Summer fun is just around the corner in Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is ready!

The season officially kicks off Memorial Day weekend with the return of Professor Wylde’s Live Animal Show in the Zoo’s Savanna Theater on Saturday, May 26. Performances run three times daily, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., through September 3 with weekend performances only through the rest of September.

The show engages audiences of all ages with humor and an all-star cast of critters. Guests will be along with the professor for a visit to Africa to learn about wildlife and the delicate balance for survival between people and animals. The show is free with regular Zoo admission.

This year, guests can get even closer to the action in the show with a new opportunity through the Zoo’s Conservation Education department. Beginning June 1, guests can sign up for a cameo role in the show and a backstage tour! Program participants will assist the cast backstage and get a walk-on speaking role in the show. After the show, up to eight of the participant’s family members will get a behind the scenes tour to meet the animal stars. For more information, visit clemetzoo.com/education/families.asp or call (216) 661-6500.

Guests can also become a Keeper for a Day and help care for animals with the Conservation Education staff. The day will include hands-on activities working directly with the animals such as preparing their meals, cleaning enclosures, conducting training exercises and providing them with enrichment items to stimulate them both mentally and physically.

“Hot Spots” return for the summer as well with a daily line-up of must-see special opportunities, including Get Close animal encounters in the Ballarat Theatre, elephant crossings at African Elephant Crossing, seal and sea lion training demonstrations, chances to meet the animal keepers, lorikeet feedings and the African Elephant Family Play Maze.

Northeast Ohio’s most-visited year-round attraction, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with hours extended to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is $12.25 per person, $8.25 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children younger than 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.

For more information, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.