We’re Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo
by Michele Roger
The roars, the crowds and well, the smells; it’s all part of the excitement that accompanies a trip to the zoo. For some patrons on the autism spectrum, it’s some of these same aspects of a day at the zoo that can make it a challenge.
Zoos from around the world have come to appreciate that everyone experiences the zoo in their own way and have set up programs to help everyone enjoy the beauty and splendor of the animals.
London Zoo
Established in 1826, the London Zoo sits at the north edge of Regent’s Park between West Minster and Camden. The London Zoo is known for being the first zoo to open a reptile house in 1849, as well as the first children’s zoo in 1938.
In keeping with its pioneering tradition, London was one of the first zoos to create a digital package for autistic students attending with their school. The interactive, digital tour and printable pack is meant to be used ahead of the visit. The online tour goes through … continue reading the Summer 2019 issue.
Picnics make summer outings complete, so we wanted to share a fun idea with a Mediterranean flare.
In December of 2018 the Oregon Zoo said goodbye to Eddie, the sea otter, one of the oldest sea otters in the world. Wild otters often live between fifteen and twenty years. Eddie celebrated nearly 21.
When visitors come to Seattle, there are a few must-see sites. Besides the space needle and Pike Street Market, I insist my guests visit the Woodland Park Zoo.
Oakland is a well-known spot for arts and culture, but not everyone knows that it is also the home of the nation’s oldest wildlife reserve, Lake Merritt Refuge, established in 1870.
Disney Studios, over the decades, has prominently featured our animal friends in hundreds of its movies, from live action (including Greyfriars Bobby [1961], That Darn Cat! [1965], Murder She Purred [1998] and Dumbo [2019]) to animated classic such as Bambi [1942], The Aristocats [1970], my personal favorite Robin Hood [1973] and everyone’s, The Lion King [1994].
Rescue missions were our specialty, though up to this point in time all previous missions involved only G. I. Joes. This was our first live specimen, zoological rescue, and no thirteen- and fourteen-year-old, two-kid team was more prepared than Ron and me.
Summer is that wonderful time of year when people get out into the sunshine. A favorite destination is the zoo. There’s nothing like seeing a tiger roar in person or watching a hippopotamus enjoying a swim. Here’s a way to make it possible to visit the zoo every day, and the zoo can be completely different every time.
If you are looking for an interesting trip, Iceland. is something different to do this summer. Either stopping over on a longer flight to Europe or simply a visit to Iceland for itself, there is plenty to see and do.