Zoo Trip
We took a trip to the Birmingham Zoo for research this week. At least research was the excuse we used.
If you haven't been lately, you need to go! You can see all the construction coming together, and it is beautiful. I have to admit, when they first started construction on the front entrance, I was frustrated on our annual school field trip to the zoo, but now I am realizing that has been soooo worth it. It seemed like they started construction at the front gate right after they finished the trails of Africa. Now they are adding an Asian excursion with the current construction on the front gate, and I could not be more excited!
I was reminiscing with my mother yesterday about how the sea lion's pool used to be so crystal clear you could see them swimming under water (now not so much). That was when it finally occurred to me that they are basically giving the zoo a facelift in phases. I'm wondering now if the sea lions are next.
Don't let the construction scare you. It in no way ruins the zoo experience. You use a side entrance rather than the main entrance, but it is still great. It is just that one section that is temporarily closed, and there is still so much of the Birmingham Zoo to enjoy.
Our school does take an annual field trip to the Birmingham Zoo. What I love about that is getting to watch the animals as they grow and mature. It makes the zoo a more personal experience. Because of that, the Birmingham Zoo holds a special place in my heart, yet the zoo is so many things to so many people.
Obviously for young kids, it is a wow experience getting to see all these amazing animals up close and personal, animals that you wouldn't ever see otherwise. One of the things I love most about our school field trip is the time parents and children get together.
We have parents that work hard at multiple jobs to provide for their children, but all that hard work leaves them little quality time with their children. Parents who have had other kids or friends at our school, already know all about our zoo trip. They will inquire at orientation what day we're going to the zoo so that they can take off that day. The look of pure joy you see on their faces when we get to the zoo and they know they have all day with their child, is priceless.
The zoo can bring families together who have been spread across the US. My family loves to get together at the Birmingham Zoo. It is an exhilarating experience that we can all share together, and you want to make your time together meaningful when you only get the chance to see one another once or twice a year.
And, what would a trip to the zoo be if not educational? Since I teach preschoolers, I am the one reading signs rather than the kids. Thursday, watching my niece read the signs for herself, I realized how much more excited she was over the information. If you haven't been since your kids were young, go again. You may be amazed how they can get something new out of the trip every time they go.
Young, old, male, female, The Birmingham Zoo has something for everyone, so make your plans now to visit!
