two animated crews of tamarins, exquisite pint-size primates that come right up to the glass to get a good look at you.

``We purposely chose very active animals, dynamic groups of animals that will keep kids interested,'' said Ian Recchio, senior animal keeper.

Another highlight of the facility is artwork by New Mexico-based artist Armando Alvarez. His steel and mosaic sculptures of local children and zoo animals are loosely focused around a stunning pyramid-and-trough style hand-washing station that promises to be almost as much fun for kids as the petting zoo itself.

The Children's Zoo is the third major renovation the L.A. Zoo has undertaken in recent years. A number of new projects are now under way for other exhibits, including an $11 million veterinary health center that should be completed this October.

The series of renovations are part of a new city-sponsored renaissance the zoo has experienced in recent years. The formerly troubled facility was on the verge of losing its USDA accreditation, and was put on probation by the American Zoological Association from the early to mid-1990s.

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The Los Angeles Zoo calls its new Winnick Family Children's Zoo an interactive learning area, complete with exhibits and a petting zoo.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer