Don’t let late afternoon showers keep you away from the Guadalajara Zoo this summer and fall. The zoo’s excellent collection of critters are apparently reveling in the lower temperatures and lush vegetation that should last through October.
Of course, the sharks in their popular (and expensive) new attraction are oblivious to the cool, leafy areas enjoyed by visitors and terrestrial animals this time of year. But many other large species — notably the polar bears, lions, white tigers and brown bears — appear so refreshed that they exhibit vigorous activity which, during a recent visit, had even adults running to find out what the com
motion was about.
And the regular ticket, which does not include the shark show, has the advantage of being cheaper — a mere 57 pesos — while kids get in for an astounding one peso. The zoo has obviously gotten the word about keeping prices low during tough economic times.
Of course, there were a few slackards, such as a hippopotamus who apparently felt that occasionally blowing a little water and air out of its nostrils was all that could be expected. Ditto the large snakes in the reptile exhibit (herpetario) who know all they have to do to find favor is BE BIG. One cobra folded itself in a neat coil and snoozed high in a tree, much like a cheetah in another area, another of the zoo’s few loafers.
But even the normally slow tortoises were in active mode. A pair of them engaged in “relaciones sexuales,” as one little girl in the crowd of turtle watchers crowed. While the reptiles’ antics were not exactly speedy, they were vigorous and, of course, long lasting.
But the kings of the ruckus, naturally, were the lions. Roaring loudly and for no apparent reason, they were magnets for visitors startled from idyllic reveries far away.
All the polar bears I have seen at other zoos were asleep, but not those at the Guadalajara zoo. One big guy leapt onto a blue barrel floating in his lake and, with all 20 incredibly long claws, clung to it upside down as he frolicked. Nearby, three smaller black bears were hanging from their Jungle Jim like monkeys, while the true monkeys in another area, like telenovela characters, engaged in dramatic domestic disputes that had visitors on pins and needles.
On more practical matters, zoo visitors can enjoy a shady parking lot near the entrance for 38 pesos, plenty of drinking fountains and wheelchair friendly ramps. (Only a few parents could be seen lifting strollers in areas without ramps.) Wheelchairs and strollers are for rent at the entrances. The snack bars are average, but ice cream bars are sold and there are nice picnic areas.
Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Selva Magica amusement park open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Telephone: (33) 3674-4488 and 3674-4360; website: www.zooguadalajara.com.mx. Located near Periferico and Calzada de Independencia on the metro area’s north side, walking distance for the hardy from northern extreme of the Macrobus. Packet w/train: 80/21 pesos; Masai Safari: 80/13 pesos; Aquarium w/shark show: 95/18 pesos (submergible shark capsule: 350 pesos); Premier Packet w/everything: 132/48 pesos.
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