Always a great experience - whether you try to see...

Always a great experience - whether you try to see it all, or you just choose to focus on one exhibit/region. Their "Boo at the Zoo" events, along with "Electric Safari" and adult date nights give some variety for zoo visitors.

Surprisingly, this zoo is not supported by taxpayer money, but through donations and business profits from the day-to-day operation. I'm afraid the recent attempts to upgrade facilities reflect the careful cost considerations, and sometimes result in smaller scale projects than originally hoped.

For example, the new penguin and hippopotamus display is open and it is not what I expected. We are so happy for their return, but the penguins are in such a small area with a smaller view that the exhibit has built in markers outside the building and down the walk for the inevitable lines to get in to the building to see them. I can appreciate that we want to see them, but they may not wish to be seen, but there is nothing advising people to that hiding places are intentional so they will leave them alone and move on either.

If you plan to visit, wear good shoes or buy a trolley pass, bring water, sunscreen and a jacket, and make a day of it. The Sky Ride costs extra, but it's an excellent way to relax and see the zoo and city from the air. For animal safety: no straws allowed, no outside food allowed.

When you visit be kind to the creatures the zoo is working to help protect and conserve. And make sure others are too - it's never too early for children to learn kindness and respect!