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Philadelphia Zoo
Rating Details »
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 243-1100
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 243-1100
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
46 reviews for Philadelphia Zoo
So, I finally got a chance to see the new Big Cat Falls and the Avian Center, and I was more than impressed. I am still in awe at the grace of all the big cats, specifically the lions. Gorgeous!
I went with my boyfriend and my mom on her second visit to Philly. My favorite moment of the day had to come when the Silverback male gorilla, who was sitting against the glass, turned to face my mom and I after ignoring everyone else for the previous 10 minutes as we all watched him eat bamboo. A memory to cherish!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2008
I've seen my fair share of zoos. What can I say, I love animals. This zoo ranks up there in the… Read more »
I was pleasantly surprised as I strolled through the Philly Zoo today, which i learned was the oldest zoo in the US and the second oldest zoo in North America, second only to Toronto. This zoo is well kept for it's age. You can tell a lot of time, energy and money have been spent here to make the zoo habitable for it's residents and enjoyable to it's visitors.
Parking is ample and close to the zoo itself, but it will set you back $12 for the day. Still, that is not bad considering how much you drop for parking in other places.
The tickets to the park were $18 per adult and $15 per child over the age of 2 through the age of 11. The tickets do NOT cover everything you will encounter in the park. The carousel and train are $3 additional, while the swan boats, pony rides, horse rides, and camel rides are $6 additional.
The exhibits themselves are phenomenal. You will come across a rare animal conservation center, the reptile exhibit with big tortoises and a slew of reptiles, the primate reserve, which was fantastic, big cat falls, which was amazing, carnivore kingdom, the children's zoo, animals of the African plains, bear country, and bird alley.
The only major disappointments were the fact there were no elephants, very few bears, and no penguins on exhibit at the time of our visit.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience and well worth the money spent on admission, parking, and food at the concessions.
I recently went to the Philadelphia Zoo with my sister & nephew. I didn't mind the $18 for myself....but was dumbfounded to learn that my 2 year old nephew required a full-price ticket. Are you kidding? I can see charging maybe $5 because we DID have a stroller...but a full-price ticket for a 2 year old is ridiculous.
The zoo was very clean & easy to follow the layout. They also crank the AC for the indoor exhibits which was a nice break.
I was a little disappointed that some of the larger animals were not there. The elephants were on loan to the Pittsburgh Zoo...and a few other animals were no longer there.
Also...you had to hunt for the water fountains & bathrooms.
We brought our own food...but did end up stopping for a snack & some cold drinks. I actually remarked to my sister that I was impressed with their pricing. Clearly, it's not a bargain...but they don't gouge you like a baseball stadium or an amusement park. A large fountain soda was $2.75 and a slice of pizza was $3.00. So, while it's higher than what you'd pay at a regular takeout....it won't put you in the poor house. So, good on ya' Philadelphia Zoo snack-stand.
Parking was about $12.00 to park right outside the Zoo...which isn't bad for Philadelphia parking lots. The Zoo is on the Phlash route...so you can leave your car in the lot & some more sight-seeing withotu having to pay additional parking fees.
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We usually go to the zoo every year for Easter but as we went to Adventure Aquarium this year we picked today ( a Saturday in late September) to get our annual dose of the zoo.
If your going and not taking Septa, be prepared to pay $12 to park in one of their lots. I was surprised at the lack of signs once you get off 76 to direct you were to park. Its also $18 dollars for an adult ticket which my group all paid, only later to see people blatantly walking around the turnstiles and getting in for free, and none of the staff right there at the gate stopping them.
If your going on the weekend, be prepared for families with strollers. Its funny that they have stroller parking all over the zoo, but its pretty awesome because that way people aren't encouraged to roll into the exhibits running into people, but some will do it anyway.
I didn't buy food there myself but someone in my group did and it was $8.25 for a few chicken tenders with fries and a drink. Rip off.
I was sad that there wasn't any elephants but I understand that they are in a better place now ( Pittsburgh!) but the dredlocked donkeys they placed in their space just don't provide the same wow factor. I really enjoyed the Big Cat Falls and the gorillas exhibits. They redid the Aviary which looks really nice but I feel like it its actually smaller now. I believe thats because they put a movie theater in so that takes up a good amount of space.
