As you can tell, I like zoos. All sorts of zoos as long as they are well maintained. To that end, I like accredited zoos. I am also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, because I also like to put my money where my heart is. The AZA doesn't discriminate. They are an organization that promotes and fosters best practices, inter institution collegiality, shared goals in education and species preservation, and financial solvency. When zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries can both agree to and meet a set of collaborative determined and maintained standards, they can receive accreditation. If they fail to continue to meet these standards, they can lose accreditation. For example, when ZooMontana failed to demonstrate a financial plan that was solvent into the future, or when the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium refused to stop using pain administered by keepers to train and control their African Elephants--both of these zoos lost their accreditation. The door to reaccreditation is always at their disposal, too.
With this in mind as my criteria, I plotted out a road trip this Sunday to visit two of the smaller zoos in the Delmarva region. The first was the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, Delaware. I'd been here for the first time this past winter. It's a turn of the century zoo that had in the past couple of decade taken itself seriously as a community and conservation resource. It's a zoo that has a loyal fan base and creams with potential, while being very friendly and enjoyable in it's present iteration. With a species population under two dozen, it's also a zoo that you can do in a relaxed way in just over an hour. Great to pair it with the nearby Delaware Art Museum for a great adult outing, or the Delaware Children's Museum for a lark with the kids.
Built along the hillside of the floodplain of the Brandywine River adjacent to a lovely park, it also provides an opportunity to include a picnic in the mix. The habitats demonstrate designs that are both older and more contemporary. Brandywine Zoo also participates in AZA species survival plans in particular for the Red Panda.
The zoo's Bobcat is one of two smaller feline species in it's collection.
Three conjoined habitats represent a time from the zoo's more distant past with classic stone work. Today they are home to the pair of Red Pandas, a lone Swift Fox and an African Caracal.
A couple of images of the Red Pandas. Shame that the viewing at this small zoo is often obstructed by the mesh of the caging.
The signage is first rate throughout.
The middle habitat. Can you see the little fox?
Swift Fox
Across from this is the new outdoor stage and educational amphitheater. It was built on the space that once held the habitat of the Zoo's former star Zhanna, an Amur Tiger. As part of its commitment to Species Survival Plans of the AZA, she was transferred to the Bronx Zoo to participate in their breeding program. The Red Pandas were their consolation prize. Honestly, I am sorry to see the loss of any animal habitat as important as education is in the overall mission of this zoo.
One of a handful of birds that call this zoo home.
The Brandywines Zoo also has a petting component that is the home of four African Pygmy Goats.
Below this is the largest single habitat and shared home of three Llamas and a Greater Rhea.
Greater Rhea
Next door is the home of another South American animal, the world's largest rodent, the Capybara.
Give the guy a huge space and still he wants to play in his food trough! Kids...
An enclosed Aviary space inhabited mostly by duck species you can also find this lovely Prehensile-tailed Porcupine. She's naturally found in the forests and jungles of Southern Mexico and Central America.
Just beyond this at the top of zoo is a pair of American Bald Eagles on loan to the zoo in behalf of the American people by the U.S. Department of the Interior--as ALL American Bald Eagles in zoos are. No one is allowed to own our National symbol. A quirky detail for a species that is basically ubiquitous with the United States zoo world.
The final exhibit that sits in the middle of the far end of the zoo is that of the North American River Otters. It includes a below water viewing feature that is in need of some (hopefully minor) repair, but still open to the public.
Next to this is a plaza with a few umbrella-ed tables and a concession stand where you can get something to drink and eat.
A couple of the zoo's neighbors enjoying the nearby Brandywine River.
Three conjoined habitats represent a time from the zoo's more distant past with classic stone work. Today they are home to the pair of Red Pandas, a lone Swift Fox and an African Caracal.
Across from this is the new outdoor stage and educational amphitheater. It was built on the space that once held the habitat of the Zoo's former star Zhanna, an Amur Tiger. As part of its commitment to Species Survival Plans of the AZA, she was transferred to the Bronx Zoo to participate in their breeding program. The Red Pandas were their consolation prize. Honestly, I am sorry to see the loss of any animal habitat as important as education is in the overall mission of this zoo.
Just beyond this at the top of zoo is a pair of American Bald Eagles on loan to the zoo in behalf of the American people by the U.S. Department of the Interior--as ALL American Bald Eagles in zoos are. No one is allowed to own our National symbol. A quirky detail for a species that is basically ubiquitous with the United States zoo world.
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