Wood land Park Zoo - A Gem in the Emerald City
Written: Oct 30 '01
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Pros: This beautiful zoo boasts richly themed, state of the art displays.
Cons: Arrive early to get a good parking spot.
The Bottom Line: If you visit Seattle, plan on putting the Woodland Park Zoo on your must see list. You would have to look far and wide to find a superior zoo.
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| valuemom's Full Review: Woodland Park Zoo |
Having lived in the Seattle area most of my life, I have visited the Woodland Park Zoo many times over the years. For many years, it has been a very innovative and creative zoo. The exhibits have been continually upgraded and improved to a world class level. Our family has visited many other zoos across the country, including the San Francisco Zoo and the National Zoo. I must say that the Woodland Park zoo rivals any in its beauty, theming and educational value.
Setting
Nestled in the midst of a large city, you will be surprised to find such a large, beautifully wooded zoo. The zoo itself is 92 acres, and it is surrounded by additional park area and a lovely rose garden. The zoo area is lushly planted with 7,000 trees and more than 50,000 shrubs. The general layout of the zoo is comprised of a large oval loop (.8 miles long). Smaller loops spur off the main loop and wind through the various themed areas. This is a major zoo and requires the better part of a day to really enjoy it.
African Savanna
The main entrance to the zoo is at the South Gate. As you enter the zoo, you come upon the African Savanna. An African village provides the initial overview of the Savanna itself, as well as performance areas and educational displays. The Savanna is home to zebra, giraffe, hippo, lion, and monkey displays. Although some animals mix freely (such as zebra and giraffe), others are separated by moats and topography. Visually, however, it appears that you are overlooking a large uninterrupted savanna.
Tropical Asia
Moving along the main loop, you next encounter Tropical Asia. This is a newer exhibit and a fine example of the creativity put into this zoo. Pathways wind through lush tropical plantings, leading to a fine elephant exhibit, tapirs, siamang, and orangutan. Of particular interest are the elephants which may be found in the “pool” area, an outdoor exercise yard, the elephant barn, or the Thai Village demonstration pavilion. A baby was born this year (2001), and she is a favorite among visitors. Currently there are restrictions to move the crowds past the baby efficiently so that all may have a turn seeing her. Be sure to visit the elephants early in the day, and stop by again later to ensure that you get to see the baby. Another wonderful part of Asia is the orangutan exhibit. Incorporating both indoor and outdoor areas for the animals, you may see them resting indoors, swinging up trees, exploring the outdoor enclosure, or napping outside. One common behavior we have observed is the orangutan practice of napping with a burlap bag over the head to keep the sun out of your eyes.
Conservation Yards East
As you leave Asia, you pass by the Conservation Yards. Check the daily schedule to catch the birds of prey demonstration at the Raptor Center. Nearby you will also find, if you are lucky, the elusive Snow Leopard. You will also be near the Adaptations building which houses a new Komodo Dragon exhibit.
Northern Trail
Continuing along the loop, you next encounter the Northern Trail. This is another newer exhibit, and well worth the walk. This exhibit is the only exhibit which is not a loop, but an in and back. You enter the Northern Woodlands along a large boardwalk. You first pass a wolf exhibit on your right. As you continue along you come to the Tundra Center which is an educational exhibit. Past that, you will find the highlight of the area, the Brown Bears. The bears have a large outdoor enclosure with several viewing locations. You might find them napping in the sun, or if you are lucky, swimming in their private river/pool at the far end of the exhibit. You can observe them from outdoors, or from an indoor area in which you can see them swimming. They are frequently fed small bits of fish and other foods which they dive and swim for. It is very impressive to see these magnificent animals up close and personal. Housed in the exhibit next door are the entertaining river otters. Continuing along the boardwalk you will finish with Mountain Goats, Bald Eagles, and Elk. Then, unfortunately, you must trek back up the hill to the main loop from whence you came.
Australasia
This is a rather small area of the zoo and not particularly interesting in my opinion. The main exhibit is the Kangaroo enclosure. This is an older area of the zoo and not really in keeping with the rest of the zoo. It overlooks a large open field called the North Meadow, which is often used for performances and special events. You can cut across it or continue around the paved loop.
Conservation Yards West
Here, again, is an older part of the zoo. You will pass by the Prairie Dog exhibit, the pony ride (seasonal), and a small outdoor penguin exhibit. During the summer, you will find the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit. This is a wonderful seasonal show of butterflies and all the flowers they love under a large tent-like structure. You can take beautiful photos of butterflies here. Be sure to take note of the “hatching” display which houses the emerging butterflies. There is a small additional charge per person to enter this exhibit, but it is worth it. Nearby, you will also find the Reptile and Nocturnal houses. These buildings are usually quite popular and sometimes too crowded for me. Nevertheless, if you must see snakes and bats, here is where you want to be.
The only real restaurant in the zoo is located here as well. The Rain Forest Food Pavilion is a food court type restaurant with a fairly good selection of burger, sandwich, pizza type choices. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. Unfortunately the outdoor seating is totally unshaded, making it less attractive.
Tropical Rain Forest
Progressing past the people feeding area, you will find the Tropical Rain Forest. There are two main highlights to this area. The first is one of the original “excellent” exhibits at Woodland Park, the Gorillas. There are several enclosures along the path with outdoor overlooks and sheltered viewpoints. The zoo boasts several small family groups and you will see silverbacks, mothers, juveniles, and most likely, babies. The enclosure allows the gorillas to forage in a naturalistic environment and it is very interesting to watch them interact.
The other must see in this area is a new building which begins at the floor of the rainforest and winds upward through the different habitat levels until you are in the treetops. It is a unique way to demonstrate the diversity of life found in the tropical rain forest.
There is a monkey exhibit in this area as well. However, we never have seen any monkeys in it. Either they are hiding or they are indoors somewhere. I really don’t know why, perhaps we just aren’t lucky. But, if you don’t see any monkeys, you can’t say I didn’t warn you.
Temperate Forest
This area is an area which, while it has been improved over the years, is lacking in theming compared to the newer exhibits. You will find some swamp and marsh bird exhibits, Asian Cranes, Red Panda, and various other birds for the most part. If you have small children, you will want to visit the Family Farm to pet the farm animals. Check your schedule for hours of operation.
Zoo Hours
The zoo opens daily at 9:30 a.m. every day of the year. Closures are as follows:
March 15 - April 30 and Sept. 15 - Oct. 14 closes 5:00
May 1 - Sept. 14 closes 6:00
Oct. 15 - March 14 closes 4:00
Rentals
Strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons are available for rental at the Visitor Assistance Center at the South Gate. Rental strollers are available from dispensers at the West and North Gates.
Shopping
The extensive gift shop is also located at the South Gate. It is open every day but Thanksgiving and Christmas. You will find the usual zoo merchandise such as apparel, stuffed animals, jewelry and toys.
Parking
Parking is available for a fee at the South Gate, West Gate, and North Gate areas. It is easiest to park at the South Gate if you arrive early enough to get a spot. You pay for your parking when you enter the zoo.
Admission
Adult (18-64) $8.50
Senior (65+) $7.75
Youth (6-17) and Disabled $6.25
Preschool (3-5) $4.25
Toddler (0-2) Free
King County residents receive a discount of about $1.00 per person.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
valuemom
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Location: Poulsbo, Washington
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
Does her homework and likes to get a great value for her hard earned dollar!
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