Zoo Atlanta Re-invented

Ken Parks, March 10, 2013

(Published in Examiner.com)

The people who redesigned the layout of Zoo Atlanta should be highly commended. 

New platforms and decks have been added to allow for closer views of the animals.  And there are plenty of animals, over 220 species.  In some places, the food trays have been placed close to the decks so as to get that close up shot with one's iPhone.

What I found to be the most impressive part was the Silverback gorillas.  At this time of the year, the weather was mild, in the mid 60's, and the animals seem to be much more active.  As a photographer, I was having an enjoyable field day, rendering over 1900 images and then having to select the best.

Most people will find themselves pleasantly surprised.  Zoo Atlanta is definitely on the short list of things to do in Atlanta, especially for families.  Children were awed by the Pandas, Giraffes, and Kangaroos.

The various birds also drew "oohs" and "ahs."  My favorite was the carnivorous Milky Eagle Owl.  This bird attacks and eats small mammals and other birds.  The largest of any owl species in Africa, it is know to be more ferocious that the American Bald Eagle.  It may look cute and docile, but I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of its hunting  talons.

For children, the petting zoo section was the major draw.  This gave children the opportunity to be right up close and feel the goats and sheep, much more safe animals.  It was a pleasure to see the joyous faces of the children as they talked to the animals, walked with the animals.  And some children found the statues of animals, such as the lioness and her cub, to be a playful toy and a wonderful pose for the family album.

Every year, I put the Zoo Atlanta on my calendar.  Early to mid-March is the best time of the year. All Zoo Atlanta images can be viewd on my SmugMug account or my Flickr account.