We aren’t huge zoo goers when we travel, mostly because I feel like it’s something we can do anywhere and so we don’t spend time on the zoo unless there isn’t much else to do. But that doens’t mean we haven’t been to many zoos, in fact we’ve been to zoos all over the world including in Dublin, Amsterdam, Budapest, Hamburg, London, Naples (Florida) and Oklahoma City.
Our first zoo visit, though, and the only zoo we’ve visited twice is the one nearest to us: The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society. We took Honeybun for the first time just before she turned one and the kids and I were recently invited back to experience some of the zoo’s new and special experiences.
I remember clearly our first visit to the zoo with Honeybun. It is small and doesn’t have a lot of the bigger animals like the elephants and giraffes but still has over 800 animals to visit. It was the perfect size for her and she spent our entire visit running from animal to animal checking everyone out and climbing wherever she could.
In the past almost six years, the zoo hasn’t changed much but zoo hasn’t changed much. The layout is the same, the animals are the same but one big change I noticed was their focus on the environment. Everything the Palm Beach Zoo does from not having straws and lids to serving their own (delicious!) blend of bird friendly coffee to having clearly marked trash and recycling centers focuses on keeping the zoo and the world healthy and clean. Their mission says it all:
The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society) exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.
We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field.
Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.
As special visitors of the zoo we were able to ride the Carousel (Doodle’s first time!) as well as the new Safari Train. We also got to see the Malayan tigers released into their beautiful new habit for the very first time.
But the highlight of our visit was definitely getting help feed the animals. Not only did we get to feed the flamingos, ducks and swans but we were also able to go into the Aldabra Tortoise Experience and feed the giant tortoises (one of the zoo’s special feeding programs). (NOTE: All the above listed activities have an additional cost above that of the zoo admission).
We enjoyed a delicious lunch near the Tropics Cafe where we sat by the lake, watching the birds and enjoying our tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons (some of the best tomato soup I’ve had since leaving Dublin!) after wandering through the butterfly garden, listening to a jaguar talk and seeing many more animals. We loved every second of our visit until Doodle turned from happy “DUUUUDE!” to raging lunatic after a rice cake incident.
We will definitely have to go back to finish seeing everything and with special events throughout the year like Story Time at the Zoo, the Save the Panther 5K and Brew at the Zoo, we are sure to be back! Plus with family memberships stating at just $145, which provides not only admission to the Palm Beach Zoo, but discounts at the shop and restaurants, advanced registration for special events as well as discounted admission to other zoos and museums nationwide, it’s silly not to become regulars at the zoo!
And now you can win VIP tickets for four to visit the Palm Beach Zoo yourself! Entry is simple: share this post on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest AND leave a comment below on what you’re most excited about doing or seeing at the zoo! Giveaway ends on January 10 (11:59 pm EST) and the winner will be chosen at random on January 11.
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Holly!
I’m excited about taking my daughter to her first zoo before her little sister arrives near the end of February! We are new Florida residents so we love exploring new places here. We have yet to visit a zoo though!
I’m excited to take my daughter to her first zoo before her little sister arrives near the end of February. We are new Florida residents so we love exploring new places here but have yet to visit a zoo with her!
I’m most excited about showing my 9 month old animals because he loves animals!!! :)
My son has never been to the zoo but is really fascinated by animals, so I would LOVE to win these tickets, as it would make his year!
Omg I would love to go to this zoo never been there and take my 2 year old he is a huge animal lover and it will be the first zoo trip for my almost 7 moths old twins. It will be totally Awesome!!
We’ve been to this zoo before, my daughter loved it. I’d love to take my son for the first time!
Would love to take my little girl there. She’s in love with cats of all sizes!
My son loves trains so that would be awesome!
My daughter LOVES animals and we’d want to take part in the animal feedings.
I’m excited to watch my kids watch the monkeys and laugh at their antics :) we went to the zoo about a year ago and I loved listening to my oldest laugh at the monkeys, but my middle one was a little young to fully appreciate their antics :)
My girls love the Palm Beach Zoo. Baby B hasn’t been to a zoo yet so I’m excited for him to have his first experience.
Love this ZOO – it is GREAT!
I just read that they have a new 4 yr old tiger at the zoo! I would love to see that!!
Shared! We love the Palm Beach Zoo, but I had no idea that you could feed the animals – how cool! I think my kids would love that!
I am most excited to go as soon as my little princess is cleared to be allowed in public and around other people when she finally has a functioning immune system after her bone marrow transplant. We have never been to the palm beach zoo, and it would be Arabela’s first trip to the zoo.
Never been there! Would love to have a chance to go and feed some animals.