Miller Park Zoo saw attendance drop because of the high temperatures this summer. (Photo By B Corbin/WJBC)

By Paul Morello

BLOOMINGTON - This summer's hot temperatures put a damper on Miller Park Zoo's attendance.

Zoo superintendent Jay Tetzloff said Friday the heat from May through August doesn't really affect the animals, but it does deter visitors.

"When it's in the nineties or higher, we definitely see a dip in our attendance. We have misters out for our animals and we've talked more and more about doing that for the guests as well. I think we'll look into that more next year to see if that's a boost for people, so they can take a break," he said.

Tetzloff said attendance was down five percent this summer compared to 2011, but September is being projected to finish slightly better than last year.

A rainy Labor Day weekend also didn't help attendance numbers.

"We're weather-dependent. We know that," Tetzloff said.

The zoo saw 1,071 visitors over Labor Day weekend, compared to 2,208 last year.

The zoo is open is open every day rain or shine, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul.morello@cumulus.com.