I remember going to the Trexler Game Preserve with my father
when I was a little girl. Or, more precisely, I remember leaving the Game
Preserve. Driving through the creek to exit was always the highlight. Wondering
if we were going to be washed away in the car. Craning our necks to see down to
the water as we drove through. Yelping as dad pretended to lose control of the
car. Good times.
I promise you still get to drive through the creek to
exit the new Lehigh Valley Zoo, but it will no longer be the highlight of your
trip. In fact, I really had to drama it up to get a reaction from the rooks who
were completely tuckered out after hours at the zoo.
And yes, I said zoo! You know how you used to have to
schlep all the way to Philly to take your kids to a zoo with real animals? Not
anymore.
Want to see a zebra or an emu or a crocodile or a camel
or a horse or some-manner of horned, four-legged mountainy creature? Just head
up Route 309.
Want to walk along a path lined by only a rope close
enough to touch a kangaroo? Just turn off Route 100.
Want to watch wolves feed on an actual deer? Ok … want to
stand on a lovely walking path basking in the beautiful spring sunshine while
your children safely watch wolves feed on a deer a mere 2 feet away? Just do
it!
Because this, moms & dads, is the absolute best part
about the Lehigh Valley Zoo. It’s in the Valley! You do not have to chain your
children to your hip for safety. You can watch them follow the sea otter around
and around while you sit and take photos. You can enjoy the stroll as they race
toward the penguins. You can ….wait for it … relax and actually enjoy your
outing as much as your kids.
No seriously. The rooks and I did just that on April 6th
when we attended Opening Day at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. I have to admit that I
was skeptical over my impending level of enjoyment because 1) I do not like
animals and 2) I am not that much fonder of crowds. I know; so why was I going
to a zoo? Because my rook girl loves animals. She loves animals the way all
pre-teen girls love animals … times about 100. Oh, and she has this thing for
wolves.
On Saturday, she learned all about wolves. She watched
wolves eat a deer. She got to enter a wolf howling contest. She touched a wolf
pelt. She begged for a stuffed animal wolf in the gift shop. She debated her
case as to how wolves are really friendly if approached properly, and we should
be allowed to pet them. She learned how to lose a debate with grace. It. Was.
Fantastic.
So go to the new Lehigh Valley Zoo. Enjoy your day trip with
the kids. You've earned it!
Not convinced? How about now ….
You can
bring in your own food or drinks, and the food at the Bison Prairie Grill is
not grossly over-priced. (Nor are the gift shop items.)
There are several beautiful and peaceful places
to sit and eat or just enjoy nature.
You can pet a turtle or a possum at the Bison
Auditorium or touch a snake at the Zoomagination Deck.Parking is free. Yes, FREE!
Leaving is a picturesque climb through the mountains past bison and elk which drops you off right on Route 309; rather than a stressful creep down Girard past strange men selling bottles of warm water which drops you off right in the middle of the ironically named Schuylkill Expressway.
You can adopt a penguin, or attend a summer
camp, or spend the night at the zoo. (This sounds so cool!)
There are special prices for grandparents who bring their grandchildren. (Oh yeah, I'm talking to you, Grandpa Castle. When was the last time you traversed the treacherous Jordan Creek??)
Seriously? Why have you not gone to the zoo website yet?
Go. Buy tickets. Take the kids this weekend. They are having a Party for the
Planet this Saturday the 20th.
You will want to thank me, I promise.
Instead … buy your
child a stuffed wolf and say it’s from my rook girl. Then they can fawn over its
cuteness via Instagram posts. If you don't understand, congratulations on not
having a pre-teen daughter. Go adopt a prairie dog instead.