2 of my favorite animals are still on display , the polar bears and the flamingos so I was pretty happy. All in all it was pretty nice but you have to take it for what it is, a zoo in the city stuffed between the Amtrak tracks and Landsdown Ave, and be prepared for a ton of strollers.
Latest trip to the Philly Zoo on a recent, gorgeous early-autumn day. Parking lots were overflowing but the zoo itself didn't have a particularly crowded feel. The zoo as always remains a champion in the balance between major animal presentation and accessibility / walkability -- every zoo in the country which has a materially bigger animal presentation demands a much greater time and hiking commitment.
The elephants (like those in the main displays at the Bronx Zoo and the San Francisco Zoo, among others) are moved on other zoos with more room. The recently-added Big Cat Falls remains the best, bar none, lion & tiger presentation I have ever seen. The even-more-recent Aviary is a bit thin, though. The balance of the big mammal presentation (giraffe, zebra, polar bear, hippo, rhino, cheetah) remains old fashioned (smaller enclosures) but as such much more accessible to kids.
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I thought for $18 a ticket, you would be able to see more. This past year, I took my daughter to the zoo a few times. Everytime, we really didn't see any animals. Not the zoo's fault I guess, all the animals were either sick or in hiding.
Next, the food and drinks are ridiculously overpriced. $3.50 for a bottle of water is steep. $9 for a tiny cheessteak is even worse. Eat before you go.
At least parking is ample...oh wait...no its not. Parking is hard to find and $12 a spot near the zoo.
For the price you pay, you don't get much. I would honestly avoid this zoo, same the money and hit up the Camden Aquarium
I loooooove zoos and animals. (I don't want to get into a debate of the cruelty to animals in being locked up at zoos. I am just looking it at from my own selfish point of view.)
I can remember being a little girl, being oh-so-excited to go to the Philadelphia Zoo! Then I grew up a little, and all my friends were "too cool" to go to the zoo so I didn't go for years. That was the dark time in my life.
But now I have seen the light. I have been two times in the past three months.
The first recent time was in the middle of February. It was warm for February, but still sweatshirt/jeans weather, and some of the animals weren't out. But the polar bear sure was. He was playing with a big blue ball, pushing it down into the water and then watching it shoot up, doing that over and over. Heaven!
I went again this past weekend, the weather was perfect and felt like the first true weekend of spring. I thought it was supposed to be "Gay Day" at the zoo, but I only saw some lesbian mothers pushing their kids in strollers. In other words, it was a typical Saturday afternoon at the zoo.
The tortoises were out eating some vegetables in their pen. I can't get over how old they are!
This time the elephants stole the show. The elephants are right next to the rhinos. One of the elephants stuck his trunk over the divider and was caressing the back of the rhino. It was so touching, seeing two completely different species interacting so peacefully together.
I am always extra delighted by the monkey house. The orangutans remind of me of Al and Peg Bundy. The grumpy gorilla looks like a huge meathead asshole, but I love him anyway. Some of the little guys are bouncing off the walls like ADHD children, and I can totally relate after spending an hour in the office. Actually, I can totally relate anyway.
I think the San Diego Zoo is the best zoo I've ever been to. It's much bigger than the Philadelphia Zoo and has a panda exhibit and an unbeatable monkey exhibit. But still, Philadelphia Zoo always brings back great childhood memories and makes me feel like a kid again - and nothing beats that!
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i walked through the zoo
um, where are the animals?
i suck at haikus
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Philadelphia Zoo claims to be America's first zoo. I thought that was interesting because before I saw that sign, I never thought to think which was the first zoo in America.
So, as I was driving closer to the zoo destination, I had imagined that it would be a big zoo since it was the first. Actually, it was just a medium-sized zoo. Not one of them huge zoos where you need like 2 pairs of shoes just to be comfortable in order to see everything.
Of course, the day that I arrived, it was cold outside. So...not all the animals were out for my voyeuristic pleasures.
However, the Philadelphia Zoo was decent along with some unique animals that I've yet to see in other zoos. Also, this zoo is the second zoo (first was Toronto) that I've been that peacocks roam around freely. Gosh, I can just imagine lifelong therapy for kids who get pecked by these guys.
I really like this zoo because it has such a large exhibit of animals. The kids are sure to love the different types of birds, elephants, monkeys, tigers, and etc. I watched a live tiger feeding in the afternoon and the zoo allows you to get up close pictures of the animals while they eat. I came to the zoo on Easter Sunday and they always have a Easter Egg Hunt. They also gave out free candy for the children. It was a very fun experience and I have a lot of great memories here.
