Tag Archives: zoo

Animal Kingdom

Not too far from Philly!

Animal Kingdom boasts one of the most extensive wild animal collections in New Jersey. Many of their animals are endangered species, which is why the zoo is so important. Their mission is to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the environment and, as a result, the animals that live there. Animal Kingdom’s large collection of animals, some free roaming and others caged, have traveled from six continents to make their home at Animal Kingdom.

Unparalleled Primate Collection

Animal Kingdom boasts one of the largest collections of primates in the United States. Among their honored guests, they have the Mandrill Baboon with its stunning blue face, exotic Japanese Snow Macaques, three species of lemurs and fifteen other species of primates.

Giraffes in New Jersey

At Animal Kingdom, they have several giraffes, many of which are babies born right there in New Jersey.

Tapir Fun

Animal Kingdom has Tapirs!. Their Tapirs are from South America and are cousin to the horse.

One hump or two?

…The camels at Animal Kingdom have one! Did you know that the camel’s hump is used to store fat, not water? Camels are from Asia and are at home in the desert. There isn’t any desert here at Animal Kingdom but we give them a large pile of sand in the summer to lay on.

Zoo Miami: An adventure in the jungle

Zoo Miami is one of the most unique attractions in Miami and is not your conventional zoo see, there’s no cages here, well, virtually none. Moats separate a majority of the animals from the visitors which makes it a much more natural experience.

Strolling along the pathways, either on foot, on a safari cycle, in the safari tram tour or on the monorail, is an adventure in everything wild. Monkeys climb on tree limbs and branches in King of the Jungle, while the Huon tree kangaroo, koalas and a crocodile monitor lizard hang out in the Australia exhibition.

Flamingos, giraffes, hippos, snakes, rhinos, lions, tigers, lizards, eels, spiders and more, they all live here in this massive 327 acre park. Kids can enjoy more than just the wildlife with the ever-popular Diego Zoo show, with the famous character from Dora the Explorer.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, FL 786-619-3418, www.zoomiami.org

Reindeer Romp San Francisco

There’s just something about seeing reindeer in real life that will kick your holiday spirit into high gear! From now until January 1, you can see reindeer at the San Francisco Zoo. The four reindeer — Holly, Velvet, Peppermint and Belle — will be on display during normal zoo hours. I’m not sure if they will prance, but they will certainly graze on holiday-themed treats and entertain zoo visitors with their large antlers. Free with admission to the zoo.

Http://www.sfzoo.org/openrosters/view_homepage.asp?orgkey=1859

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Zoo Miami: Walk among the cageless wild

Walking among cageless wild animals (no fear, they’re separated from visitors by a very wide moat) is what makes Zoo Miami, formerly known as Miami Metrozoo, such a unique experience. There’s nothing like walking along and seeing lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and other wildlife staring right back and roaming free without a cage in sight.

The place is huge, 327 developed acres and more than 2,000 animals representing over 500 species. One mode of transportation that’s popular with visitors are the safari cycles for pedaling around. There’s also the Monorail which has four stops throughout the zoo and Safari Tram Tours.

The zoo is split into several areas, including Asia, Wings of Asia Family Aviary, Africa, The Americas and Australia along with the Children’s Zoo with a petting yard and Butterfly Garden and Dr. Wilde’s World with 7,200 square feet of interactive exhibits.

For real “hands-on” experiences, there are giraffe feedings and camel rides.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL

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Whales, Seahorses & Dolphins Oh Shedd!

aquarium

Not only does the Shedd Aquarium play home to some of the most beautiful and exotic sea creatures humans could ever lay their eyes on, but it also is home to one of the best views you’ll find in the entire city of Chicago.

Located on a peninsula jutting out in Lake Michigan, from outside and within its dome-like windowed walls, the entire city of Chicago is laid out like a panoramic postcard from within the museum. The view aside however, kids and adults alike ooh and ahh over the amazing array of sea life. From teeny tiny seahorses of all colors and shapes majestically fanning around their world, to dolphins jumping and baby beluga whales being born, the Shedd Aquarium provides top notch entertainment day and night, all year round.

Visitors learn about sea creatures from every crevice of the world and can catch specially scheduled shows to see the dolphins and whales in action. After hours, the Shedd hosts plenty of parties and mixers so be sure to check their schedule to see if a cocktail hour at the Shedd is happening (always a blast!). Jazzin’ it at the Shedd happens Wednesday nights and serves as the perfect place to catch the nightly fireworks shooting from Navy Pier.

The Nation’s First Zoo in Philadelphia

Located just outside the city limits in West Fairmount Park is a Victorian Garden filled with rare, unusual and exotic creatures from all corners of the Earth. This may sound Picture 8like the beginning of a fairy tale, but we’re really talking about The Zoo. The Philadelphia Zoo is the nation’s first zoo, opened in 1874, and remains a touchstone of Philadelphia culture and tourism. The Zoo is easy to navigate and great fun for children – especially the Treehouse, which showcases larger-than-life habitats for kids to roam and explore (like the gigantic honeycomb to hang out in). The Children’s Zoo has a baby zoo for the tots and farm animals that like a little more interaction.

New exhibits include the PECO Primate Reserve with 11 different species, and the Carnivore Kingdom that houses the rare white lions, snow leopards and jaguars. The Reptile House and Jungle Bird Walk are both newly renovated and give up close and personal experiences.

Insider’s Tip: Parking is a hot commodity, so either get there early or choose a more overcast day to hang with the furry friends.