7 tips to make sure you see active animals at the zoo

Do you remember that feeling of wonder when you saw a zoo animal active in its enclosure? Such as seeing an elephant playing in the water. Or monkey's chasing each other across their jungle gym. When planning a day out to the zoo you don't want to leave feeling like the experience was wasted by viewing the animals at their nap time. Unbeknownst to the public, there are some tips that can help any animal enthusiast get a full experience from the local zoo or even a zoo in another state.

Web Cams

Live streams or webcams are a popular method of media that's been utilized in many zoos across the country over the years. People have the free service to view the activity of animals all through the day. This is rewarding to many people because certain zoos might have specific animals that can't be found anywhere else. During the pandemic shutdown, webcams became incredibly popular. They were a way people could see zoo animal activity in the comfort of their homes.

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams

Mornings and Afternoons

Based on the normal eating and sleeping patterns of a majority of zoo animals the mornings and afternoons are the prime time to see animals out and about. Typically, the zookeepers give out their diets first thing in the morning, and then again in the afternoon. Zookeepers like this feeding schedule because the temperature will be at its coolest then. They don't want to force the animals to eat in the hottest or most uncomfortable part of the day. For example, lions normally sleep most of the day by basking in the sun, so it's better to see them active as they eat in the morning. An added bonus to the mornings and afternoons is that the crowds would be minimal, the crowds typically arriving around noon.

Image taken by: Mary Schettler

https://noogatoday.6amcity.com/5-cool-tips-for-enjoying-a-zoo-trip-this-summer/

Training

Training sessions with the animals are often a featured activity of a zoo. Information to learn more about if it's offered at a particular zoo should be on their official website or by asking a zoo worker if it's available. The training sessions are a form of enrichment that which zookeepers engage with the animal to teach them behaviors and or new tricks. These sessions are done in front of a crowd as a way to teach visitors about wildlife. It's an engaging and fun experience to view the animals doing these activities. But visitors must do research beforehand to find if they are offered at your local zoo and what time they happen.

Offered Experiences

Depending on the zoo, they might offer specialized experiences for visitors. This typically would be an added expense to the ticket that the visitor already bought. Specialized experiences could include a close-up view of elephant or rhino feedings (feeding experiences are normally done with herbivores) or a zookeeper behind-the-scenes tour. These paid-for experiences are a great way to ensure seeing animal activity with the added bonus of engaging with a zoo animal yourself. But not every zoo offers these, so research beforehand or get in contact with your local zoo worker to find out more information.

Understanding a Species

Individual species react to weather and climate in different ways. It's the zookeeper's job to make sure every animal in their care is comfortable and happy. For animals that can't handle the cold weather well, zookeepers use tools and enrichment to ensure that they are kept warm. Animals that can't handle heat are given ways to help them cool down when they need it. Animals have natural reactions that help them handle outside stimuli. For example, when a tiger overheats they cool down by swimming. They are one of the only cats that enjoy swimming. Understanding a species' reaction to stimuli can help a visitor's chances of viewing animal activity.

Image taken by: Mary Schettler

Animal lists

In this age of the internet, many zoos have their own personal websites that describe their zoo. Along with specific information about location, hours, and costs. Another feature that zoo websites like to use are animal lists. This is where people can do research about the zoo they are planning to visit. A reader can learn about what specific animals live at the zoo and plan to visit them accordingly.

Weather Factor

Enclosures have the option available to animals to choose between an inside or outside space. The animals are never forced to be on display. The weather and an animals' tolerance to a climate will affect their choice to inside or outside. Such as in winter, an elephant wouldn't like to be outside often but a polar bear might be more active outside.

Overall, plan out your zoo visit the best you can by identifying the animals you definitely want to visit and see them when they are naturally more active. Armed with this knowledge you'll be able to have a better chance at seeing active animals at your zoo. You'll take away a fun memory and experience with each visit. Doesn't that sound exciting? Enjoy!