The only downside is the food here is not so great. It is your basic fare of hot dogs, french fries, and sugar-filled soda. I would suggest families pack healthy food to bring to the zoo and have a nice picnic.
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The recent updates and new buildings are great. The new Aviary is wonderful and has a cute animated feature movie to teach about migration.
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Once again, America's First Zoo and that was delayed for opening, due to the Civil War. Dates back to 1874!
1,500 animals on 42 acres. The Fire was an unnecessary travesty.
With the admission price being comparable to much larger zoo's that you can spend most of a day at and this one you can go through in an hour or so, it just ranks a 2 star, in my book.
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I love this place but only during nice days when it is not too cold or not too hot. Its very hard to walk the whole place during a hot summer day. The place is huge! And there is not much shade or seats.
I took one of my little cousins (age 4) here a couple of months ago. She loved every bit of it. I've been here on a number of occasions but hadn't walked over to the children's petting zoo in years since I don't have children of my own to go with. I took her as my excuse (he-he). She rode a pony and we fed goats together. We had a blast. It was her first time ever seeing live animals. She knew what they were from the movie Madagascar. So yes, the lion was named Alex and the hippos were all Gloria. The monkeys were her favorite. The new big cat habitat is always my favorite. Too bad they are always sleeping!
One thing I didn't like was the protesters out front. They were claiming that the zoo was bad for elephants because many elephants have died suddenly over the past few years. Thats not the way I wish to start my day at the zoo. Still, if you push that aside, you could have a day full of fun.
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Historically, the Philadelphia Zoo is the first zoo to have been established in the United States, and the first I've ever seen to in my life. I've taken many field trips here, ever since grade school. I remember seeing everything with a fresh sense of wonder, even before all the expansion that's present today!
Friends and I came here last September. It's a medium-sized venue (larger than I remembered), with lots of square footage, perfect for parties and company events. The Philadelphia Zoo is no San Diego Zoo, but it has it's share of exhibits; it's amazing to see lions, elephants, and gorillas up close. Want some perspective? Check out their huge signature hot air balloon. (Can't beat the Turkey Hill ice cream booths all over the place, either!)
The zoo is good spot to visit (with or without kids) at least once.
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I am not a fan of caged animals. However, I had to go to the zoo for a charity event a few months ago. I hadn't been there in over 20 years or so and was dreading it.
My visit started with parking in a lot about a 1/4 mile away for $12. This was the closest parking, with the promise of a shuttle to the zoo entrance. No thanks, I'll walk from here.
I then stood in line for 15 minutes to pay $12 for the privilege of "parking" as well as the admission fee. Wow when did viewing caged animals become SO expensive?
After an hours of viewing animals in well kept nice exhibits, I found what appeared to be the largest restaurant in the park. There was easily ten minute, probably fifteen minute, lines and there were many families who found eating spots on the ground due to the lack of sufficient tables.
Overall, it was horribly under equipped to handle half the number of visitors. The lion exhibits that were supposed to be the highlight were closed during the short time that I was there.
I wouldn't have set foot in the zoo again if it wasn't for charity.
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Had the pleasure of being in Philly last Independence Day and I loved it. The Philly Zoo is our nation's first zoo. I'm just a big kid at heart and the Mrs. and I go to zoos in every city we visit. The Philly Zoo was fantastic and right up there with the San Diego zoo. We had a really nice day to just walk around and check out all of the animals. They have got them all covered. You will see elephants, kangaroos, snakes, birds of prey and the big cats. It was pretty crowded when we were there but there was still a lot of room and the layout made it easy.
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I would have given the country's first zoo five stars, if not for the hoard of baby strollers present on this stunning spring day. The zoo should have a maximum stroller count for entrance into the zoo, to keep the traffic down to just a feverish din. Of course, my wife and I brought our daughter, so we were certainly part of the problem. But, I guess, a crowded zoo is a vibrant, happy zoo....so why carp? 'Cuz I'm a curmudgeon, that's why.
