Designed in 1909 by architect John Olmsted, this is
one of the oldest zoos on the West Coast. Occupying an area of 92 acres,
the landscape offers a natural habitat for nearly 300 animal species.
Reflecting a naturalistic mission to advocate conservation and education
while imparting the value of an ecological perspective, the animal
habitats are as close to nature as possible. African mammals roam
grasslands of a savanna; Asian elephants thrive in Thai-style setting;
grizzly bears frolic over logs and in a stream running down a steep
hill. A popular attraction for families with young children is the
petting zoo, literally a hands-on activity that’s fun and educational.
Woodland Park Zoo
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601 North 59th St
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206 684 4800
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Open
mid-Mar–Apr: 9:30am–5pm daily; May–mid-Sep: 9:30am–6pm daily;
mid-Sep–mid-Oct: 9:30am–5pm daily; mid-Oct– mid-Mar: 9:30am– 4pm daily
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Adm: Adults (13-64) $10, child (3-12) $7, toddler (0–2) free
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www.zoo.org
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The zoo departs from its
main agenda every summer with one of Seattle’s musical highlights.
Residents from the surrounding neighborhood and all over town meet on
the North Meadow in the late afternoons and early evenings for a picnic
dinner, and take in entertainment from some of the best known musicians
worldwide. In keeping with the zoo’s family theme, children under 12 are
admitted free.
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Main entrance gate to Woodland Park Zoo
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Inside the West Gate are
several places to eat in the Pavillion, where you’ll find the Naturally
Untamed Grill, the Rainforest Deli, Bamboo Hut, and other food counters.
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You can visit Woodland Park across Hwy 99 (Aurora Avenue) from the zoo.
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Gardeners reserve their cherished spot each year when zoo officials unload prized composted animal manure – ZooDoo.
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Look out for the iridescent tail feathers of resident peacocks who wander the walkways and surprise onlookers.
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Top 10 Sights
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Jaguar
The
largest cat species in the Western Hemisphere found a home here in
2003. The habitat features a cave, a pool for his swimming preferences,
and jungle-like terrain that brings the fearsome animal close enough to
touch save for the glass enclosure.
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Gorillas
In
one of the most cherished spots at the zoo you can view two
multi-generational gorilla families, cavorting only inches away on the
other side of the glass.
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Elephant House
View
zookeepers groom and feed the Asian elephants several times a day.
There are also scheduled demonstrations of elephants performing tasks
such as log stacking.
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African Savanna
Lions,
giraffes, hippos, spotted hyenas, gazelles, wild dogs, white-faced
whistling duck, patas monkey, zebras, and Egyptian geese make this
city-bound safari one of the largest and most exhilarating places.
Observe from an overlook dedicated to guitarist and Seattle native Jimi
Hendrix.
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Nocturnals
Take
a break from the screech and howls of outdoor wildlife for the dark and
silent mysteries of nocturnal creatures. Watch boas, pythons, vampire
bats, tomato frogs, blue-tongued skinks, and much more.
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Birds of Prey
Watch
falconers send regal winged predators out and back by the Raptor
Center. Perched on fence posts, owls and red-tailed hawks may reside
calmly in full panoramic view.
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Northern Trail
This
is where to find the deceptively playful-looking grizzly bears. Nearby,
packs of gray or white wolves seem haunted, and the extremely
threatened river otters dive underwater and re-surface with total
abandon.
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Orangutans/ Siamangs
With
intelligence that approaches our own, orangutans are still hilarious to
observe. Also view siamangs, native to the island of Sumatra and the
Malay Peninsula.
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Komodo Dragons
The
world’s largest carnivorous lizards can weigh as much as 500 pounds
(226 kg) with a length of 9 ft (3 m), and are excellent swimmers. Not
recommended for pets, but great for the imagination.
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Plants & Pathways
Take
the time to appreciate the careful consideration zoo land-scapers have
given to this human environment. The shrubbery is lush and plentiful,
and lends an exotic ambience to the occasion.
