You remember the Simon and Garfunkel song, “At the Zoo,” right? The zoo was where it was happening, whether it was the orangutans or the zebras, the zoo was a wild (pun intended) and crazy place.
So with that tune blaring from the car’s radio, Cutest and I drove over to Swope Park, the Kansas City headquarters for all things zooish.
Now if you haven’t been to the zoo since a field trip in the fifth grade, or even in the last five years, the zoo has changed. The biggest and newest addition is the SOBELA Ocean Aquarium. (BTW, that name is an acronym for the grandchildren of Shirley and Barnett Helzberg who first proposed the feature over ten years ago.)
Kansas Citians can now boast about their first-rate aquarium that displays real life, in the wet representations from much of-the underwater world. Sharks, octopus (very good at hiding itself, we couldn't find it but the sign said it was there) eels, turtles, rays for a total of overe 8,000 varieties in 650,000 gallons of ocean water.
Huge windows give you theater-like viewing opportunities. Pass the popcorn please while I try to drag a mesmerized Cutest away from the jellyfish.
Of course there’s a petting pond in the aquarium, sharks, thousands of fish and the ever-present gift store. Outside the aquarium, you shouldn't miss the wonderful penquins, elephants, giraffes, snakes, monkeys and so much more. We couldn't see it all in one day.
Unless you like toddlers and elementary school-aged children swimming around your ankles all day, I would suggest visiting the aquarium on a week day or after school has resumed this Fall. So add this to your local adventure list.
You don’t have to take a grandchild; it’s quite relaxing when you don’t have to keep tabs on the little buggers, and can just enjoy. They even sell beer at the zoo. Like Simon and Garfunkel said, it’s all happening at the zoo!
P.S. In the meantime, want to at least hear the song? Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xKLBne1CoI
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