A new philosophy on Children’s Zoos popped up in 2001 .  Since then, several zoos have created their own version of an interactive play filled space for kids to learn and have fun at the same time.  Nature’s Neighborhood, opened June 19th is Toledo Zoo’s answer to building a strong connection between next generation’s adults and the natural world.

Dr. Anne Baker, executive director of the Ohio institution answered a few questions about Neighborhood and everything else going on at Toledo this year.  As always, I ask about her favorite animal currently at the zoo and on the wish list and Dr. Baker had an interesting take on the question.  Don’t miss her intriguing answer.

Male bustard strutting his stuff

Is there a more recognizable individual rhino in America? Hard to miss that horn.

Kids can strap these on and make animal tracks in the sand

Underwater viewing allows for great views of these skilled swimmers

Kids can put on costumes and pretend to be bees in Nature's Neighborhood

Saturday June 27th was a busy day at southern Michigan’s Binder Park Zoo.  The annual 5K Cheetah Chase had eager runners passing giraffes early in the morning and later in the afternoon I made a presentation about America’s Best Zoos with a signing afterward.  Fortunately, the weather was near perfect and lacked the humid bite so often a daily requirement for Midwestern summers.

In between the events were plenty of visitors enjoying the beautiful day the best way possible – touring the excellent zoo!  Battle Creek, Michigan is hardly on the short list of places expected to see a well executed re-creation of an African savanna, but the fictional Zuri National Park serves as the medium to transport guests from an American forest to an open East African plain.  On top of the 18 acre main antelope filled expanse, winding paths stroll past monkeys, birds, wild dogs, and African farm.  Got lots of great pictures, especially of the giraffe-human interaction, so here’s a few.

P.S.  Forgot two blog links last time.  Even though they are in my blogroll, I think they deserve a noteworthy mention.  First, Paul Becker is working on a project examining the sociology of zoos.  As he and his wife Cathy visit zoos, they write about each experience with insightful and honest observations.  Read them here – Animal Ruminations.
Second, who doesn’t love baby animals?  I mean seriously, is it even possible to say “ugly” and “baby animal” in the same sentence?  For all the cute and cuddly faces Zoo Borns is the place to be.

Wild Africa's Monkey Valley is home to colobus and black mangabeys

Cooled rocks, plenty of shade, and several misters keep the cold weather cats cool in the summer

Many zoos now offer giraffe feedings, but only a couple are in the same league as Binder Park's

An impressive set of horns awaits at the African farm

Randy Wisthoff, Director of the Kansas City Zoo is my guest for interview #4.  KC celebrated its 100th birthday by opening Tropics on May 1st.  Filled with primates from three continents, Tropics has been a huge hit so far.  Randy talks about the components of the newest addition, as well as other events at the zoo.

The book signing on May 31st was the most successful to date, and I had the pleasure of meeting some great KC Zoo supporters and volunteers.  Wildlife photography is a hobby of mine, so it was a treat when several members of the KC Zoo Photo Club stopped by.  The large open exhibits in Africa present numerous opportunities for great photos.  I posted a few of my own below, but their website has many many more.

Unique viewing of otters and gibbons. Visitors can see otters swim underneath the path and gibbons can swing overhead.

Saki monkeys are in the new Tropics building

Kansas City has 6 elephant cows roaming a long expansive exhibit

Hammerkops are one of many bird species in a walk through African aviary

Warthogs have a dry riverbed exhibit in front of a trio of cheetah sisters

Interview #3 is with Mark Reed, Executive Director of the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. Among other prestigious accolades, Mark is a former President of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has lead Sedgwick since 1991.  Mark graciously gave me an extensive tour of every part of the zoo, proudly showing off the wonderful place he’s built.  Having never visited before, I was stunned at the animal collection and quality exhibits for lions, tigers, gorillas, penguins, and birds in a 32 year old rain forest.

Memorial Day Weekend is widely considered to be the beginning of “zoo season” and Sedgwick started it off with a bang.  Slawson Family Tiger Trek, opened May 22nd, brought tigers back to the zoo after a 10 plus year gap.  Red pandas and rare Eld’s deer are tiger neighbors.  Trek is another great addition to Sedgwick, a truly amazing zoo in an unlikely place.

Mark and I discuss:

• the unique features of Tiger Trek
• how the economic downturn has affected the zoo
• the importance of community support and how it has led to Sedgwick’s success
• Mark’s involvement in AZA
• future projects at Sedgwick…..and more!

From an elevated boardwalk, visitors can see the larger of the 2 tiger habitats and one for deer

Tigers may be the main attraction, but this red panda has been a huge hit in Wichita

Sedgwick has a long boat ride passing North American and African animals, including this pelican island.

Inside the Jungle, a colony of fruit bats dangles above visitors.

An otter mom was busy teaching her four pups how to swim.

Today I’m leaving for a 3 day excursion to Kansas.  This afternoon I’ll be taking a nice break from the road by visiting the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri.  Tomorrow (Saturday) I’ll be at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita.  The following day, Kansas City is my destination.  I’ll be doing a book signing at both Kansas zoos so if you’re in the neighborhood – please stop by!  Back with interviews and pictures early next week!