Albuquerque Zoo Polar Bear

The Albuquerque Zoo

The Albuquerque Zoo is one of the best we have seen. Upon entering I was uncertain and concerned about the quality of the zoo. The entrance and many of the exhibits were under construction. The animals were off exhibit due to the construction. After the initial concerns, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the exhibits, the number of animals within each species and the areas available to the visitors.

The gorilla exhibit was large and comfortable for the animals. The chimpanzees were able to come up to the glass and interact with the visitors. Their exhibit was also quite large with water and different behavioral enrichment items to offer them a variety of activities.

The polar bear exhibit was quite interesting. There were four bears in the exhibit two males and two females. The two males are twin brothers. One of the females is about the same age as the twins the other female is older. The males have been neutered. One of the keepers told us the animals get along well together. The exhibit is quite large with several layers of concrete structure and plenty of water for the animals to enjoy.

The zoo housed three Mexican wolves in a nice exhibit for them.

Many thanks to Irene for her suggesting we visit this wonderful zoo.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History located in Albuquerque is a wonderful facility concentrating on the history of the Southwestern region of this country. Starting with many of the dinosaur specimens found in the area, and continuing on to the story of the volcanoes that once existed in the area and how volcanoes function.

The Thinker of Albuquerque Zoo

Spider Monkeys of the Amarillo Zoo

Amarillo Zoo

The Amarillo Zoo was a small community facility containing 32 species most indigenous to the area. The only exotic species was the spider monkeys. The zoo was nicely laid out and maintained. Some of the animals that were represented were Bison, Coyote and Mountain Lion. The zoo was free and a nice addition to the community.

Dallas Zoo Elephant Sculpture

The Dallas Zoo

I was told that The Dallas Zoo has undergone many management changes, which are reflected in the way the zoo is laid out and how building projects were advanced.

The Africa exhibit is advertised as the largest Africa exhibit in the United States. I would believe that assessment. The area was quite large in landmass but very much lacking in animals. The gorilla exhibit had many viewing areas but only one animal on exhibit. The zoo had additional gorillas that could not be exhibited together because they did not get along. The area appeared to be large enough to be segmented to allow more animals to be exhibited at the same time but what do I know. The rest of the Africa exhibit also appears to be lacking in animals on exhibit.

The zoo was very crowded the day we were there but that may not be an accurate assessment of how popular the zoo is because the area was on spring break.

Dallas Zoo

Memphis Zoo Panda

Memphis Zoo

Once we found our way to the zoo the experience was very pleasant. The zoo seeks corporate sponsorship within all the exhibits. A new exhibit called Northwest Passage is presently under construction. More construction is planned for the near future including a new hippo exhibit. Primate country was very interesting although lacking in gorillas (only one on exhibit at a time 2 silverbacks). An interaction we saw between an orangutan and a simang (both females) was very interesting. They seemed to have bonded and became pals. Our interest in this pair led a to a conversation with some docents who were walking past. We found out the animals were not kids like we thought but 26 and 23 year old adults. The animals were put together about four months ago because they had both lost their mates. The orangutan did not get along with the male orangutan and his mate who were in the same exhibit. The mated pair were up in a structure and the orangutan and siamang were on the ground. When the Memphis Zoo docents found out we were Brookfield Zoo docents they offered us a tour around the park and an invitation to share in their pass the plate lunch they had made.

The docents asked how Bubba is doing, we told them his name is now Makonnen. They were pleased. The docents did not think Bubba was a very good name for him either.

The Panda exhibit is very well done. A strong emphasis is placed on ecology and cooperation between the Memphis Zoo and the Chinese government.

The zoo is laid out well and easy to get around. The exhibit of Komodo Dragons is very interesting we do not get the opportunity to see them very often. Most of the animals had outdoor facilities without indoor viewing. If there is inclement weather there is not an opportunity to see the animals indoors. Cat Country is very well done in naturalistic setting with easy viewing. At present there are not any bears in the zoo. Bears will be exhibited in the new Northwest Passage. Overall the experience in the zoo was very nice however getting around town was a nightmare.

Memphis Zoo's Friends Forever