If you love animals as much as I do, this is a great place to live. We have zoos to visit, forest preserve programs to attend and animal shelters that keep animal lovers busy with a variety of special events.

* To learn more about alligators, you can attend a special program sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Learn about these giant reptiles, play games and do an alligator crafts. Oh, and if you've dreamed of being in a room with a live alligator, your wish might come true. Attend this free, family program at 1 p.m. Saturday at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Registration is required. Call (815) 727-8700.

* There are few things in life cuter than a baby animal, and with two local zoos there are plenty of new arrivals to visit. Lincoln Park Zoo has five red wolf pups who were born in late April and made their media debut May 30. In early March, zoo staffers also welcomed a newborn Sichuan takin that can be viewed in the Antelope & Zebra Area. Born to the female who arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo in November, this little guy was sired back at San Diego Zoo. But Chicago's resident male takin was gentle and inquisitive upon introduction to his new, puppy-sized exhibit mate, as was the other female. According to the zoo Web site, www.lpzoo.org, staff and visitors have quickly labeled it the cutest animal at the zoo.

Brookfield Zoo also has new babies. A male polar bear cub, recently named Hudson, was born Dec. 14. He made his public debut this spring. If you visit Habitat Africa! at the zoo, also be sure to check out the baby red river hogs, born April 15.

* If my dog, Jasmine, was better about car rides, I would surely take her to the Anti-Cruelty Society's Canine Cruise from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Board the Skyline Queen at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive on the southwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. This costs $35 per person but your canine companions get to ride for free on the boat equipped with water bowls and doggie restrooms. The flier promises this event will be a 90-minute relaxing cruise on Lake Michigan and the river. For reservations, call (312) 644-8338, ext. 307.

* When I saw the Web site for PAWS Chicago's annual beach party, I couldn't stop smiling. All Paws on Deck takes place at 6 p.m. July 11 at Castaways at the North Avenue Beach Boathouse. This event, to benefit the PAWS Chicago shelter, will include dancing on deck, cool cocktails and a beachy dinner buffet. A special pup deck will be available as a place dogs can chill out, or they can stay with their owners throughout the night. Tickets cost $125 per person and $50 per pet if bought before the event. For more information, call Cindy Kudart at (773) 843-4884.

* Beanie Baby Days are June 30 and July 1 at Brookfield Zoo. The first 4,000 children 11 and younger who visit Brookfield Zoo on these days will take home a free Beanie Baby compliments of Ty.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. Jennifer Pallay can be reached at jpallay@nwitimes.com.