NAVAJO TIMES | ADRON GARDNER
Visitors make their way through exhibits during the 9th annual Zoo Fest at the Navajo Nation Zoo in Window Rock Saturday.
house that Mikesic said, was probably built along with the zoo in 1976.
“We are so stoked,” said Mikesic. “Many thanks to Tourism Department and the staff at the Navajo Nation Zoo.”
The Navajo Tourism Department was the entity that had given $70,000 to the zoo to purchase the pavilion and other materials, but the labor in constructing it was done by the zoo staff. With its sturdy, new structure the zoo is hoping that it will gain the attraction of renting it out for birthday parties, graduation parties, school field trips and even weddings.
“We hope Navajo Nation departments within Window Rock will come and have lunch here, or a meeting, when the weather is nice,” said Mikesic. “But, it will be used for our events.”
Navajo Tourism Department Director Arval T. McCabe said they had partnered with the zoo nearly two years ago to help with the upgrades that Mikesic and his staff have been doing.
“We partnered up with them in order to help get people to start coming to the zoo and start enjoying the outdoors there,” said McCabe. “It’s a beautiful facility now.”
The pavilion is now available to seat at least 60 people and is next to the zoo hogan.
“The public is encouraged to use the facility to enjoy,” McCabe said.