Hillcrest Zoo in Clovis offers more than 500 animals including buffaloes and reptiles, according to zoo officials. The zoo sits inside a 140-acre park, with plenty of activities to make for a day trip, according to Zoo Director Herschel Arnold. “The zoo’s got primates. It’s got cats, got bears. A lot of people like the monkeys,” Arnold said. The zoo also includes reptile and bird houses, and a giraffe, one of the more popular exhibits, according to Arnold. Hillcrest Park also includes a sunken garden, playground and picnic areas, according to Arnold. Hours of operation l 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday year-round l 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays during fall and winter Admission Adults: $3 Children ages 3 to 12: $2 Age 2 and under: free Student and military discount. Contacts Hillcrest Zoo: 769-7873 How to get there From Prince Street in Clovis, go east on U.S. 70/84. Turn left on Sycamore Street to Hillcrest Park & Zoo, located on the right. — Compiled by Michael Harrell, Freedom Newspapesr