Visiting Zoo Atlanta was on our must do list while visiting family in Georgia but we honestly had no intention of reviewing the park. Instead, we planned on spending a full day having fun with no need for great photos to share. Oh, how mistaken that decision was! Here I sit, wanting to shout from the mountain tops just how much fun we had with virtually no exhibit photos to share. We do zoos often and a giraffe is a giraffe, right? Wrong.
One of the first differences in Zoo Atlanta compared to others we have been to is the wide range of animal ages represented. We have seen our share of white and pink flamingos but have you ever noticed that young flamingos are actually grey? They are! Did you know giraffes turn black when they begin to get older? I had no idea! Zoo Atlanta had a large number of grey flamingos who were obviously young and is also home to a giraffe who is much older than those we see at most exhibits. They also have a wonderful positive reinforcement observation deck where guests are allowed to hand feed their giraffes! To be on the deck, you must pay for your turn to feed the giraffes lettuce which is their reward for their willingness to walk up to the deck. The girls (and even us adults) were in awe being so close to these amazing creatures!
Not only is the zoo home to some of the oldest giraffes we have ever seen, they also house some of the youngest gorillas and pandas! Our littlest little loved watching an infant gorilla nursing while his mother kept a close eye on their surroundings. It was absolutely precious. Being a 2-year-old who is still very much infatuated with her “booboo milk”, seeing another baby nursing is always a special moment for her. If the mother with her baby didn’t win her over as a gorilla fan, the silverback most definitely did. She was just as captivated watching him laying around asserting his silent dominance over the troop.
Established in 1889, Zoo Atlanta is one of the 10 oldest zoos still operational in the United States and is home to more than 200 species. With more than 1,300 animals in their care every day, the zoo is proud of its leadership in the movement to provide naturalistic habitats for animals. This pride could definitely be seen throughout the park which seemed very well-maintained, clean, and friendly.
Since we’ve been home, there has been a lot of talk about the zoo, all of the fun we had together, and endless questions about the giant pandas. As one of only four zoos in the United States who have a panda sanctuary, this was obviously a very special treat for everyone. The girls now love to watch the twin baby pandas live on the Panda Cam which is sponsored by Animal Planet. How neat it is to see them in their daily routines!
Planning a trip to Atlanta? Be sure to set aside a full day to enjoy this wonderful location!
Hours:
Zoo Atlanta is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm 7 days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The last daily admission is at 4:30pm.
Admission: (Discounts can be found by purchasing online in advance.)
- Adults (12+): $25.99
- Children (3-11): $17.99
- Children (2 and under): Free
- Seniors (65+): $21.99
- College Student (with ID): $21.99
- Military: All active-duty, reserves, veterans, and retired members of the
Armed Forces will receive free admission to Zoo Atlanta with proper military ID.
For more information about group, membership, and attraction pricing, including information about The Library Pass Program, please visit ZooAtlanta.com or contact the zoo at (404) 624-WILD.
