Zoofari Across Anne Arundel Supports Exercise During Coronavirus

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Children across Anne Arundel County have been enjoying clever scavenger hunts created by the Chesapeake Conservancy. The activity has allowed families to follow social distancing rules while getting some fresh air.

Chesapeake Conservancy Director of Conservation Technology Jeff Allenby's own neighborhood had launched what's called a zoofari, which inspired him to build a map for others to log their stuffed animal locations while sparking some exercise and inspiring fun for others during the new coronavirus pandemic.

All participants have to do is place a stuffed animal in plain sight in their windows or front yards that others can see while passing by. Then add that location to the zoofari map by pinning it. Then a comment box will pop up where the address and animal can be entered.

"The map is a web-based application, so anyone with access to the internet can use it. No need to download anything. No special gear is needed; you can play along on a walk with your household family members or even driving through your community. We will keep the map tool up and functioning indefinitely," Jody Hedeman Couser with the Chesapeake Conservancy told Patch.

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The concept has caught on because Cape St. Claire's zoofari map had more than 300 pins from people who displayed a stuffed animal at their address and thousands upon thousands of clicks on those pins from people going on an animal journey.

“It made me so happy to contribute to this fun activity for the children in our neighborhood, and to watch them as they walked by with their parents," said Mark Liscinsky, a resident of Annapolis.

The conservancy urges everyone to follow the directives of health officials and the governor regarding being outside and going for a walk, as well as staying at least 6 feet away from others outside their household. Also, Hedeman Couser reminded others to "respect people's private property, stay off lawns and do not touch or take the stuffed animals."

Maryland's stay-at-home order issued March 30 states that "engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running or biking" are allowed.However, according to the order, such activities must be done in groups of 10 people or less. View the map here.

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