When I was young, the zoo was one of my favorite stops, but for some reason since becoming an adult, it has lost its allure. I was quite reluctant to visit the zoo this summer. However, convinced by my significant other, we visited the zoo for a quick morning brunch in Calgary. I was pleasantly surprised at my experience and found this to be a great way to connect with loved ones. Moreover, I felt more connected with nature and definitely reached my step goal for the day. I found the experience to be overall therapeutic and left feeling in a better mood.
Here’s a few reasons why visiting the zoo this summer might be a great date night idea:
Educational experience: Zoos offer a unique opportunity to learn about various animal species from around the world. It’s a chance to see animals up close, observe their behaviors, and learn interesting facts about their habitats and conservation efforts. It can be a valuable educational experience, especially for children but also for adults. Many zoos feature local species and even plant conservatories which make them a great place to learn and connect with the natural world. I found that going early in the day allowed me to avoid the crowd and be able to read educational bulletins better than when the zoo is crowded.
Conservation awareness: Many modern zoos prioritize conservation efforts and work toward protecting endangered species. By visiting the zoo, you can support these initiatives and learn about the importance of conservation and biodiversity. Zoos often have educational exhibits and programs that highlight the conservation challenges faced by different species. After brunch, we visited the bird sanctuary, and some zookeepers were also presenting on the various species and their diminishing populations due to climate change. I found this helped me become more aware of the importance of reducing our carbon footprint. This is not something I think about every day, but certainly came to my awareness more when I visited the zoo.
Entertainment value: Zoos often organize various activities and shows during the summer months to enhance the visitor experience. These may include live animal demonstrations, feeding sessions, and educational presentations. Some zoos also have playgrounds, picnic areas, or rides, making it a fun-filled day for everyone. On this particular occasion, I had some tickets for a zoo brunch which featured a buffet style brunch inside a tropical plant greenhouse. It was a neat experience that transported me out of modern restaurant brunch experience.
Outdoor experience: My favorite part of being at the zoo is being able to get my exercise levels up. For example, spending a few hours at the zoo made me feel so relaxing and in tune with nature. I felt that I was able to make the most of my step count and enjoy some deep meaningful conversations with my partner. If you’re visiting with family or friends, this is a great way to connect and also sightsee the different animals. Summer weather allows for pleasant outdoor activities, and visiting the zoo provides an opportunity to spend time outside, surrounded by nature. You can enjoy walking through beautifully landscaped gardens, soaking up the sunshine, and exploring the different exhibits at your own pace.
Photography opportunities: For the AU student photographers, zoos are an excellent place to take both nature and portrait shots. Throughout my trip, I saw many couple shoots and family photo shoots. For myself, I love toying with vlogging cameras and loved my experience zooming in on nature. Zoos provide excellent opportunities for photography enthusiasts to experiment with different techniques and capture unique moments.
