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Stephanie writes…

I have a new found respect for the zoo. I always thought I would be anti-zoo, reinforced after seeing Dreamworks’ Madagascar, but I’ve changed my mind.

This is the second time I’ve been to the zoo this month, but before that, not since a second grade field trip (do schools still do that?). I approached the gate with an open mind. It didn’t hurt that the light rain on Friday meant we were one of five cars in the parking lot (west gate). (Editorial note: I have been to the penguin exhibit for work).

First thing’s first, buy a membership if you plan to attend the zoo more than twice in a year. An adult pass is about $17, while membership is $42; pays for itself on your third trip! Also, pick up a map so you can hit up for ‘must sees’ first.

There is a lot of walking at the Woodland Park Zoo, which means the animals must have plenty of room, right? My thought is that if you schlep around Green Lake on a regular basis, why not get that exercise while taking in a few exotic animals? Of course, that’s if you live nearby.

First stop, humboldt penguins. Since I’ve seen these before, I was thrilled to show them off, as if they’re mine, to the family. Of course, the penguins never fail. This relatively new exhibit is pretty amazing if you remember the exhibit from the 1980’s. From what I remember, it was an above ground swimming pool and it was always empty. I was only 8-years-old, so maybe I’m wrong. Diving, swimming, grooming, and pecking; the penguins were sporting their best.

We took the long way to see the river otters, my favorites. On to the gorillas we went. I heard teenage laughter and thought, ‘oh great, what are these guys doing here besides causing trouble? Teens don’t like the zoo.’ But I was surprised to see they were laughing at something truly amazing. The gorillas were romping around in front of the window! The two youngest were chasing each other and pounding against the glass. At one point, one of them actually pounded its chest and let out a noise I was not expecting. I thought that only happened in the movies! It was really hard to move on, but we were on a mission before the 6 pm exhibit closing time.

Next up, the elephants. These grey beasts have been in the news lately over the alleged lack of room to roam, abusive breeding practices, etc. So I was worried I would get sad. Standing there watching the huge animal crack apart some branches wasn’t really the reassurance I was seeking, but then weaving my way around the elephant forest got me to thinking that this seems to be a HUGE exhibit. Maybe it’s not a 250 acre sanctuary, but I was satisfied.

The river otters are in the Northern Trail area, which features a field of elk and wolves. For some reason, I was thinking wolves would prey on an elk, but they seem to co-exist without problems (from what I could tell). Down the hill for a quick stop at the bears. These grizzlies must have known I needed a performance. At one point, one of the massive mammals climbed up a rock to peer over at my awaiting camera. We spotted them again in the river otter area contemplating a sip from the ‘stream,’ which featured real live fish! Watching the video now, I get the chills. I recall watching these animals from a far off distance at Yellowstone and thinking, ‘I wonder if I could outrun one of those,’ knowing the answer. When you remove yourself from the zoo experience, these bears become animals that are extremely dangerous and beautiful at the same time. I could have stayed all night.

Another observation I made while gazing at the Steller eagle, was that I was sort of paying attention to the information posted. I learned that clams and dog food are part of a bear’s diet at the zoo. The Orangutans eat mostly fruit (70 percent) and elk are known as red deer in Europe.

So while the zoo may not seem like a hip place to be on a weekend, it doesn’t have to be. Show up expecting a nice walk in the park; the animals are just a bonus. I will bet you will leave knowing at least one ‘fun fact’ and have a new appreciation for at least one animal.