Apart from the Evenflow and Graco frenzy, the zoo was as impressive as ever. Most of the animals were enjoying the great weather (save for the Giant Rats, which don't come out until dark....damn them!) and the variety our zoo has is terrific. Baby lemurs hanging to their father's backs are worth the price of admission right there. But there's so much more. We even went on the swan paddle boats, which was great exercise until my wife got noivous and wanted out. Truth be told, I was rocking the boat back and forth like some dope from junior high. Can't take me anywhere.
If you haven't been to the zoo lately, make a date. Weekday afternoons are probably the least crowded, with school buses driving away and the downtrodden still at their day jobs. Lemurs, elephant shrews, flamingos and cool new exhibits like Big Cat Falls and Squirrel Alley are just a few of the hundreds of reasons to see our animal friends. Better yet, get a yearly membership and enjoy the rides and parking for free. Worth it!
ps---Squirrel Alley is not a real exhibit.
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We have been Zoo members for 2 years now - as we have a 3.5 year old.
For members, the zoo is a great deal. The free parking alone is a great bonus. We also don't feel pressured to see the entire zoo in one day, as now we can visit whenever we wish.
The Zoo also has a "treee house" just for members - but it is not airconditioned and gets very hot..
Also they do not sell milk - only sodas - so if you are nutrition (and cost) conscious - pack drinks and snacks for your family. It is shameful that there are not more healthy choices for kids to eat here.
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I guess there are places that even I forget to review. I mean even though it's America's first zoo it can be easily overlooked when your going about usual life in Philly. But I always have a fun time visiting the animals and I'm long overdue for a visit.
My favorite spot is definitely the Nocturnal animal center (and not just because I kind of feel a nightly connection with them). It really does bring you pretty close to their element (at least as close as you would want to be in most situations). I also love visiting the big cats, although I have yet to check out the new space that they were recently housed in.
When I was going through some old black and white photos that I took recently I came across a couple photos of Puzzles the giraffe and it made me kind of sad. R.I.P.
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Can we get a children free day at the zoo? Maybe like 2-6 times a year? Is that too much to ask for? How about a baby free day?
Dude, I think children are great, but I'd love nothing more than to see the zebras and shit with out the cries of babies in the background. I like turtles.
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Had a good time taking the tykes to the Philly Zoo the other day. The only problem was that it was a beautiful May day and just about everyone else in the tristate area had the same idea. Busy, busy, busy. It's all well and good, easy to get around and plenty for everyone to zoo, but I didn't like the feeling that I was stepping on someone everywhere I went. We all had a good time, still, and it's always good to see the animals. Worth the trip for the family, but I recommend catching it on a less busy day.
I was beyond thrilled when our family got a gift of a Zoo membership for Christmas this year! The free parking that is included makes it worth the trip!
If you are lucky enough to go on a Monday in January an hour and a half before closing- you will find next to no one there. If you must go on a weekend, expect to be annoyed by screaming children amped up on sugar, and loud obnoxious locals who find it necessary to read every fucking description of every animal in their nasally droning Philly accents.
I was impressed by the new Cats area- it was much nicer to see them in their "natural" habitat outside compared to the horrible piss stained tile indoor homes that they had before.
The Polar Bears are always the best, but the Pygmy Marmoset Monkeys run a close second.
Overall, a great place for kids and grownups alike.
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I've lived literally 5 minutes from the zoo for 4 years and yesterday was the first time I've visited... what an asshole I am. It was so much fun, though. My boyfriend and I went when we both had a rare day off. It was a slight bit chilly [since it's early April], but most of the animals were out prowling around. They have a great assortment of animals here, and I especially enjoyed the endangered animals house -- it's really nice to see how the zoo is actually helping a lot of species stay alive. There were also several animals that had just had babies, and it was so cute to see them riding around on their daddys' backs.
Really, the only reason it loses a star was that they apparently changed the penguin feature -- they now live outside instead of inside a little aquarium/winter scape where they could swim/slide around, and my boyfriend was really sad because that's his favorite part. :( I still thought they were cute outside, though.
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I visited the zoo this summer when my sister and her two kids came to visit, and it was the first time I'd been there since I was a kid myself. I think I had more fun than my niece and nephew. Two words: baby tigers.
Also, we went on an absolutely perfect day, which was bittersweet. Awesome weather but the crowds were insane. You know how when you're at an art museum and people will stare at a painting for what seems like hours, and it's like, "Come on buddy, other people paid to look at the art too." Well, it was kind of like that, but with little kids pounding on the glass. More parents need to invest in those kid-on-a-leash devices.
