Plans to shut down the Kids' Farm at the Smithsonian National Zoo are over thanks to an extremely generous gift.
State Farm Insurance donated $1.4 million Wednesday to keep the exhibit open for the next five years. That’s the largest donation made to the Zoo since 2007.
Earlier this year, the Zoo announced the farm would close over budget reasons.
It costs about a quarter-million dollars to operate each year.
When news of the closing became public, there was overwhelming community support to keep it open. Friends of the National Zoo members organized fundraising events and launched additional efforts to seek longer term funding.
“At State Farm we are committed to serving the communities where we work and live,which is why we are thrilled to help fund the Kids’ Farm at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo,” said Dan Krause, vice president of State Farm Agency. “As strong supporters of early childhood education, we are pleased to give this gift of support to the Kids’ Farm; a place that inspires learning in our youngsters while providing a magical experience for families to spend time together.”
You can celebrate the kids’ farm this Sunday morning.
Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, animal demonstrations and free gifts from 11 until 2.
