Lions, leopards and bears, oh my! Explore the wonderful world of
Mother Nature's creatures at area zoos, aquariums and whale watches
by Scott Roberto
Glimpsing wildlife in Boston doesn't just mean coming face-to-face with monstrous sewer rats, pesky pigeons and the occasional dumpster-diving skunk or raccoon. Experiencing wildlife in the confines of any urban area-unless you're talking about the kind of "wild life" more likely seen of MTV's "Spring Break" than the Discovery Channel-is a rare occurrence. And since an African safari is beyond the budget of most folks, their chances of seeing truly exotic critters up close would seem to be slim.
That's why the importance of zoos and aquariums as educational and conservational forces can't be overlooked, because, let's face it-out of sight, out of mind. Fortunately for Bostonians and visitors to the Hub, several exceptional facilities in the area allow them to observe, learn about, and sometimes even interact with creatures of various shapes and sizes from all over the world. The following survey compiles the best places in and around the region to view some of the most fascinating animals that have ever walked, hopped, crawled, soared or swam, from wolves, gorillas and kangaroos, to sharks, sea turtles and humpback whales.
Franklin Park Zoo
One Franklin Park Road, 617-541-LION
This zoological attraction located in Dorchester's Franklin
Park-the "crown jewel" of Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace
park system-has been delighting visitors of all ages for more than
90 years. Rescued from near-ruin several years ago by the non-profit
corporation Zoo New England, the facility has grown tremendously in
recent times and boasts many world-class exhibits housing more than
210 species. One highlight is the indoor tropical forest
enclosure-one of the largest of its kind in the world-that is home
to a family of western lowland gorillas, most notably young Kira,
who was born at Franklin Park in 1999. Also featured are African
wild dogs, lions, giraffes, an Australian Outback display and the
recently re-opened Butterfly Landing, an outdoor garden swarming
with those colorful winged insects. And if you want to experience
that other kind of "wild life," the zoo's 6th annual black-tie gala
fundraiser, Zootopia! 2002, takes place on June 7 from 6:30
p.m.-midnight (call 617-989-2693 for more information). For access
to Franklin Park Zoo, take the MBTA's Orange Line to Forest Hills
and transfer to the Number 16 bus. Refer to listing in
Sightseeing.
King of the wild-Lions are just a few of the wild animals that inhabit Boston's Franklin Park Zoo. |
Museum of science
Science Park, 617-723-2500
Although its new permanent exhibit A Bird's World doesn't
showcase wildlife of the living variety, it does explore the
intricate nature of our feathered friends with its vast collection
of mounted birds. For those who prefer their creatures still
breathing, live animal demonstrations take place several times daily
and feature tamarins (a kind of monkey), snakes, turtles, frogs,
spiders and more. The Museum of Science is located near the Science
Park "T" stop on the Green Line. Refer to listing in
Museums.
New England Aquarium
Central Wharf, 617-973-5200
This undersea wonderland has long been a local favorite.
Boasting a central Caribbean coral reef tank swimming with sharks,
sea turtles, moray eels and the like, the Aquarium gives visitors a
rare glimpse of life beneath the waves. Other favorites include the
ever-popular penguins, the sea otters, a hands-on tide pool, daily
sea lion shows and the harbor seal enclosure in the plaza outside
the building. Their latest display, Living Links: Choices for
Survival, explores the connection between aquatic ecosystems, their
inhabitants and the larger environment, including how man's presence
effects it all. Centered around an indoor waterfall surrounded by a
re-creation of the Solomon Island's Morovo Lagoon in the South
Pacific, the exhibit showcases sea turtles, poison arrow frogs,
jellyfish, monkey-tailed skinks and an array of tropical fish. And
with the Aquarium's new 3-D Simons IMAX Theatre in place and an
expansion plan in the works, this outstanding facility is poised to
make an even bigger splash in the future. The Aquarium can be
reached via its namesake "T" stop on the Blue Line. Refer to listing
in Museums.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, R.I., 401-785-3510
Debuting in 1872 and constructed on the site of a farm donated
by Providence founder Roger Williams' great-great granddaughter,
this zoo was only the third such facility in the country. Winner of
numerous accolades, including a Yankee magazine "Editor's Pick" in
2001 and a Top Ten Zoo in America selection by Travel & Leisure
Family magazine in 1999, this 40-acre site lies less than an hour's
drive south of Boston down I-95. Over 1,000 animals from around the
globe populate the park, among them African elephants, polar bears
(including a cub born on site in 2000), lemurs, kangaroos and
giraffes (including two calves born in April). In addition, the
Zoo's education and conservation initiatives have been nationally
recognized many times over. Refer to listing in
Sightseeing.
Stone Zoo
149 Pond St., Stoneham, 781-438-5100
Situated next to Spot Pond reservoir since 1905, this sister to
Franklin Park Zoo lies only 10 miles north of Boston, just off
I-93's exit 34. At 26 acres, Stone Zoo is small but picturesque, and
is the site of the nation's first Earth Park, where visitors can
learn about conservation and the environment. The Zoo is also home
to Mexican gray wolves, snow leopards, llamas and reindeer. Opening
in June is the brand new Treasures of the Sierra Madre, an exhibit
exploring that mysterious Southwestern mountain range and its myriad
wildlife, including coyotes, jaguars and two orphaned cougar cubs
who have graciously been offered a new home in Stoneham. Refer to
listing in Sightseeing.
Bark at the moon-Wolf Hollow in Ipswich offers visitors an inside look at the world of these large land predators. |
Whale Watches
Beantown Whale Watch, Massachusetts Bay Lines,
60 Rowes Wharf, 617-542-8000; Boston Harbor Cruises, One Long Wharf,
617-227-4321; New England Aquarium, Central Wharf,
617-973-5281
These various whale watch operators run tours ranging anywhere
from three to five hours and most guarantee whale sightings. And
with famed Stellwagen Bank less than an hour ride off the
Massachusetts coast, it's no wonder. Home to finback, minke and
humpback whales, Stellwagen is the perfect environment for these
immense marine mammals to frolic and feed. A
whale watch cruise is sure to thrill,
enlighten and entertain. Huge whales aren't
the only attraction, though, as smaller
pilot whales and schools of dolphins are
regular visitors to these waters, as is the
giant but harmless basking shark. A recent
excursion from the New England Aquarium even
spotted a beluga whale, a rare sight in
these parts considering these snow-white
cetaceans usually reside in frigid Arctic
waters. Refer to listings in
Sightseeing.
Wolf Hollow
114 Essex Road, Ipswich, 978-356-0216
This non-profit wildlife haven, a fixture on the North Shore
since 1990, is home to a pack of eight British Columbian timber
wolves. Located in the seaside community of Ipswich about 25 miles
north of Boston, Wolf Hollow helps educate the public about the role
these predators play in the environment, with a view toward their
preservation. You'll also learn about the social interaction of an
actual inter-generational wolf family in a natural setting. A
popular field trip destination, it's open on weekends (weather
permitting) to the general public for hour-long demonstrations at
1:30 p.m. You'll be invited to observe the pack at close range
during an educational lecture, and even howl with the wolves at its
conclusion. Groups of 20 or more are welcome on weekdays by
appointment. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3.50
for children ages 3-17. For those seeking a more in-depth view of
lupine behavior, occasional one-day seminars offer a chance to
interact with individual wolves. Upcoming seminars are held on May
31 and June 7.
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