Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Last week I found myself in Cleveland Ohio and decided to visit the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

This is a really sweet little aquarium on the West Side of the Cuyahaga River. It's under ground, housed in the lower levels of the FirstEnergy Powerhouse Building which was built in 1892. It's a gorgeous brick building and being right at the edge of the river makes one feel that they are going deep under the water.  

This aquarium is pretty kid friendly, with touch tanks and little activities to do throughout. It is a little pricey to get in at $20 for adults. I understand that these attractions need money to survive as well as our support. But I often wish they could find a way to be more accessible as well. 

By far the main attraction and the big finish for this aquarium is the shark tunnel! This is a really neat feature towards the end of the space and it's worth the price of admission!!

I found Cleveland to be an extremely nice and interesting place to visit and this aquarium was no exception. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the area! 

Has anyone else visited the Greater Cleveland Aquarium?

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Return to Atlantic Farms

About a year ago I wrote about our discovery of Atlantic Farms, a farm stand and petting zoo about 20 minutes from our house. It took us almost a year to go back but we still really love this place! 

Most of the animals were the same with the addition of a few new babies. We had been trying to get here during the spring bc they even advertised having babies to see! They were mostly grown by the time we got there, but still fun to see. Atlantic Farms has a short season and we are hoping to get back here at least once more this year. 

If you're in the area at all over the next few months, I highly recommend stopping by Atlantic Farms!

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Atlantic City Aquarium

Last week was our 4th wedding anniversary and we decided to take several day trips around NJ instead of one bigger trip. We are still new to living here and there are so many places to explore. New Jersey has many unique areas and environments for a small state. 

The first day, we opted to wing it, and headed down the coast until we got to Atlantic City. I have been wanting to check out the Atlantic City Aquarium for a few months now. 

Atlantic City is a sprawling peninsula/island in South New Jersey. Obviously known for it's casinos and gambling, it also has lovely wide beaches, protected wetlands, and is a stopping point for tons of shore birds. The aquarium is on the north west point of the land mass. 

This aquarium is pretty small with two floors plus a bonus tiny third floor that is really more of an observation deck. The views are quite spectacular. 

The Atlantic City Aquarium has been open since 1999 and houses many creatures, both local to the area and exotic. An interesting aspect of this aquarium is that there are lots of touch tanks scattered throughout the exhibits. We were able to see rays feeding and rushing around their tank and touch them as they sped by! There were horseshoe crabs and small sharks to touch as well. 

There were quite a few workers there, minding the touch tanks, and available for questions. We talked with one for quite a while about a giant loggerhead sea turtle in one of the larger tanks. We learned that he was rescued and brought to the zoo about 15 years ago. He is blind and had beached himself, a sure sign he was close to death. Now 22 and living comfortably in the AC Aquarium he is hand fed squid and fish jello everyday and can live out his remaining 75 years in peace. 

Outside the aquarium, there was a small village, amphitheater, and shops, which were not open while we were there and must be a Summer attraction. There was also a diving bell which had been an Atlantic City oddity. Visitor could pay to get submerged off one of the boardwalk piers. 

This seems like a perfect place for smaller children and a good stopping point as you make your way thru NJ. There are docks, and other things to do in the immediate area, a seemingly small oasis from the rest of the City. AC is a bizarre mix of opulence and utter despair. Gold gilded casinos line some block while the next block seems completely burnt out or abandoned. Besides the aquarium I would like to visit the Absecon Lighthouse, which had closed by the time we got to it on this trip. While most of AC made me feel uneasy, the Atlantic City Aquarium was a peaceful place. I would definitely recommend this aquarium and will be coming back to visit in other seasons.

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Johnson Park Zoo

Since moving, I've been searching the state for petting farms, zoos, aquariums, or other animal attractions. We've been to a few in New Jersey and have a pretty long list still to visit. It took some digging to find Johnson Park Zoo but when I did, we headed out right away. 

Johnson Park, named for the Johnson & Johnson family who donated the land, is in Piscataway, NJ, right across the river from New Brunswick and Rutgers College. This is a large park with many fields and playgrounds. The Zoo, sometimes referred to as haven, is a smallish square of fenced in area that visitors can walk around to observe the animals. 

It's quite cold now, and some of the enclosures were empty and it seemed that not all the animals were on view. It was very hard to tell though, because there was zero information about this animal sanctuary on premises. There's very little information online, either, but from what I could find, it's possible that more goes on here in warmer weather. I was very disappointed that there was no history or explanation on why this zoo exists or how it works.  

Chainlink fencing and double fencing seems to be the preferred method of zoos in NJ. Why? I'm not sure. It does have the effect of one feeling like they are quite close to the animals, but it also give a slipshod appearance. I enjoyed being able to walk around the whole animal area at Johnson Park Zoo. The enclosures were big and the animals seemed happy and well kept.  

