Something Old, Something New... 100 Years at the ZOO!

    I am always excited to see Kansas City repairing, restoring, preserving, and taking care of the treasures we HAVE instead of always building new and ignoring/neglecting the old. I'm thrilled to see a new improved Kauffman Stadium that preserves one of America's most BEAUTIFUL ballparks. I am amazed by the new Liberty Memorial. And I am completely in love with the Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library housed in the former Federal Reserve Bank. It is wonderful to see these landmark locations alive and vibrant and useful!

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    Today, I was excited to visit the newest addition to the list of "restored/reused Kansas City Treasures".... the original 1909 Zoo Building has been converted into the all new Tropics exhibit! How appropriate to celebrate 100 years at the Zoo by opening an exhibit in the original building. 

    When I was a child, the building (near the sea lions) was known as the Tropical Habitat. For many years now, the building has been closed to the public. Last week, it reopened as an all new e

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xhibit your children will love!

    Before I tell you about the fantastic animals in the exhibit, I have to be a bit practical... as a mom I was delighted to see more animals in the American section of the zoo before you head out to Africa. I'm thrilled to have another indoor air-conditioned option to beat the heat in the summer. And I am ECSTATIC that they used an existing building to create this terrific exhibit for families.

    So, what will you see in the Tropics? Gibbons dance and climb across the glass ceiling.... my daughters and niece were delighted to see them scampering about overhead! Saki monkeys, golden lion tamarins, mona and blue monkeys, and a variety of tropical birds abound. The exhibit is lush with plants and waterfalls. One of things we loved most... these were ACTIVE animals. Don't get me wrong, I love the lions, but more often than not they are snoozing when we pay them a visit. It was great to see animals swinging from the trees, playing, flying, chirping, eating, and living life.

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    This is a "must see in KC" hot spot this summer. Don't miss out on a trip to the zoo and don't forget your camera!