Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Opens African Journey

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, consistently ranked in the nation's top ten zoos for children, opened a new exhibit June 6, 2009. The $9 million African Journey exhibit covers 20 acres and has been two years in the making.

Begin your journey to Africa by walking through a tunnel connecting the central zoo to the new exhibit. You'll emerge from the tunnel feeling that you're really in Africa as you observe pools, plants, and grasses native to the continent.

Follow the Savannah Trail through the exhibit, which features various ecosystems of Africa: grasslands, woodlands, streams, and huge rock outcroppings ("kopjes").

The African Journey's most anticipated new animals are African lions Bill and Ina. You'll also see swamp monkeys, white pelicans, hyenas, vultures, giraffes, and zebras. You can do more than just look at the giraffes: there is a feeding station where you can offer a leaf of lettuce to Mystic, Luna, or Jelani. Amber Eagleson, African Journey area manager, says that the giraffes are "very gentle," but cautions "I guarantee you'll probably get giraffe slobber on you." Ah, well - it's all a part of the experience (and besides, there is a hand-washing station nearby).

The kids will enjoy taking a break while playing on an authentic Land Rover, and exploring kopje rock formations and caves. There are African drums to beat and an African village offering refreshments to the weary.

One of the biggest thrills of the African Journey also offers the best view. The Sky Safari Ride (a refurbished ski lift purchased from a resort) takes you 38' high over the exhibit for a bird's-eye view of the African landscape.

Once you've experienced Africa to your heart's content, the rest of the zoo beckons. The Central Zoo boasts monkeys, wallabies, exotic birds, sea lions, to name just some of the animals, and a train ride where you can relax as you take a jaunt around parts of the zoo you wouldn't otherwise see. A favorite of our family is the Indiana Family Farm with farm animals and a goat-petting area,

You'll also want to visit the Australian Adventure, where you can see kangaroos, dingoes, black swans, and other animals from the Land Down Under. Enjoy a leisurely log ride through the shade trees and observe sharks and other sea creatures in the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.

The Indonesian Rain Forest features a huge dome, creating a tropical environment evocative of a rain forest. You'll love seeing banana trees growing right over your shoulder, and seeing butterflies flit right in front of you. There are exhibits with tigers and orangutans (to name just a few), and even a beautifully painted endangered animals carousel.

Our family has been zoo members for years, and no many how many times we visit, there is always something new to explore. You could easily spend a half day - and probably a full day if you take your time - at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.