The animals were mostly farm animals, and there seemed to be private horse boarding on the grounds. There were a few wild creatures also, and possibly there are more in the Spring and Summer. I appreciated that this zoo was free and open to all. I will check back here at other times in the year to see if there are other creatures or any rangers to talk to. Over all, I'd say if you're passing this park, stop in for sure. If it's not on your way somewhere, I wouldn't make a special trip.

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Popcorn Park Zoo

I had distinct memories of The Popcorn Park Zoo from my childhood. I remember a range of animals from exotics, to farm animals, to wild creatures; Lions, lizards, deer. But mostly I remember them being rescued. I remember deer who had been saved from traps, aging lions saved from zoos, snakes rescued from small cages. In my mind it was all very dramatic.

I had been telling my husband and neighbors who have children about it ever since we moved back to NJ. Just after Summer, I got to go with my friends. 

It was not as dramatic as I remembered, not as tragic as I had pitched it. But the rescued animals were still there, with stories of where they had come from and how their lives had changed since coming to the Popcorn Zoo. 

Nestled in the Pine Barrens, this zoo isn't huge but it does have some interesting and exciting animals.  It is considered one of the largest shelters of it's kind. 

As the name might suggest, one of the main attractions here is the popcorn you can buy to feed the animals with. Some like it more than others, so our popcorn mostly went to deer, pigs, goats and ducks. It was very nice to see bears, lions and other big cats, and a steer that is, no lie, around 7 feet tall, even if they weren't craving popcorn.  

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the Popcorn Park Zoo again and would recommend it for zoo lovers in the NJ area. I really like that this zoo isn't price prohibitive and the proceeds go towards maintaining the zoo and it's animals. 

What are your favorite local zoos?

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Prospect Park Zoo

It's hard to believe that in all the time I've been writing about Zoos at Home, Zoos Abroad, I haven't made an entry for one of our all time favorite zoos. The Prospect Park Zoo was our "home" zoo for many years and we visited it often. These photos were taken during our last visit which was back in August 2015. 

In the heart of Brooklyn's biggest park, this zoo is a magical little slice of zoo with wild creatures and a little petting farm. It has also become a sanctuary for the areas birds and bugs within the city. 

The Prospect Park Zoo packs a lot of wild and exotic animals into its small foot print. Some of my favorites are field mice, Pallas cats, red pandas, otters, mongooses, peacocks, and more!

The petting farm has chickens, pigs, sheep, etc... It's a nice connection of people and animals. 

There are several buildings that contain the wild creatures, connected by meandering trails that make you feel like walking in an animal, bug, and flora filled wonderland. There's a aviary, duck ponds, a sea lion pool to walk through and around. 

The Prospect Park Zoo is truly a Brooklyn treasure and I highly suggest anyone in the area to visit it. 

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Atlantic Farms

When we lived in Brooklyn, we went to the Prospect Park Zoo pretty often. It was our local zoo and a great zoo, too. Since we moved, we've been looking for a new local zoo. 

We love the Cape May County Zoo, but it's a little far for us to visit whenever we want. So we were happy to find the Atlantic Farms petting farm this Summer. 

We stumbled upon this little farm stand and it's petting zoo by accident but it's become one of our favorite places to visit! It's entry fee is very reasonable, which is rare. 

At the farms, there are many sheep and goats, as well as cows, pigs, llamas and alpacas, donkeys and ponies, lots of chickens, turkeys and ducks. There's even some emus! 

The best part is the snacks you can buy to feed the animals are just carrot chips from the farm. Good for the animals, and so fun to feed them!

We're happy to have found this spot that's only a 20 minute trip from our house. If you're Down the Shore, I suggest a visit!

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Jenkinson's Aquarium

In January, while my BFF was in town, we visited Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant, NJ. This aquarium is right on the beach and quite small, but offers a nice variety of wildlife. 

Jenks has a ton of local exhibits, showing all kinds of fish and creatures found in NJ. I haven't been to this aquarium in years and it was great to see the exhibits were well maintained and updated. 

There are a few of my favorite things, like frogs, sharks, etc... But this aquarium is sadly lacking in jellyfish. 

There are a few surprises, like these creepy looking nautiluses. 

Jenkinson's has good sized touch tank, seal shows, and a lot of fun activity days and nights. Behind the scenes tours, night visits, and "seal-abrations" are just some of the fun activities guests can join. But be warned, their website's is pretty hard to navigate.  The staff is friendly and I'm sure calling will yield better results for actual information.  

In the Summer, Jenkinson's rules pretty much the whole Point Pleasant boardwalk, with amusements, restaurants, and arcades. But the aquarium is is still the jewel in my opinion. 

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Cape May County Zoo

One zoo we enjoy is the Cape May County Zoo. We visited in May of 2015 and had visited about a year earlier. We're eager to visit again, but are waiting for warmer weather.

