Review of Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, Illinois

Henson Robinson Zoo, located in Springfield Illinois is named after Henson C. Robinson. Back in 1967, the City of Springfield donated land to the Springfield Park District to fulfill a dream Henson C. Robinson had. That dream was to have a zoo in the city he resided in. Construction on Henson Robinson Zoo broke ground in 1968 and was completed, opened and dedicated in named after Henson C. Robinson in 1970. Henson died before he could seeing his dream completed in 1964 but will be remembered for the civic efforts he put forth in making the community aware of the need of a children's zoo in Springfield.

Henson Robinson Zoo now houses over 300 animals native to various continents around the world. One of my kids' favorites is the crocodiles. The black bears are also a lot of fun to watch, if it is not too hot out and they are not hiding in their dens. The otters put on a great show for anyone who pays them the least bit of attention. The Canadian Geese, ducks, and peacocks, roam around freely and are happy to take the fish snacks that you can purchase for the fishpond from you. The zoo does not encourage, nor want you to feed the animals though with the exception of the fish. They are all on strict diets to meet their individual needs. Henson Robinson Zoo also has a petting zoo within the zoo itself. They have it set up much like a barnyard where they have horses, Billy goats, chickens, sheep, pigs, and various other animals tame enough for petting.

After walking around the zoo, you can grab some refreshments from their concession stand or have a picnic in their picnics area. Grills are provided. We have always either brought our own picnic or ate at home. It can get pricey to eat at Henson Robinson Zoo. Henson Robinson Zoo also houses a gift shop with unique animal gifts, postcards, and other various odd and ends.

I asked a couple locals to give me their opinion of the zoo; here are their responses:

T. Rolando, Springfield, IL.

1. What is your favorite part of the Henson Robinson Zoo?

I like the fact that there are zoo people at every exhibit and if it is possible for the children to touch the animals, they are allowed to do so. They are instructed in the proper way to handle them, are given facts about the habitat and what each of the animals eats. They also talk about where, geographically, the animals live in the wild.

2. What is your favorite animal in the Henson Robinson Zoo? Why?

I have always been partial to giraffes. I'm told they should not be able to hold their heads up and walk because their necks are so long. Giraffes are one of the tallest mammals. Males weigh between 2,400 and 3,000 pounds and stand as tall as 19 feet. The females weigh between 1,600 and 2,600 pounds and stand up to 16 feet tall.

3. Was there anything you did not like about Henson Robinson Zoo? If so, what?

The only thing that comes to mind is that you have to go through the gift shop to exit the zoo. By the time the kids have gone all the way through the zoo they are usually tired and a little grumpy. Having to steer them through a store, where they see hundreds of things they 'have to have', is no small task. The upside of the gift shop is that they have educational toys and games that you may not find anywhere else. It might be a better solution if they had a monitored fenced playground where the kids can run amok while the parents look through the store for souvenirs without any undo influence.

T. Tobias, Springfield, IL.

1. What is your favorite part of the Henson Robinson Zoo?

I am not sure I have a favorite part. I know I am a little old for it, but I do like to feed the fish and I also like the petting zoo.

(T. Tobias is 17 years old)

2. What is your favorite animal at Henson Robinson Zoo?

I like the monkeys the best, but the bears are fun to watch but are only out early in the day or later in the day. The monkeys love to put on a show for you with their antics. One spit at me once. I about died laughing as did my friends. I guess he didn't like me much or thought I was funny. One monkey mocks your movements. It is fun to mess with him.

3. Was there anything you did not like about Henson Robinson Zoo? If so, what?

I actually like all of it except for the prices in the gift shop and for the food. I understand the reason behind the prices though. They are higher because it helps fund the zoo so even though I don't like them I will pay them to help the animals.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognize Henson Robinson Zoo. The zoo is open year round, Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and on weekends 10am to 6pm. In March through November Henson Robinson Zoo closes at 4 pm. The only days they are totally closed for business are Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Children under two are free, 3-12-yrs of age is $2.25, adults (13-61-yrs of age) $4.00, and seniors entry fee is $2.50.

Henson Robinson Zoo also has many educational and fun activities scheduled for adults and children through out the year. Henson Robinson Zoo Is located at 1100 E Lake Shore Dr. in Springfield, Illinois.Feel free to check out their web site for upcoming events your whole family would enjoy.

http://www.hensonrobinsonzoo.org/page.php?2