Night Out At Philadelphia Zoo : Halloween Destination
Tiger cubs at Philadelphia Zoo - Courtesy laelaps.files.wordpress.com
Little did I imagine that I would enjoy a trip to the zoo as much as I did when the family decided to give little Sandra, all of six, her first visit to the zoo. The parents were keen to include the grandparents hoping to make it memorable for the moppet. The family outing to watch all creatures great and small was too alluring to ignore. So the missus and I joined in to visit the legendary Philadelphia Zoo after a gap of about twenty years or so.
Philadelphia Zoo is really old. First Zoo of United States it was set up way back in 1874. Located on the west bank of Schuylkill river and spreading across 42 acres it remains open all year round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New year. Home to nearly 2000 animals that include mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds its been drawing visitors from all over the country and even from abroad, we hear. Our reservations through Philadelphia Hotels site over the net for the weekend-getaway was a comforting thought.
Red Panda at Philadelphia Zoo - Courtesy laelaps.files.wordpress.com
Parking would have been a bit of a hassle had we not taken on the Zoo membership. But even with the free parking that was part of the deal finding space got tighter by the minute. Which is why perhaps many visitors from the city opt for the hourly shuttle, I guess. Moving on inside the zoo it became clear that the earmarked terrain still adhered to the planned natural habitats housing various species. This included well defined areas like African plains, Big Cat Falls, Bear Country, Bird Valley, Rare Animal Conservation Center, Lemur Island, Avian Center, Pachyderm House, Reptile and Amphibian House among others.
The zoo truly connects you to nature and her wonderful creations of the wild that both children and adults seem to be enjoying all around us. Enveloped with a sense of adventure we circumvented the creatures harbored in close-to-natural settings. We were in for delightful surprises one after the other. Stopping by the Children’s Zoo we joined in with the kids to feed the sheep, goats and ducks. Moving on we caught the pandas feasting on bamboo, the amazing kangaroos, bears snacking up and pelicans gulping fishes. Bats, hornbills, penguins, tortoise, lemurs, mongoose, hippos and condors all had us in a real tizzy.
Sea Otters at Philadelphia Zoo - Courtesy laelaps.files.wordpress.com
As family pictures were taken it was the oohs and aaaahs of the kids all around that was really more delightful. What was even more interesting along with the variety of animals that we saw was the chance to experience other things. Like the balloon ride or paddle boating in the lake that was so much fun. I have not enjoyed more on a lake as much as I did that day paddling for Sandra. It was also fun watching grown up kids having a good time with the interactive educational exhibits that made them learn while playing. While even the grown ups appeared to be in awe of the rare species here, like the white lions, red pandas, polar bears and the country’s only giant river otters.
It was a full long day that had us enjoying all that the place had to offer. But if you are in the mood for a unique experience then you may go in for the overnight programs that are held here, I am told. I am sure young ones would just love to spend a night at the zoo. There are a great many fun and educational programs that the zoo provides. Also periodic special events add to the entertainment experiences. Best of all appeared to be the school workshops for children programmed in line with their curriculum.
Pachyderm Enclosure at Philadelphia Zoo - Courtesy laelaps.files.wordpress.com
The Channel 6 Zooballooon tethered 400 feet up in the air offered a birds eye view of the Zoo, the Schuylkill River, and the Philadelphia Center City skyline. We did enjoy climbing aboard the helium balloon for a soaring-safari that took us above the treetops of the Zoo to look down on the giraffes and zebras. We were told there were evening rides also besides the daytime ride that we took. The view of Fairmont Park from above was also special. For us it was a joyous 10 minutes but our little grandchild had to be carefully hand held all the time.
There is always something new and exciting taking place at the zoo. As animals change, grow and adapt to the seasons the zoo constantly evolves to field special programs for visitors. All this to keep visits appealingly refreshing. Its always a good idea to check the calendar of events for Philadelphia Zoo to make the most of your visit. October is going to be fun filled with exciting activities. Major events include the popular costume party for the whole family called Boo at the Zoo, scheduled for October 25-26, 2008. Come out for plenty of treats and sweets with candy stations throughout the Zoo. Storytelling, games and music make Boo at the Zoo Philadelphia’s most festive Halloween destination.
Also every weekend in October would be sporting the Beast Festival in line with the Halloween spirit. Watch out for October 11-12 for Croctober Weekend that is to celebrate the zoo’s favorite crocodiles. Kids will get to learn all about the fascinating reptiles, as well as their other scaly friends. Why we were already planning to come back again for more fun! Best of all we were happy to learn that the animals would be getting special harvest treats. For Beast Feast they are to get choice produce from local farms as part of the zoo’s Buy Local conservation campaign. Yes that sounds good. I am already looking forward to join in the next family outing to Philadelphia Zoo!