The Invention of the Zoo

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135 years ago today, the Zoological Society of Philadelphia opened the first U.S. Zoo. In 2009, several cities claim to have the "best" zoo, including Philadelphia. San Diego, especially, comes to mind, little braggarts, but I've been there and I still think Columbia's zoo is better. I've been to the Bronx Zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo. Oh, I'm so sorry, Driftwood, I've also been to the Ross Park Zoo, honorable mention.

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So... I've got some zoo skills.
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At this little stage of my life, what I'm enjoying most about Columbia's Riverbanks Zoo is the Children's Dept. I take Eva to the zoo classes offered throughout the school year. The classes are excellent, as you've heard in many, many posts.
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Emma has joined us for a couple of classes.

Awww - baby Emma! Cute!!
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When you get too hot at our zoo, you can walk down the nature trail and up into our famous botanical garden. The trail goes down along the river and is nice and shady.

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The botanical garden is spectacular. Beautiful benches, walkways, plants galore and fountains!

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Our zoo is community minded and very interactive. They have many after hours events for couples and for families, corporate events, weddings, adventure tours....

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And we have the coolest gorilla habitat.

But the best thing of all about our zoo. . .

. . . is the Lights Before Christmas festival. Click here to read all about it.
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Happy Birthday to zoos all over the U.S.A. and thank you to all the people who work hard to make them special.

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Oh, and did I mention our zoo has a teeny little Starbucks right inside the front gate?