We hadn't been in several years and decided it was time to take a visit again. We live in St. James so we walked over the zoo to begin our adventure.
You may have heard the announcement a while back that the zoo was FINALLY going to be getting much needed upgrades after all these years of decline.
Our first peek at the changes was when we were at the ticket booth and there was a sign that the bear enclosures were closed for renovations. Sad to miss out, but there are so many other wonderful things to see and do.
Turns out there were several things under construction or being prepared for construction, but you should still get out there and enjoy.
First, even with several animals removed and cages empty, there was still enough to fill 3 hours. Plus you can let the kids spend time at the playground or grab a bite at the Carousel Restaurant to extend your day. Second, this is your last chance to see the "old" zoo before the changes really start to take shape.
For instance, the old Panda exhibit is being remodelled and portions torn down to make a brand new Lion home.
And, as luck would have it there were actually a couple bears out, including the white black bear. But, that was offset by the Bison herd that had been moved so we didn't get to see the white bison.
The prairie dog exhibit and Discovery Centre (with those CUTE little meerkats) are always a hit, but improvements are needed and welcome.
I highly recommend a stroll through the zoo during our expected good weather this weekend. Take in a piece of history (the zoo was built in 1904) and watch a new history rise up.
And for anyone who isn't convinced about the good zoos do, with educating the public, breeding endangered species, and such; just look at the animals that they give a home to who otherwise would not make it in the wild. Like the pelican blind in one eye, crocodile blind in one eye, or the birds with broken wings. Each of these likely wouldn't stand a great chance on their own, but here they have a long and healthy life ahead of them. And they are planning on building a bear enclosure for orphaned cubs who have little chance of survival.
All of these exciting changes are expected to take 10 years to complete. You could probably go every year and see a new zoo each time.
And I think I just might!
Pictures:
1 of 2 cougars
Pelican blind in one eye who catches food in his mouth if you drop it on his good side!
White black bear
Prairie Dog
Mother and Baby peafowl
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