Central Park Wildlife Center: This Zoo's a Fabulous Oasis in the Big City
Written: Dec 20 '00 (Updated Jun 01 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fun, interesting, more intimate than most large zoos.
Cons: I feel sorry for the animals on hot days
The Bottom Line: This is a great way to spend some free time when you are in New York City. Well worth a visit!
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| laura10801's Full Review: Central Park Wildlife Center |
Ever since I was a child I have gone to the Central Park Wildlife Center. Until recently I thought is was the Central Park Zoo. But it does not matter what you call it, it is quite simply fun and educational.
I have been there in spring, summer and fall. I am always surprised at how much it has to offer. From the sea lions happily swimming around a large rock island in a big round pool, to the polar bears romping in their enclosure with a pool, to the night creature exhibit, to the penguin tank, I have consistently found it to be interesting and fun.
Some of the high lights of the zoo include feeding time for the sea lions and polar bears. I don't recall the specific times, but they are clearly posted, and if you have any doubt that it is time just look and see if people are crowding around the exhibits. Aside from the aspect of watching the animals become more active and eat, these times are particularly valuable for asking the zoo staff questions about the animals. I did not know that polar bear fur is not really white, but actually transparent. It only looks white because there are so many hairs against each other that they became opaque.
I have often ended up in the zoo spontaneously because I was in the area, visiting friends, taking a walk, attending a cultural event, etc. and decided to drop by the zoo. These are often the most delightful visits because I feel like I am giving myself a special treat and I usually have a limited amount of time.
My niece and nephew love the zoo, and spend hours there. It is great for kids of all ages. There is a restaurant which has a fair variety of foods, including salads for adults and chicken fingers for kids.
In my opinion, the best time to visit any zoo or park is during the week, instead of the weekend, so that one can see the exhibits without fighting the crowds. This applies here, unless you like people watching and have a lot of patience with people who feel overly entitled. Sometimes the best exhibit is the human beings being human beings in public, but I won't go there.
One thing that does bother me is one of the exhibits I have listed as a highlight. The polar bear exhibit is outside and in the middle of summer, in the middle of Manhattan, it gets very hot. I worry that the bears are suffering. The staff has assured me that it can get quite warm in their natural habitat and that their pool is cold and they do have an ice machine (which is visible), but nonetheless, I feel sorry for them.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
laura10801
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Member: Laura
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow
Reviews written: 112
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About Me:
A patient asked if I ever have problems.
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