Many Animals Await At the Zoo

The last time I went to a zoo was ages ago.

I’m from metro-Detroit, and the Detroit Zoo isn’t exactly near where I live. It’s a long haul and it requires a lot of planning. It requires a full day set aside, and it’s not exactly an on-a-whim kind of excursion.

And because of all this, I haven’t been to a proper zoo (petting zoos don’t count) in far too long and as my roommate likes to say, I’ve been thoroughly deprived for a very, very long time.

So, when the opportunity arose to go to the zoo one day, my roommate and I decided to go. More like she decided to go and I was forced to tag along, but I made it to the zoo nevertheless.

Even though the rain and heavy winds meant it wasn’t the best day to go, it still made for an exciting trip. I can even say I’m a card-carrying member of the zoo up until Sept. 30, 2013. (A whole year!)

It’s a pretty great deal to become a member of the Zoo because you only pay $35 as a student instead of paying the entrance fee each time you go (which is $16.50).

Some other added bonuses are going to the Rotunda movie theater and only having to pay $6 for a movie ticket. Plus, it’s tax deductible, and truth be told, I got really excited about that part.

Now that I got all of the boring details (for some of you) out of the way I’ll start to explain all the little wonders that are in the Maryland Zoo. Since I haven’t been to a zoo in a very long time it was like experiencing things like a little kid again.

They’ve got most everything at the Maryland Zoo, from Giraffes (which you can feed) to cute Arctic Wolves.

For me, some of the best things in the zoo were actually the (primarily) old people in red shirts that would explain every single detail to you about the animals.

I learned a lot about chimpanzees. And let me tell you, there are 18 known species of penguin out there.

Those people were what made the experience even better, especially seeing the looks on their faces when they explain all these facts. They’re happy to share their knowledge with someone.

Also, let’s not forget the Dippin’ Dots because, as my roommate has eloquently explained, a zoo isn’t a zoo unless it has Dippin’ Dots, because, you know, forget the animals…

The famous graffiti artist Banksy might say gift shops are contrite and a poor example of our generation’s need for material wealth. Well, Mr. Banksy, let me be the first to say when there is a stuffed leopard looking at you, you don’t care how contrite the situation is because mama loves her some stuffed animals.

The best part you ask? The zoo is only ten minutes away by cab! Going there and back is $20 but splinting that between a group of friends it’s only a couple of bucks.

Now, I ask, what’s stopping you from going?