Nearly everybody distinctly remembers their first time going to the zoo. The excitement of seeing exotic, unique, and sometimes dangerous animals up close is a thrill that youngsters carry with them all throughout their life. Eventually they will bring their own children to catch a glimpse of animals that they have only seen in books.
The Branson Zoo has a brand new, and very unique climate controled 11 acre indoor / outdoor facility unlike any other zoos in the area. Guests have the privilege of self guiding themselves through a winding (maze-like)indoor and outdoor constantly changing animal kingdom. In fact the Branson Zoo and Aquarium offers one of the most diverse collections in the United States.
Due to the fact that the Branson Zoo is constantly changing, each visit provides a brand new experience. New animals have been arriving each month keeping the highly trained staff working hard to meet the challenge.
The staff is constantly rotating throughout their shift interacting, playing, and caring for the animals. Each animal gets daily one on one attention. I am an animal lover and I observed this very closely because the thought of an animal being neglected breaks my heart. You often see the zookeepers even taking a "cat" nap using a mountain lions body as their pillow.
Another amusing thing I noticed is the friendship that has grown between a full grown bear and a tiger (not sure what kind). You seem them playfully wrestling, chasing each other, and taking naps together. I found this to be very unusual, but they seem to be very happy with their "untraditional" relationship.
The kids will love the thrill of feeding the sting rays, and sharks. (The kind of sharks without teeth!). Even though you are fully aware that you won't be hurt, I dare you to feed them without your hand jumping back a few times. I tried and failed numerous times. New to the Branson Zoo is a petting zoo for the children with much more than the usual goats and bunny rabbits to enjoy.
Going through the predator world section is kind of spooky if your not too fond of snakes, crocodiles, and very strange looking lizards. Handlers are out so you can actually pet some awfully large snakes, and baby alligators. I quickly passed on those exhibits!
For the really courageous guests they have the opportunity to experience a hands-on curator guided tour. Reservation only, and you must sign a waiver. You will have the opportunity to feed and interactive with live sharks. (Yes the ones with teeth). I must admit that I passed on this experience as well. From what I have discovered upon research however is that this is a one of a kind tour, only at the Branson Zoo and Aquarium.
The Branson Zoo (also known as Predator World) and Aquarium is located off of highway 13 in Branson West, Missouri. You follow highway 76 (the main strip)in Branson all the way to Branson West (past Silver Dollar City), and then turn left on highway 13. A few miles down H. 13 and you'll see the signs. Very easy to find.
Bears, Bengal tigers, Hyenas, Snakes, exotic birds, poisonous reptiles, Tarantulas, Sharks, and the list goes on and on. I recommend that you check it out. One more thing, as you leave the Branson Zoo you will be right next door to one of the highest rated haunted houses in the United States. It put a scare into me and I'm 35 years old! Open year round! The haunted house review will come in the future. Be sure to sign up to the RSS feed, or the email subscription to hear all about it! Plan Your Branson vacation with discounted show tickets and hotel stays
Please come back and leave your comments and reviews so we can hear all about it.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Branson Zoo, Aquarium, and Predator World
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2 comments:
I had a coupon for $1 off of adult admisson to Branson Zoo, Aquarium and Predator World. I was shocked of the condition's the animals lived in. The place was dirty, unkept. I would not spend the money to see it. It just ends up making you sick to see the horrible conditions.
This zoo is one of the best I have been to, and I have been to a lot of Zoos! It is clean and the animals are well cared for and loved. You can see how much these people care in their interaction with the amimals and all the animals look so healthy! You can see the animals up close! it's great and even pet snakes, gators, llamas, deer and even a kangaroo. Irwin, the red kangaroo was my favorite. Well I also liked the aquarium. You can feed bull sharks! You use a stick not your hands. You can use your hands to feed the cow nose rays. The lady in the aquarium gave a demonstration of how rays eat by bringing them upto a window. THere was one large ray called BIg Berta that had the greatest face. I had no idea rays were so gentle. I also learned a lot. All zoo workers were very knowledgable and shared this knowledge! If you love nature, if you love animals, you will love this zoo. THis is a kid and adult friendly place.
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