Niabi Zoo Adventure

 

On the second day of our camping trip we visited the Niabi Zoo, which we learned was fairly new.  Just like the Putnam Museum, it was fantastic!  So kid-friendly!

The very first thing we did when we arrived was to take a train tour of the zoo. 

We really didn't have much of a choice, as Gabe (as well as Peter and Miss Boo) would have had a nervous break down otherwise.

There were sculptures all over the place that the kids could climb on.  I have at least twenty photos of the kids on cement animals.  They were very insistent about having their picture taken with each. and. every. animal.

I thought that the zoo's use of additional purchase options was very clever.  For instance, for $1 you could purchase a small handful of fish food to feed the well-fattened fish and the equal well-fed swans and ducks.  $1 isn't much, so it's easy for a parent to justify the expense of placating a begging child.

(Handyman and I, however are cruel, heartless, and cheap parents who are immune to begging children.  We reminded the kids that we have koi at home that they can fatten for free.  The kids were not impressed.)

The bird aviary was another great example of clever marketing.  For $1 you could purchase a cup of nectar with which to entice greedy birds onto your arm.  Gabe, at least, was not eager to try this experience.

*Sqwakkk!* "Kids for breakfast, kids for breakfast!"

A wonderful place to visit and one I'd certainly recommend!