Every Spring, USA Today’s Readers’ Choice opens up their voting for Best Zoo Exhibit. Voting is open from March 22-April 22, giving readers the chance to vote once daily. The top 10 will be announced on May 3. To vote for best Zoo exhibit, click here.
We’ve only visited a handful of these zoo exhibits, but we wanted to share our thoughts on them, giving you insight as to how they stack up.
Centene Grizzly Ridge – Saint Louis Zoo:
Insight: I’ll admit that at first I scratched my head at why this exhibit was included in the nominations. But thinking back to it, while waiting in line for the penguin exhibit, we recalled the gigantic glass viewing area to see the bears and the lifelike habitat they have inside. Bear exhibits are sometimes difficult to remember if the bears are sleeping during your visit, but if you come at the right time this could be quite the spectacle.
Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear – Nashville Zoo:
Insight: This exhibit was under construction during our visit, but it’s built into the forest and has great scenery. Pictures I’m sure don’t do it justice, but newer exhibits typically capture the essence of the habitat and I’m excited to eventually see this one in person.
Judy and Jerry Kent Family Sea Lion Sound – Saint Louis Zoo:
Insight: The defending champion in this category, this exhibit is unique in allowing the visitor to walk under the talk. Unlike some underwater viewings where the animals never come near, the sea lions frequently swim overhead making this exhibit memorable.
Lied Jungle – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo:
Insight: This very large indoor exhibit has many different things going on, including a free-flying bat case, floral scenery, and exotic species. Omaha summers can get pretty hot, so cooling off indoors with such a large exhibit space can be a nice alternative.
Painted Dog Valley – Cincinnati Zoo:
Insight: This exhibit is nestled down by the African savanna, and is home to several painted dogs. This animal doesn’t always get the space it deserves, and the nomination is most likely due to the energy efficient ways of the exhibit.
Others:
Jungle Odyssey – Pittsburgh Zoo – We hope to visit this zoo this Summer, and will be able to share our opinion of it then! The write up talks of its overhead zip line view to enhance the viewing experience.
Polk Penguin Conservation Center – Having visited this zoo as a kid, I’d love to get back and see this addition – having seen many pictures online from friends who have visited, it seems like it lives up to a high billing!
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