Where is the best Zoo/the best Aquarium in the U.S?
Apr 22nd, 2003, 06:21 AM
#21
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Karen,
The National Zoo is having some problems. Some animals have died from rat poison( left in ther cages) and others suffered from being underfed. The zoo blames it on lack of funding. An outside group is going to oversee them.
The National Zoo is having some problems. Some animals have died from rat poison( left in ther cages) and others suffered from being underfed. The zoo blames it on lack of funding. An outside group is going to oversee them.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 06:53 AM
#23
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Zoo: San Diego.
Aquarium: Monterey and Boston are 1 and 2 on my list. Haven't seen Chicago's, and Tampa's IS very nice too--was *very* surprised at the quality, but it's not quite on the same level with some of the others mentioned, IMHO.
New Orleans would have made my list of worst zoo judging it from the days we lived there, so they must have changed it big time since we moved (25 years ago!!
gt;) It was a sad house of captivity and bleak existence for the animals back in those days--a really depressing place to go! My most vivid memory is of people taunting the gorilla until he would spit at them and beat his chest from his featureless "cell".
Aquarium: Monterey and Boston are 1 and 2 on my list. Haven't seen Chicago's, and Tampa's IS very nice too--was *very* surprised at the quality, but it's not quite on the same level with some of the others mentioned, IMHO.
New Orleans would have made my list of worst zoo judging it from the days we lived there, so they must have changed it big time since we moved (25 years ago!!
gt;) It was a sad house of captivity and bleak existence for the animals back in those days--a really depressing place to go! My most vivid memory is of people taunting the gorilla until he would spit at them and beat his chest from his featureless "cell".
Apr 22nd, 2003, 06:54 AM
#24
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For those who travel across country on Interstate 80 this summer, or north south on Interstate 29. A fantastic zoo is the Henry Doorly Zoo located directly on interstate 80 in Omaha.
They have the U.S.' largest indoor jungle exhibit, the largest nocturnal exhibit, an excellent aquarium, as well as the largest desert dome in the U.S.
Although a bit pricey compared to free zoos, it is well worth the visit. I think adults are $8.00 and children around $5.00.
They have the U.S.' largest indoor jungle exhibit, the largest nocturnal exhibit, an excellent aquarium, as well as the largest desert dome in the U.S.
Although a bit pricey compared to free zoos, it is well worth the visit. I think adults are $8.00 and children around $5.00.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 06:54 AM
#25
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I liked the Philadelphia Zoo. It was easy to get around. I also loved San Diego. Bronz Zoo is wonderful, but it is so big that I am exhausted before I get to the really cool animals. Overseas, the Barcelona Aquarium is outstanding, the Biodome in Montreal is one of the more interesting spaces, and the Salzburg & Vienna zoos are fun. The animals are practically roaming free in Salzburg. We shared (not voluntarily) a sandwich with a reindeer.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 11:03 AM
#29
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If you are ever in Wisconsin, there are a couple of good zoos there. The Milwaukee County Zoo is very good. & The Henry Vilas zoo in Madison is good also. It is compact, in an execellent setting, entrance is free, they have been upgrading a number of the areas in this zoo, & it is know also for the orangutans that are in the zoo. The Milwaukee Zoo, was one of the first (after San Diego) to go with barless enclosures & natural habitats.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 11:33 AM
#32
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The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans has improved dramatically (1000%, IMHO) over the past 25 years, Olive. The Audubon Institute operates the aquarium, primate center, IMAX and the zoo and they do a great job with all of them. You can even take a riverboat from one to the other and make a day of it!
I have no idea which agency, magazine or organization "rates" zoos and aquariums but the Audubon folks often advertise that they have a "Top 5" zoo and "Top 5" aquarium.
I have no idea which agency, magazine or organization "rates" zoos and aquariums but the Audubon folks often advertise that they have a "Top 5" zoo and "Top 5" aquarium.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 01:29 PM
#35
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I almost fell off my chair when I looked up how this question was doing after having posted it last night! Thanks for sharing! I am still trying to get some info on the Denver Zoo, where we are heading out to next May.
Regarding the New Orleans Zoo, it was lots of fun, beautiful and well kept exhibits (some better than others, but overall very nice). San Diego should probably taken be taken off the charts; it is on a league of its own.
Regarding the New Orleans Zoo, it was lots of fun, beautiful and well kept exhibits (some better than others, but overall very nice). San Diego should probably taken be taken off the charts; it is on a league of its own.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 01:35 PM
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With small children the Detroit Zoo is great. It is easy to drive to, lots of cheap parking and and it is small enough to see in one day. We also enjoyed the Pittsburgh zoo. Lots of hands on activities. If you feel like a good hike, the Toronto Zoo is vast, although not in the US.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 03:33 PM
#37
I've been to the San Diego Zoo, the National Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo. My favorite is the Cape May County Zoo outside of Stone Harbor, NJ. Beautiful plantings, large open African exhibits and a nice reptile exhibit. The only thing they need is a good bird house.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 03:49 PM
#38
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It can't compete in size and $ to many of the big city aquariums mentioned here but the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a world class place - just a bit smaller. Housed Keiko for a while and now has a fabulous walk-through exhibit with fish and sharks above and below.
San Diego zoo and Washington DC/Smithsonian are fabulous. Tough call which is better. DC seemed to have prettier spaces between exhibits, greener, more mature trees/plants.
San Diego zoo and Washington DC/Smithsonian are fabulous. Tough call which is better. DC seemed to have prettier spaces between exhibits, greener, more mature trees/plants.
Apr 22nd, 2003, 06:33 PM
#39
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Philadelphia Zoo is great! The National Zoo in DC is also great. Just cuz some animals died, dont think your going to SARS or something. Grow up Dick! Quit being so damn anal. YES, the National Aquarium is in DC, its in the basement of the Commerce building - really small with 2 dollar admission. The BALTIMORE aquarium is really great and best one ive been to outside the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
Apr 23rd, 2003, 06:14 AM
#40
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Blue..
The zoo authorities buried rat poison in a cage and animals died.
Caretakers at the National Zoo had to "sneak" food to some of the animals because they were being underfed by zoo officials.
This is not a sign of a healthy zoo and should keep the zoo of the "best zoo in the US" list.
There have been numerous articles about al this in the Washington Post.
The zoo authorities buried rat poison in a cage and animals died.
Caretakers at the National Zoo had to "sneak" food to some of the animals because they were being underfed by zoo officials.
This is not a sign of a healthy zoo and should keep the zoo of the "best zoo in the US" list.
There have been numerous articles about al this in the Washington Post.
