Zoo Atlanta

Are you looking for what to do with your kids in Atlanta? Then go to one of all time favorite kids attractions in Georgia. After all, what better way is there to spend quality time with the family and children than having a picnic or meandering through 40 acres and 250 species of animals at Zoo Atlanta. There is much to see and learn including interactive live animal shows and events that evolve around the daily lives of over 1000 kinds of wildlife.

One of the more fascinating exhibits is the Gorillas of the Ford African Rain Forest. This is home to over 20 western lowland gorillas and was also home to the local favorite Willie B. who was named after the former Mayor of Atlanta, William B. Hartsfield. The gorillas can weigh up to 500 pounds and are the largest primate species in the world. They are extremely fun to watch and it’s hard to imagine they can be that big while consuming only vegetables. This nationally renowned collection of great apes is one of the largest primate habitats in North America and is partnered through conservation with The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

Perhaps the most famous attraction at the Zoo are the Giant Pandas Lu Lu, Yang Yang and their two cubs. These adorable mammals can weigh over two hundred pounds and are strikingly beautiful. References to the Giant Panda date back to over 3000 years in China where it symbolizes peace since it rarely feeds on other animals. The giant panda shares many characteristics of both the bear and raccoon families and it wasn’t determined until recently which one they belonged too. Scientists finally agreed after DNA results determined that giant pandas are more closely related to bears and the red pandas are related to raccoons.

Some of the more engaging collections include the African elephants, the black rhinos, the Sumatran orangutans, and the Komodo Dragon. The Sumatran tiger is one of the rarest and most endangered species in the world. The World of Reptiles is one of the best in the country and features snakes such as the green anaconda, king cobra, and black mamba.

One of the children’s favorite venues is the petting zoo where they can stand face to face with sheep, goats and pot belly pigs. Of Course, they won’t want to miss the playground or riding the carousel and zoo train. Some of the current programs that parents and kids can take advantage of are the Family Nightcrawler Overnites and Mommy and Me. Over 1,000,000 visitors a year come to this 40 acre facility located in historic Grant Park. AtlantaGaToday recommends the family friendly environment of Zoo Atlanta and ranks it as a top Atlanta attraction and a favorite Georgia destination.

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Zoo Atlanta Upcoming Events and Programs

May 12
HomeSchool Academy

May 15
The 2010 Beastly Feast, Silverback Gorilla Gala

May 20
Wild on the Rocks

May 22
Mommy and Me – Animal Moms

May 22
The Great Zoo Caper! Family NightCrawler

May 22
Keeper for a Day – Australia & Carnivores

May 22
Members Only Night

May 28
Don’t Fry Day

May 29
Brew at the Zoo

June 1 – August 13
Summer Safari Day Camp

June 5
Tusks at Dusk Deluxe Family NightCrawler

June 10
Mommy and Me – Animal Eyesight

June 12
Mommy and Me – Animal Eyesight

June 12
Keeper for a Day – Elephants & Warthogs

June 17
Mommy and Me – Animal Dads

June 19
Mommy and Me – Animal Dads

June 19
Father’s Day After Dark Family NightCrawler

June 24
Mommy and Me – Animal Hearing

June 26
Mommy and Me – Animal Hearing

June 26
Keeper for a Day – Australia & Carnivores

July 10
Keeper for a Day – Elephants & Warthogs

July 10
Mommy and Me Single Day: Herbivores

July 13, 20, 27
Mommy and Me: Animal Appetites

July 14, 21, 28
Mommy and Me: Animal Appetites

July 15
Mommy and Me Single Day: Herbivores

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