Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo

The Woodland Park Zoo is a community asset that our family enjoys on a regular basis and we are proud to support financially. The most recent attraction, Komodo Dragons, has just opened and we can't wait to see them.

I began visiting Woodland Park when I was a toddler. I can still remember the main attraction of those days was Bo Bo the Gorilla (and his gal pal Fifi). I'm happy to say that the Gorilla exhibit is now one of the most popular with upgrades made to ensure the gorillas are able to live in two tribes led by the dominant silverbacks.

Each section of Woodland Park has been carefully thought out and improved over the last 30 years. Once the gorillas were set in their beautiful environment, the herd of Asian and African elephants were accommodated in a realistic Thai lumber camp with logs to move each day, keeping the animals in trim when they aren't enjoying their own swimming pool or indoor showers!

From the Savannah home of giraffes and hippos to the tropical rainforest, I'm proud of each enhancement! I can remember when zoos were nothing more than a collection of wire cages and walls with painted-on plant life. Woodland Park Zoo has very carefully integrated as many plants as possible from the animals' native area. Where this is not feasible, WPZ has thoughtfully installed Northwest native plants that require less water and maintenance.

Each new endeavor has received considerable corporate and public support. The WPZ also has some very interesting features for a zoo. The meadow is turned into an evening concert stage through the summer months, a memorial to Seattle-native Jimi Hendrix is located on the east side of the Savannah, and WPZ offers teen slumber parties to learn about night creatures!

The zoo has been aggressively participating in breeding programs with other zoos across the United States, accepting other's animals, sending ours out as needed. This program has helped deter the need to acquire new animals from their native habitat, while ensuring animals will be available for our children's children. Several years ago they bred an Asian elephant and little Hansa was born two years later (22 month gestation). Unfortunately, little Hansa recently became ill and passed away.

We have taken our son to the Woodland Park Zoo since he was born and he has found enjoyment at each stage in his life. When he was a baby, he just loved looking at the gorillas playing with each other. When he became old enough for pony rides, that was the first place we headed.

When he was a teen, we used our zoo time as part of our home school classroom. In addition, our son chose the zoo several times in the last dozen years as the location for his birthday party.

We feel that this is a zoo for all seasons. Our climate sometimes requires warm outerwear, but the animals are still visible and just as fun.

In addition, if you are a gardener living in the Seattle area, be prepared to be on a long waiting list in the spring if you want to buy "zoo doo" to liven up your garden. This compost is created exclusively with animal waste and cage bedding and sold once a year. Just get on the list and bring your pick-up truck!

Overall, the Woodland Park Zoo is a bargain for all attending, especially with our annual passes, which are usable at zoos and aquariums across the United States!