Erie Zoo Information

Say what you'd like, the Erie Zoo is a step above the rest and when you compare it to others in larger cities, it ranks as well if not in some areas better. They are constantly trying to keep the Zoo up to date. New animals slowly come in one by one (not quite Ark like in 2 by 2's but they're trying!) and new babies are being born often. New birth at a zoo means one thing, the zoo is doing things right. This also helps to purchase or trade for other animals to other zoos. The Erie Zoo has a much smaller area to work with then the other surrounding, larger zoos but yet it still maintains nearly as many animals. What I love most is that you don't walk for miles, like some zoos, and see nothing. Every step there is something to view. The new Asian area is wonderful. Not only does it contain many wonderful animals in the exhibit, including a baby orangutan, but it also makes the walk through interesting for kids with hands on, push button questions and answers areas. During the summer hours a wonderful old train ride can be taken for very little cost. Travel through parts of the zoo in style as you get a tour of the new children's area and a special section saved just for the train riders. A carousel ride is always a must for kids young and old. The indoor exhibits offer more to look at on rainy, colder days than on sunny warm ones when many of the animals are let out to their outdoor pens. You can always enjoy the beautiful and oldest female gorilla in captivity, Samantha. While Sam may seem bored at times, she's far from it. She watches tv back in her private area, plays with visiting mice, and believe it or not watches the visitors as intently as they watch her. She's wonderful. Membership is a must for anyone visiting, not only because you can access the Erie Zoo free once the membership is purchased but many others throughout the US and Canada. more

The Erie Zoo can truly keep right up there with the larger zoos surrounding us. They may not have as much room and acreage but they truly do have exhibits that are just as beautiful, up to date and as many animal species to see. There is nothing more fun than a day at the Erie Zoo. You can spend an entire day viewing hundreds of animals and enjoying the sites and sounds. Take a picnic along with you or eat at their food stands, which of course carries Smith Hot Dogs (a long standing Erie tradition). Pizza, pretzels, nachos, popcorn and drinks can all be bought for a reasonable price. So you can enjoy a snack or take in a lunch of pizza and soda or hot dogs and soda for a fairly small amount. The baby orangutan will keep you laughing for hours as he ducks under blankets and climbs his mom for fun. The oldest female gorilla in captivity is always interesting to watch as she sometimes will play with a 'pet mouse' that comes in to visit. Samantha recently lost her long time love, Rudy, but they're currently going to try to introduce a new male to her. We're hoping to have 2 gorillas to view soon! The outdoor attractions include lions, warthogs, rhinos and more. The African exhibit will make you feel like you've stepped into an African Safari as you view the animals from the deck. This is a place to stop for sure, if you're an out of town visitor and if you're a local... don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy something this wonderful in your own back yard! more

Erie Zoo is a nice place to take the kids on a warm summer day. They, of course, have animals, a train, concession stands, and a petting zoo. Unfortunately, the prices may be going up next season. Even still, the Erie Zoo is a good bargain and family friendly entertainment. They have Zoo Boo in the fall and a lights exhibit in the winter around Christmas time. Check these out. more

This is the perfect zoo to take the family. It is small enough everything can be seen within a few hours and is not overly exhausting for young kids. They have a beautiful carosel and a train ride. Parking is free and it is only $6 for admission. Great day for the family without breaking the bank. more