Kids with special needs take part in Kohl’s Great Zoo Adventure

MILWAUKEE -- For hundreds of kids with special needs, it's the adventure they’ve been waiting for all summer.

“I love the zoo because there's so many animals,” said 5-year-old Zander.

“For the first time for many of these children, this is their first experience at the Milwaukee County Zoo,” said Christine Holmes, President of the Penfield Children’s Center.

350 kids from the Penfield Children’s Center took part in their first Great Zoo Adventure Friday, put on by 50 volunteers from Kohl's Department Stores.

“They’re leaders from all over the organization from Senior Vice Presidents, to Regional Managers, to District Managers, so we're really excited about leading by example,” said Regional Vice President Ethel Magnum.

The volunteers lead the kids to five animal attractions, including the lion’s den and elephant oasis, and along the way, the kids receive stickers on their zoo passports.  It's a way for the children with special needs to learn about animals in the most interactive way.

“When children get out of their natural environment and into a different kind of stimulation, the learning is incredible in what happens,” said Holmes.

Jill Newman made sure her daughter, Jada, was there to take in all the sights and sounds.

“We were actually on vacation and came home a day early because that's all Jada was talking about.  It's excellent,” said Newman.

For the Kohl’s volunteers, it made for a special moment to bond with the children and have fun too.

“This makes me feel great.  I mean, it really makes you feel like you're giving back to the community that we serve,” said Magnum.

Since this year's event went so well, Kohl's Department Stores and Penfield Children’s Center hope to team up and provide the trip again next year.