Over the years we have taken our children to zoos around the country. I shocked myself when I realized we had never visited Zoo Atlanta, located only a couple of hours from our home. I knew when we received our Atlanta CityPASS and had a choice of visiting the Zoo Atlanta or the Atlanta History Center; the kids would choose the zoo. Located in Grant Park, a serene location in the heart of Atlanta, the zoo boasts more than 1500 animals, including pandas. We started our visit with a trip through the African plains, where we gazed at the Warthogs and Meerkats, then continued across the plains to zebras, giraffes and more. Although we didn’t get to participate, I read that giraffe feedings were available on a daily basis. We had to stop and marvel at the lions, which had sprawled out in the sun and were relaxing without a care in the world.
One of the most fascinating exhibits was the gorilla enclosure, an indoor area with seating for up close and personal observations. A zoo employee was available to answer any questions and explain the hierarchy of the gorilla family. I got a kick out of one of the two year old gorillas who had a hard hat she liked to carry around with her and wear sporadically. Another feature I enjoyed was the “keeper talks.” We wandered across an orangutan feeding and stopped to listen to a detailed explanation on the training the orangutans receive and their diet in the zoo as compared to their diet in the wild. She followed with a question and answer session. I left impressed with the intelligence of orangutans and their abilities.
The piece de resistance of Zoo Atlanta is the panda exhibit. One of only four zoos in the United States to presently have pandas, they have several indoor and outdoor enclosures and an abundance of viewing areas. They also have a continuously operating Panda Cam to check out their adventures on the web. We had to stop and marvel at the Pandas and watched as one settled down by our feet through the glass only a couple of inches away. Panda Encounters are available for individuals and families too, although they are a pricey. With a panda encounter, people are allowed to enter the enclosure and feed and touch the pandas.
The Zoo not only features animals, it has a superior family section, including the children’s zoo and a series of activities for people of all ages. It was a warm day and I was tempted to stop and take a dip in the fountain area with the kids! For those adventurous souls, there is rock climbing, and for those of us with a more sedate pace, there is a carousel and a train. All of these activities are included in the CityPASS ticket.
The Atlanta Zoo is open 363 days a year and only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. On summer days I recommend purchasing a Souvenir Zoo Cup, which can be refilled inexpensively throughout the park. Have you been to Zoo Atlanta?
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I love all your pictures and the warthogs look like they are having a lot of fun
Wow, you really got some great photos of the animals. I love how close you were able to get to them in all the exhibits.
I love when I happen to visit at times when zoo workers are there and can share information. It’s so interesting!!! Good tip on the refill cup too!
I love the zoo and my kids do too. This looks like a great zoo to visit. The Monkey and Tiger exhibits are always my favorite to visit.
I love the zoo but we stopped going for two reasons: Money, and the fact that every time we went, the animals were getting they groove on if you know what I mean… seriously disturbing… xD
love zoos!! great pictures xx
Oh my gosh, we love going to the zoo! We are much like you and have visited all the zoos that are close to us. Great photos. Love the gorilla!
I love Pandas, I’m glad that they have this lovely creature!
Oh I love zoos! This looks like a really nice one with natural settings.
Nice Zoo! We are going to go to the local one here soon, I hear it’s really great. nice pictures 🙂
I’ve never been to Zoo Atlanta probably because I’ve never been to Atlanta. When we lived in NY we frequented the Bronx Zoo, Central Park and the Brooklyn Zoo every summer. The Bronx Zoo is huge and I still don’t think we’ve seen everything. Now the one here in CO Springs you can see in about 30 minutes. It was so disappointing when we went last year. 🙁
Lucky you to see so many zoos.
I’ve never seen a Panda, I’d love to
This looks so fun, and your photography skills are stellar! I live in Charlotte, NC, so Atlanta isn’t too terribly far from here. I would love to check this out the next time my husband and I are in ATL. 🙂
If I ever go to Atlanta I will visit the zoo. I have never seen a Panda before that would be really neat.
Awwwww what a pretty panda. I love going to the zoo but I hate how sad the animals look. We def don’t have a panda at ours though.
I love the photos you managed to get! At our zoo? The animals are pretty … well, lazy and non-photogenic haha. Looks amazing!
Haha! Those warthogs look like straight out of The Lion King to me! Looks like a blast. I am way overdue for a zoo visit.
How neat that you got to see pandas! Looks like a fun zoo.
I love that CITYPASS always has such awesome arrangements with the best tourist happenings in each city for such a steal. This looks like such a fun zoo!
I hope to make it there soon. I’m excited about the new pandas!
You have some amazing photos! I’ve never been to the Atlanta Zoo but I have been to many others. They are wonderful to visit since you get to see such a wide variety of animals.
Oh it looks like FUN! I love the look on the Gorilla’s face!
Pandas are my very favorite to watch!
I love the zoo but I’ve never been to that one. If I lived closer I would definitely visit! Maybe the next time we’re down to see the Bulldogs play we can make a day trip there.
wow! You got some great pictures! We love the ZOO!!
AHHHH!!! YOu have a Panda at your zoo??? I want to go! We just went to a few zoos here and we had a blast. But they didn’t have a real panda! I want to see a panda!
my sister loves pandas
I’m thinking this is a must see if hubby and I visit the area with the kids. That is awesome that they are open 363 days a year .
It looks like so much fun! I used to live in San Diego and they have a fabulous zoo there with pandas as well. Since I moved to WA I haven’t been to a zoo. I am not even sure if there is one close by.
Those warthogs look kinda happy. The Atlanta Zoo looks like fun! I have always loved the zoo, even before I had kids. We are lucky enough in the DC area to also have a panda exhibit and a new baby!
Wow that is amazing to see animals that close up front… looks like you had a great time!
What a fun place to be at, I don’t remember when I went to the zoo last time, must have been years ago.
Would love to visit this zoo!
I have never been to Zoo Atlanta, but then I haven’t yet been to Atlanta. I would love to go one day… I do love going to zoos.
We visited that zoo years ago when we took a vacation near there with our son when he was about 10 years old. I am not sure who enjoyed it the most. It was awesome and I would not hesitate to visit it again if I could. Great fun for everyone!
Miss going to the zoo! My kids would love to see animals there. Great pics!
Oh wow what beautiful pictures you have me wanting to visit now 🙂 x
I haven’t been, but I’d love to go. Atlanta knows how to do things up, so I would have high expectations. I love your pics!
looks fun. why do warthogs always make me giggle?
I love going to the zoo. Great shots! 🙂
looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for the photos! Those are great to show kids too
I have not been to the Atlanta zoo. But I love the zoo. I have heard it is wonderful and looks like you all enjoyed it.
I love zoos! This looks like a cool zoo 😀
we love going ot the zoo this one looks like a great zoo!