I left satisfied, however, as we actually got to see lots of animals in action, not sleeping. And I've decided that one day, I'd like to own a marmoset.
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The Philadelphia Zoo rox! Not only was it featured in "12 Monkeys" but they also have a Zooballoon which you can see if you're driving on 76 towards the city!
Two years ago, my friends and I decided to go here and looked online and they had a special where for one fixed price you get admission, a ride on the Zooballoon, a ride on the swan boats, and a ride on an animals back (I think they had camels).
We saw in no particular order: a monkey waking up and jerking off, a gorilla with his back to the glass contemplating life, and a tortoise orgy (except this one tortoise tried to mount another, but couldn't quite stick it).
We never got to ride the Zooballoon because it was too windy that day and we didn't ride the camel because when we saw them, there was this large woman getting on its back and the poor animal just slumped down.
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I had the pleasure of going to the Philly Zoo while in Philly for the first time last weekend. It was great! The only reason it's four stars instead of five is because I've been to the Bronx Zoo and I think that's still a step above this one, but if I hadn't have seen the Bronx Zoo this probably would have been a five star zoo for me.
The animals have ample room for the most part, and the habitats are clean and tidy. There is a lot of room to view the animals and there aren't too many chicken-wire style fences that can make visibility complicated and ruin photo opportunities. They have a really cool hot air balloon that people can go in (no thanks for me, eek! I'd be woozy up there), and the food, though expensive, was pretty tasty.
It's really nice that all of the animals are there for you to see and you don't really have to go paying extra for certain exhibits (at least not that I noticed anyway). From Elephants to zebras, lemurs and lizards, there's something for everyone at the Philly Zoo!
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This one time I went to this zoo with 5 or 6 friends and we realized it would be cheaper if we got a family pass. It totally worked. It was about 20 per person as opposed to a bunch more. And I was married with 4 kids for a full year. So in conclusion...abuse technicalities.
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I used to work here and am forever scarred for working outside in Philadelphia's hot and humid summers. Combine the heat with the smell and bad management and you get pretty bad memories.
Also, the zoo always seems a whole lot bigger when you are a kid. Returning as an adult, I was surprised at how small it actually was. I still have to give the zoo 4 stars just because it's the zoo. Who doesn't love the zoo?
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I like zoos... This one was nice. There were informative signs and very friendly people around explaining the exhibits, They have adorable little red pandas and an awesome "big cat" display. I went on a perfect day, just a little chilly, so it was not a problem walking around. It is a big zoo though, so I can see how it might be rough on a hot day. It's a little more expensive then I expected, but still worth it. :)
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The zoo is fun and the animals were actually active, plus i got to see totally farking ugly baby tigers that would make even the Grinch's heart grow.
The only warning is to avoid it on beautiful weekends that seem destined for a great day at the zoo. Everyone is thinking the same thing. We went when it was clear and breezy, 75/80 tops, Saturday and the first weekend after the baby tiger cubs were allowed on display. It was the perfect storm.
Still, seeing a leopard pacing in front of the glass when you know all he is thinking about is eating the shit out of you and everyone there is a ton of fun.
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several winters ago, kelly w. and i came here for an afternoon of gloomy sky and lovely crowdless zoo-going. it could not have been a more perfect day, really.
that day we saw the largest male tiger cozy his butt up to the bars of the old carnivora house and take aim at a particularly annoying, abusive family. too bad he missed, 'cos that stream of pee was impressive.
i mean, like 12-13 feet range impressive. i was in awe of that tiger.....
since that absolutely perfect zooday, i've tried to see it in that same cool way. i just haven't been able to, unfortunately. all i see, even with their remodels, is the massive decay the zoo has. i even worked there, in the mailroom for a week or so. you know what? that made it even worse....
as much as i love seeing the animals, i don't think i can go back. that third star is for you, peeing tiger. you deserve it, and so much more.
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The Philly Zoo is small. The animals need more space. I don't like it. Donate some money for their animals but if you want to see a cool zoo, go to the Bronx Zoo in NY.
It's not too complicated to get there, take a train to NY and then a subway, bus, or taxi.
Perhaps it is because I worked at this zoo during college that I was able to judge how small this place is, the reason I don't like the Philadelphia Zoo. I had a nice time working there but I think the poor animals are just cramped in there.
