America’s Best Zoos

A Travel Guide for Fans and Families

by Allen W. Nyhuis & John Wassner

reviewed by Dave Shultz

When we were kids, one of our favorite things to do was take a trip to the zoo. Why did growing up mean we stop visiting zoos? I think there’s still a lot of kid in all of us and the best way to find that inner child is a trip to the zoo.

America’s Best Zoos is far more than a collection of the nation’s best zoos. It’s a true guide on how to get the best experience from your visit, what exotic animals to look for and useful reviews of the zoos with information that goes way beyond the brochures you get from the Chamber of Commerce.

The book is divided into geographical areas of the country and the best zoos in each area. Once you choose an area and start looking at the zoos that have been reviewed, you realize just how much research the authors put into their selections.

In addition to addresses and hours of operation, you’ll get admission fees, real world directions, a Don’t Miss section, a For Kids section, Author’s Tips, Featured Exhibits and what’s in progress for the future. There’s even a Best of the Rest section for each area of zoos worthy of note that didn’t get a full review. They also offer animal viewing and photography tips. For example, if the zoo had underwater viewing of semi-aquatic animals such as polar bears or hippos, “try to visit them early in the day since they often start their day with a morning swim.”

Another great benefit of visiting zoos is the cost. We all love Disney World but compare that cost with the adult fare for most zoos of well under $20. Even with snacks for the whole family, a zoo is a bargain worthy of the most frugal traveler.

Even for a zoo fan that visits frequently, there is information in this book that is sure to surprise you. Pick up a copy and keep it handy when you travel. It will make any zoo visit more interesting and fun for you and your family. Just because you grew up doesn’t mean you can’t be a kid occasionally.

Tip: Did you know that zoos attract more visitors annually than all US spectator sports combined?

America’s Best Zoos
A Travel Guide for Fans and Families
ISBN: 978-1-887140-76-8
320 Pages, 110 B&W photos, 7 maps, Glossary, Animal Index
US $15.95
www.IntrepidTraveler.com