On a recent rainy day, a male lion stood on Pride Rock with his regal head held high and his thoughtful eyes scanning the horizon. The vision was enthralling — like an African safari.
Was this a dream? Nope. Just a rainy Thursday at Zoo Atlanta.
Just a few weeks ago on a wet but quite warm day, we visited the zoo. We gathered for our tour while surrounded by cotton candy colored flamingos. Our guide, Carvel, treated us to an informative and entertaining day. Yes, the rain lengthened our drive (amazingly, we arrived in time for our tour) but it didn’t dampen it. The lions roared, and the panda bears and elephants filled their bellies, while other animals scurried around during breaks in the rain.
We last traveled to Zoo Atlanta a couple years ago. Wanting to see the delightful panda twins, Mei Huan and Mei Lun, we packed into our car for the trip to Atlanta. Since that visit, new exhibits and some new projects are under construction. Most exciting to my boys are the new twin cubs, Xi Lun and Ya Lun, born in 2016. Mei Huan and Mei Lun, no longer cubs, moved to Chengdu Research Preserve. But, here’s what’s new:
Slimy, Scaly Spectacular
Near the African Elephants and replacing the original World of Reptiles building, you’ll find an $18 million dollar facility containing over 70 species of reptiles and amphibians. Slimy Scaly Spectacular contains over 65 different habitats for animals such as pythons, terrapins, anacondas, and crocodiles. The massive new building greets visitors with its wall of windows which opens into a maze of habitats.
New Mixed Animal Habitat
The former Cyclorama Building, currently under renovation, will open in 2019 as Grand New View. The building itself will become Savanna Hall and overlook new African Savanna Habitats. With this, visitors will find an expanded entrance as well as extra exhibit and event spaces. To see an artist’s sketch, click here.
Upcoming Events
So are you looking for a short trip or maybe even a day trip? Zoo Atlanta may be the best choice. If you’re planning a staycation, visit our local Chattanooga Zoo and Tennessee Aquarium. Then, take a day or overnight trip to Zoo Atlanta. If you are a member of our local zoo or aquarium, you may be eligible for a discount through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Georgia residents have another discount option with the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass. Here’s how it works: If your family of four has a Georgia library card, use it to check out the Atlanta Zoo DVD. After viewing it, use the receipt to visit the Zoo for free. Check out more about this program here.
As the weather warms, more programs and experiences will occur. There are a variety of choices depending on your age group or schedule. If you’re really brave, sign up for the overnight adventure Deluxe Nightcrawler. You can sleep among the animals and hear them roar! If you’re unsure about an overnight stay, there’s the Twilight Trek. You’re presented with an in-depth tour but assured a peaceful night of rest at home. For the smallest tykes, try the Adventure Cub program; older teens can participate as a keeper for the day. Here’s a list of programs scheduled for April and May:
April 2018
- Twilight Trek, April 7
- Homeschool Academy, April 11
- Adventure Cubs (ages 2-3 with an adult), April 14 and April 25
- Keeper for a Day (14 & older), April 14
- Educator Appreciation Family Day, April 14
- Plant Sale, 8-2 April 21
- Zoo Paws, April 28
May 2018
- Beastly Feast, May 5
- Endangered Species Day – Boy/Girl Scout Day, May 12
- Brew at the Zoo, May 26
Ongoing Activities and Experiences:
- Wild Encounter – Giant Panda, $160 55 minute encounter
- Wild Encounter – Elephants, $79 35 minute encounter
- Wild Encounter – African Lion, $115
- Wild Encounter – Aldabra Tortoise, $35
KidZone
If your family is not worn out from all the animals, stop by the KidZone. As you enter the zoo, you’ll find the entrance to KidZone. It’s also accessible from another path on the far side of the zoo near the Petting Zoo. Treetop Trail, the newest adventure attraction, opened last year. There’s no age limit but there is a height limit. Since it was raining, we didn’t get a chance to try it. Experience the sights of the tree dwelling zoo creatures and test your own skills. The Rock Wall and Safari Slide are located in this area as well. If you have small children and want to skip too much walking, you may want to try the Zoo Train or the Carousel. The train circles around the entire KidZone. Bring a change of clothes if your kids want to jump into the Splash Fountain. Fun Passes for rides: 10 rides for $20. Valid for one year. Treetop Trail is not included in fun passes and costs $14.95.
If you haven’t made Spring Break plans, get out and visit zoos and aquariums. You and your family will enjoy the trip and your kids may learn some new and inspiring knowledge. To help with zoo conservation efforts, please share your photos and posts on social media. Use the hashtag #onlyzooatl or @zooatl.