This is a strange zoo in my opinion. It's weirdly out of time and even a little slipshod looking. The cages are seemly little more than chain-link fences, and the inside enclosures are painted with trippy old murals or so spartan to seem as if they are abandoned. The zoo is nestled in a large wooded park, and the whole thing seems rather... unprofessional in some way. This could all be due to the amazing fact that this zoo is completely free and is run by donation. 

But once you start to look around, you see that the rangers are very caring, and the spaces are big, spacious, and well maintained despite looking outdated.

The Cape May County Zoo has some really incredible animals! Giraffes, buffalo, tiger, cheetahs, zebras are all kept in large outdoor pens, most of which have pedestrian walkways over head and slightly away from the habitats. A safe enough distance, so no one can throw anything at or harm the creatures, but so that one gets a good view of the animals roaming around. 

The Cape May zoo has some focus on local animals and habitats which is pretty neat. The last time we were there they were working on a few new areas, including some new ocelot pens. We're excited to go back to have a look soon. 

Another thing we like about this zoo is that they have a petting zoo! They also have chickens and peacocks who wonder around freely. We really enjoy the interactive nature of this zoo. 

In the end, I really care about this zoo. Having gone there a few times now, any misgivings I had have been alleviated. I also really appreciate that the zoo is free, open to the public, and fun for all ages! I highly recommend checking this one out if in the area. 

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, LA, USA, is located on the harbor front and very close to the French Quarter. Both times I've visited NOLA, I've stayed on Frenchman Street because it's centrally located and easy to walk to many attractions. Both times I visited the Aquarium. (You can read about my last visit here). There's a trolley that goes along the waterfront starting at Frenchman Street and easily drops you off right behind the aquarium. 

This aquarium isn't huge, but it has some really great exhibits. I particularly like the Carribbean tunnel where the tank is on all sides and above of the viewer and the Mississippi River section that has bayou birds, gators, and fishes. 

All the usual creatures are there, including penguins, eels, frogs and otters. There's a imax theater and cafeteria, although I've never visited those. 

My absolute favorite part is a little hard to find as it's not on the main path and one has to walk through the cafeteria to get to it. Parakeet Pointe is a little arboretum and bird cage that extends out of the main building into the open air and over the entrance of the aquarium. It's really fun to be around hundreds of flying, speaking, budgies of all bright colors. On our last trip we even saw a small hawk spying on them from outside the cage. He was trying hard to figure out how to make one of these parakeets, that were outside but still behind bars, his lunch. 

The Audubon Aquarium of Americas also has the hallmark of all good aquariums... Jellies!! 

I highly recommend this aquarium but also suggest you also visit the Audubon Insectarium which is just a few blocks away. If you like bugs, it will blow your mind!
Next time we visit I also hope to visit the Audubon Zoo!

Zoo at home, zoo abroad: Nashville Zoo

Some people think it's odd, but I'm a huge fan of zoos. Where ever I go, I try to see a zoo, aquarium, nature museum, bug exhibit, farm, petting zoo, etc...  A visit is always in any trip I plan. Or several if there's time. I know many have mixed feelings on seeing animals caged, and I do as well. I try to focus on the conservational and educational aspects of these establishments.  I can't help but be amazed and delighted by seeing strange, interesting, and exotic creatures. 

While we were in Tennessee in December 2013 we went to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. I never posted about it way back then, but I've been thinking about that trip recently and thought it was time to share. 

The Nashville Zoo is vastly different from our little zoo at home in Prospect Park. It sits on a huge piece of land with bamboo paths winding throughout. Most of the exhibits are outdoors. We went in the dead of Winter, so many of the animals were not on view. We even managed to go quite late in the day and miss some of the ones that were out. Even with our poor timing we got to see some great animals.

Tigers!! Wow!

The Nashville Zoo has both a white tiger and an orange one! These were incredible to see, but it was very clear that these great beasts are not supposed to be caged. 

This zoo had so many large and wild cats! Perfect for cat lovers like ourselves! 

Despite the cold, the animals were very active! We got to see many close up, only a few feet away. Like a cougar drinking from the "stream".

This leopard seemed to be observing us as much as we were him. 

As everything we visited in Nashville on that trip, the Zoo was deserted. It was great!! We had the whole place to ourselves. With no one else checking out each habitat, the animals really seemed to take notice of us. But I also suspect they knew it was closing/feeding time. 

These goats were all lined up, waiting to go inside for the night. 

Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and I can't wait to go back in the Spring or Summer!  It will be wonderful to see more animals, even if that means more people, too. 

We try to get to zoos pretty often so I hope to make my animal observations a semi regular post. I could write 10 posts about our local zoo alone! Do you have a favorite zoo or aquarium? Have you been to the Nashville Zoo? Care to comment?