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the most underrated exhibit here are the bird houses. i suspect it's because most visitors go in the summer when walking around inside a hot, humid building is not exactly appealing. i was here on a chilly fall day, and it was perfect. gorgeous exotic birds strut beside you and flutter overhead. don't miss it.
big cat falls was slightly disappointing as it was difficult to see anything between the crowds, glass and hiding felines. the sea otters are always fun to watch, especially as they zip around underwater.
the little creatures of the night are particularly interesting. kids who like disney's kim possible will especially enjoy the naked mole rats.
my favorite, of course, is the red panda. this animal is the very definition of adorable. i very much wanted to take it home.
overall, the admission price is a little steep, but worth it. the zoo is well marked, well maintained, and i didn't get too much of the "sad zoo animal" vibe.
arrive early as the parking lots fill up very very quickly!
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I have very many fond childhood memories here. As the other reviewer noted, a zoo is not the place to be when it's hot. My favorite times to visit are in spring or fall.
Of course, it's great for kids. The used to have neat crawl-through exhibits, but not sure if they're there anymore. Also, parents can purchase a key to the zoo which lets kids plug in at exhibits and listen to more info on the animals.
The new Big Cat Falls is now open, and I hear it's really cool. Hoping to get down there this fall and check it out.
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My only beef with the Zoo is how ridiculously crowded it is on weekends. There are kids EVERYWHERE, banging on the glass, throwing trash, screaming and crying, etc. It definitely gets overwhelming/headache inducing. The last time I was there, this dad was actually encouraging his son to knock on the glass where the gorillas are kept so he could take a picture of it. I recommend going on a weekday, or when it gets colder and not many kids are there.
Other than that, I think the Zoo is beautiful. There are tons of trees, and the zookeepers put on hourly shows with the animals, which are really interesting.
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The Philly zoo is the oldest zoo in this country, and its apparent if you've ever been to any other. It's small, and the yes, the animals need more room to strive in this captive nature. They know this. Hell, they just agreed to let go of the Elephants that have lived there for so long. It's sad.
What they have rebuilt is nice. The new cat house is awesome. Thank the Lord for that. But some of the houses need to be touched up, and all the African natives need larger roaming spreds.
Another bitch I have. . . why don't they have anything for vegetarians to eat other then preztels? Not even nachos? Animal lovers go to the zoo right?
So yeah, it needs work, donations, and veggie meals, but all that aside the zoo is a slice of our Nations history and their is a great deal of fun awaiting inside the iron gates.
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Last spring, being the screwball that I am, I decided to give the neighborhood kids a run for the money, and set up water-selling shop with a friend in front of the Philadelphia Zoo.
For three illustrious weeks spent on Girard Ave, we got great stories, sunburn (well, I did; he didn't), and dirtied up sneakers... what I wasn't making was justifyable cash for our time. During this troubled period (think Picasso), I was able to explore the zoo before they opened each morning. It's a nice zoo, nestled in a historic part of town, and has a nice selection of caged wildlife. They're expensive, but all zoos are. I'm disappointed with the alligator/crocodile selection, but hey.
On the third week, the usual water-selling suspects ganged up on my comrade and I, and threatened violence. Seeing as we both had "real" jobs, (and knew better places to sell h2o), we obliged, after a few choice retorts, and haven't gone back since.
If any of you water-slanging bullies are closet yelpers, I want you to know... my mans and them got somethin' for ya. ;)
Hoodie hoo.
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This zoo is the oldest in the nation.
I'm glad I got to see the elephants before they leave in the Spring.
Great zoo. I grew up in Central Jersey, between NYC and Philly, so this zoo and the Bronx Zoo were the zoos of choice and boy am I spoiled! I had been to the Philly Zoo on many field trips and I went recently for the first time since I was a kid and it was as great as I remembered. The kangaroos were my fav...so cute. Great zebras, too!!! And there are okapis!!!! Worth many trips back.
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i love the zoo. it is clean, interesting, and, with the exception of the african wild dogs (have you seen those things? they are so scary!) filled with really cool animals. (can i please recommend the river otters? thanks)
i would also like to say that all of my extra-curricular teacher-type encounters with zoo staff have been great. i went to a saturday workshop on environmental education a few years back which was excellent, and when my kids were on the outward bound urban expedition, the zoo gave us a night tour and let us sleep in the treehouse. awesome!
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