I always find myself searching for a little Disney when I’m off visiting new destinations. Disney Parks have left such an impression on me that I try to reconnect with the immense joy it brings me, after all …… it is my Happy Place!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the Bronx Zoo for the very first time and my thoughts went straight to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Now, I know Animal Kingdom is “Nahtazu!” (not a zoo), it’s an animal theme park, (and so much more), but as usual I automatically began making my connections between the two.
When buying tickets for the Bronx Zoo it is important to decide what exhibits and attractions you most want to visit. A regular admission ticket will not allow you to enter into their E-ticket experiences. My dear friend of 30 years purchased a Family Premium Membership which allowed us to enjoy all they had to offer along with free parking, and additional discounts within the park.
Here are the highlights to some of our favorite experiences ……..
Out first stop was Butterfly Garden ~
Being in a garden of butterflies I can’t help but to take a deep breath and smile, there is something very enchanting about the experience. There were a few things that made this Butterfly Garden extra special.
There was a large glass window displaying a room of butterfly chrysalises where the girls learned the stages of a butterfly life cycle.
A butterfly discovery map was provided to help identify each butterfly species……
and my favorite part of all were the adorable wooden insect cut outs that displayed interesting facts about how insects pollinate and protect our Earth.
Along our path we encountered Zucker Bug Carousel and decided to take a spin. I never thought I would have the opportunity to ride a cockroach!
Our next journey was through the Congo Gorilla Forest then a quick trip through the African Plains ~
Here we saw Mother Gorillas sleeping with their babies on their chest. There were several of them; a very sweet sight.
A quick bite to eat at the Dancing Crane Café
and then we were off to Asia Plaza for a ride on the Wild Asia Monorail! I saw the word monorail and immediately got excited! This Bronx Zoo monorail reminded me of Animal Kingdom’s Wildlife Express Train with the open air side facing cars. The girls seemed to really love this tour and it gave their tired little feet a rest as well.
The day was coming to an end so we quickly made our way through Himalayan Highlands where the playful Grizzly Bears resided with their not so distant neighbor a GIGANTIC Polar Bear! The most popular and well-loved animal of the day seemed to be the Red Panda, somehow one seemed to make it home with us!
As we searched for the Southern Boulevard parking area we heard a boisterous barking sound and quickly realized we were right next to Astor Court where the Sea Lions “live”. There was one HUGE Sea Lion commanding much attention from the crowd. His/her bark was constant, loud and echoed all around us! He was quiet amusing and I could of stayed there for an indefinite amount of time watching his/her shenanigans.
We had a wonderful day at the Bronx Zoo. The weather was perfect and the animals were all in full view. Rebekah said she had a great time so that to me equals success!
