Due to new gadgets and technology, people these days are more into staying indoors. This is more common amongst the younger generations. With just a few taps, everything is available on your phone or computer screen.
Connecting with nature is very important for growing children. It is also equally important for adults to disconnect from their phones and enjoy the joys of nature. What is a better place to observe nature than a zoo? Spend a day in this famous zoo in Atlanta away from your gadgets.
But before you visit in person, this article will help you get all the information related to the zoo so that you don’t miss anything. This will save you tons of time.
Witness wildlife and nature with your family, creating a memorable day for them.
1. About the Famous Zoo in Atlanta- The Zoo Atlanta
1.1. History of the Zoo Atlanta
A circus originally provided the animals for this zoo. The circus actually went bankrupt when business George V. Gress purchased it, and then he decided to donate all the animals to the city of Atlanta.
They kept all the animals in Grant Park, and they are still living there. Since then, this park has made a lot of progress. This zoo houses over 1000 animals, with species from all over the world.
1.2. Habitats Present in This Zoo in Atlanta
As you walk through the zoo, you will notice themes. The zoo has multiple zones and each zone houses different species. All areas in this zoo are made into replicas of the natural habitats of the particular animals living there.
All the zones and their descriptions are given below and they will leave you amazed.
1.2.1. African Savanna
This area of the zoo looks like a mini African forest. They have done a great job in making Native-African animals feel at home here. They are mainly from the grasslands or deserts in Africa.
Some most heard of animals include African elephants, giraffes, lions, and zebras. Some unique species such as warthogs, meerkats, Kori bustards, and a bontebok are also there. African Savanna will give you an experience no other zoo in the entire world ever can.
1.2.2. Scaly Slimy Spectacular
This zone of this zoo in Atlanta is full of amphibians and reptiles. If you love learning about these slimy and scaly creatures, you will have a wonderful time here. They have more than 200 animals here which cover over 70 different species.
It is also titled the world’s first LEED Gold-certified reptile and amphibian complex.
They are also known for some reproductive successes. They have some notable ones such as:
- Arakan forest turtle: This species is critically endangered and the reason is hunting for medicine and food.
- Guatemalan Beaded lizard: It hatched in this zoo in 2012 and it’s a rare species.
- Bog turtle: In 2022, this zoo successfully hatched this critically endangered species for the first time in over 30 years.
Scaly Slimy Spectacular is truly a gem for all reptile enthusiasts.
1.2.3. Giant Panda Conservation Centre
This center started when Lun Lun and Yang Yang were brought to Atlanta from China as loans in 1999. They continued to have many offspring.
They named the first two cubs Mei Lan and Xi Lan, and both of them were male. The third female cub is known as Po, named by actor Jack Black after his character in Kung Fu Panda.
Mei Lun and Mei Huan, the first set of twin pandas were born here. They announced their names after 100 days of birth on ABC’s Good Morning America as per Chinese traditions.
The zoo’s Giant Panda Conservation Center saw the birth of another pair of female twin pandas in 2016. They go by the names Ya Lun and Xi Lun following the same Chinese tradition. Ya Lun and Xi Lun will also travel back to China like their siblings.
1.2.4. The Ford African Rain Forest
Since its opening in 1988, this place has witnessed the birth of 24 western lowland gorillas. Even a set of twins, Kali and Kazi, were born in 2005 and it’s pretty rare.
The most famous gorilla, Willie B. resided here till she passed in 2000. The descendants of Willie B., along with six of her grandchildren, continue to reside here. Different zoos house the others. You can often see families clicking pictures with a bronze statue of Willie B.
They also have the Living Treehouse. It is a bird sanctuary, housing a lot of African birds. Along with birds, they also have different lemur species adjacent to various monkey species.
1.2.5. Asian Forest
This zone of the zoo has animals only native to Asia. Asian forest is home to animals such as a Komodo Dragon, Giant otters, and a red panda. They have two orangutan species, Bornean and Sumatran. These are the only species of great apes that are native to Asia.
The Orangutan Learning Tree project has been at Zoo Atlanta since 2007. Orangutans are naturally intelligent species. They have touchscreen technology integrated with the habitat. This allows them to engage in various computer puzzles and games. The visitors can see the activities performed by them on a linked computer.
1.2.6. Aviaries
An aviary, in the simplest terms, is a large cage used to keep birds in. There are aviaries present throughout the zoo and have more than 50 bird species.
They have species such as Bali mynas, superb starling, Indian peafowl, tawny frogmouth, blue crane, and whofite storks.
You can also spot the Chilean flamingos as soon as you enter the zoo. They have been in the Flamingo Plaza since 2001.
2. Orkin Children’s Zoo
All these animals are a little intimidating for younger children. But Zoo Atlanta has something for everyone. The petting zoo has some very cute goats and sheep. Children love interacting with them.
They have Saanen goats, Nubian goats, Southdown babydoll sheep, and Nigerian dwarf goats. They also have two Kune Kune pigs. Your kids will probably love this part the most.
2.1. Conservation of Wildlife
Zoo Atlanta is very committed to the conservation of wildlife, both locally and globally. They do it through research and education about the importance and awareness of endangered species. They have participated in various breeding programs and helped them reintroduce to their natural habitats. The giant pandas are one example.
Zoo Atlanta is a zoological park accredited by AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). It is actively involved in the SSPs (Species survival plan). It focuses on the preservation of endangered or at-risk species. And they are actively taking measures for the long-term survival of the same.
Some animals which come under this program are the Aruba Island rattlesnake, Komodo dragon, Sumatran tiger, Gorillas, and many more.
2.2. Savanna hall
The historic Savanna Hall housed the Atlanta cyclorama painting “The Battle of Atlanta”. They have placed it at the Atlanta History Center, and they have also renovated the hall. They preserved the original walls and granite. You can see it in the new Michael and Thalia Carlos Ballroom. In 2019, the hall opened to host special events.
3. Things to Know Before Visiting This Zoo in Atlanta
- What is the location of Zoo Atlanta? Or when is this zoo in Atlanta open? These are some very common queries that guests have. Check out their website for all the necessary information. You can find this zoo in Grant Park in downtown Atlanta. It is open on any given day except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- The best time to visit is when the animals are more active. This usually happens during feeding time or in the mornings.
- You can get the Atlanta CityPASS tickets which will provide you with general admission to this park. You can use this pass to visit multiple attractions throughout the city. They try to make the zoo’s atmosphere very safe for kids. If you need any help, just ask the volunteers and staff for help. They are very friendly and will provide any required information.
- They also have dining spots. Spots such as Flamingo Joe’s and Nourish Cafe have some really good items. You can also buy a souvenir to remember this trip with your family forever from their gift shops.
A fun day with your family where you can see many animals such as giraffes, monkeys, and orangutans is the best day. The reviews of this zoo talk for themselves. So, make plans to visit this zoo if you are ever in Georgia.
