As posted on TripReview
The animals were depressed. Their housing is small and filthy. There is little to no enrichment. They were dirty. I saw many trying to find a way to escape, including a turtle bitting at the wire. The budgies didn’t want to eat and were bored of the sticks. The seeds are glued on. The train was always full so despite heading to that area minutes ahead of schedule, it was already packed. I opted for food at the Watering Hole cafe knowing prices would be expensive – every table was filthy and sticky, the food was worse than a gas station or skating rink: The Crispy chicken was so small I had mostly bites of bread and pickles. The chicken was microwaved? Or grilled? There was no bread on the chicken? There was no crisp… I added a funnel cake and it was THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I wasted one (I just didn’t like the taste and there was too much powered sugar it’s all I could taste). The drink was flat (I threw out my Sunkist). They don’t pass out straws for the environment (good) but they do with the Capri Suns (confused). I’m not expecting 5* quality food – but after eating there twice and the staff is SO RUDE – I just don’t wanna bother supporting this place or zoo. I felt sad for most of the animals and their boredom and attempts at escape did not ease my worries. Some animals are safe and happy. The bears look like they are locked up in a jail cell. There was no movement from them. Just laying there hoping to die. I couldn’t figure out the loops of the trail even with maps and a sign so missed out on seeing a Great Ape (the walk was far, the train always full, the place was packed, it was a Sunday morning which ran into afternoon). I took my time seeing what I could. The land is nice. The animals could have so much more space. I wound up converting my day ticket into an annual pass but it will be my last. I hate it because it will hurt the animals. But it’s breaking my heart seeing them suffer. The staff seem young, dissociative, mildly rude, overworked even tho they are doing basic animal care (not very well). If the dining room is THAT DIRTY that they can’t take a few minutes every hour to wipe down the tables or AS NEEDED – then I fear how the kitchen looks. And at them prices, they can afford to give us a clean space to eat and soda with some fizz!
The photo booth was expensive but fun the 1st trip but on my return they had changed the packaging. And overall, I think I am tired with lazy, uncaring staff. This place should be SHUT DOWN. The place is filthy and overpriced in every aspect. Many animals are depressed. Squirrel seems happy. I saw a rhino use the bathroom and then drink from the same water supply. I know this part is normal, some stuff is fun to see. 🙂
3* but honestly I’d rather the animals be free.
I overheard someone at the lion enclosure say “wild captured” and that really didn’t sit right with me.
The entire place feels like an outback of Africa. I LOVE feeding the goats and pigs.
After 2 trips to the zoo including extras (photos, feed, food) I have spent well over $100 for 1 person. Close to $200. So I would make an expensive date apparently. And I would still cry…
In hindsight, I laughed, I cried.
P.S. despite making me cry on our first or second date, please take me to the zoo again. (It’s not your fault). (You just gotta get me involved with conservation efforts or something). Upgrade to the pass and let’s eat some place else. Deal?
And yeah, photo booth photos are recommended / despite the packaging changing *sigh*
I love that they physically print out from the photo booth but currently you can get a free digi version too
You can add filters or backgrounds but I opted to just be me!
I still haven’t seen the hippo (third date please?)
I like walking around, I wish the cafe was clean and the food better (the crispy chicken was a small square and grilled-like)
Mystery meat we call it in the Army
They serving “mystery meat” at the Watering Hole cafe
Can’t update my review…
PoeEternal 