I got in trouble at the St. Louis Zoo!

[Kassaundra]

I was at the St Louis zoo a few months ago and love that penguin exhibit!!! The low fence made for amazing picture opportunities that are not available at other zoos. I'm sure getting to pet them was amazing, but biosecurity if for their protection, and I would hope they didn't have to put high walls up that hinder others enjoyment of the animals.

There are zoos in this country (usually very small) that allow more interaction w/ the animals. I live in a small town in OK and there is a little larger town approx 10 miles away (Okmulgee) that has a small family run zoo, that allows animal interaction. It is one of my favorite zoos for that reason and the awesome photography opportunities.

 

[chickendude]

Not to offend the OP here but common sense here will dictate that not every thing you see in a zoo is yours to touch. People get caught up in all the cuteness and don't take the time to think that it might not be such a great idea to .....fill in the blank for various situations.

 

[desertdarlene]

I didn't read all the comments, but I do agree that, for the protection of the animals, they shouldn't have had the wall so low an 8 year old could reach in and pet the penguin. Even if it seems to be common sense that you don't reach out and pet a strange animal without permission, someone will try it even if signs were posted saying that they will bite. They can erect a barrier without really hindering the view and photo opportunities.

ETA: I just went back and red some of the other posts and wanted to comment on the petting zoo post. A petting zoo is supposed to be a place where you can interact with the animals, feed and pet them (if they are willing). I think our zoo/wild animal park has hand sanitizers there that you're supposed to use before and after you pet. Also, in this one aquarium, they have signs saying to wash your hands before and after you pet the animals. I know that doesn't negate any germiness, but at least it's something. But, the whole point is that it is assumed that you can pet the animals unless you are specifically told not to (hence "petting zoo").

 

[Cat Water]

I got in trouble at the Philadelphia Zoo once. There was some kind of monkey making a noise and was looking at me. I looked at it and made the noise back. And we did that a couple times. Some old lady that worked there ran to me out of nowhere and told me stop harrassing the animals! I wasn't informed that it was harrasment to imitate the monkeys. Oh, well. She knew more than I did, so I stopped. I wonder what a penguin feels like. I have pet dolphins and stingrays before.

 

[stanglover2001]

I'm surprised you didn't get thrown out!

I was at the Miami Zoo once and there is a turtle exhibit, and you know those really giant turtles? Well me and DH were passing by and looked behind us and this foreign group were over there pouring beer on the turtle!!! I was soo mad! But noone was around to let them know and I had to let it go. Also, went to Busch Gardens and the people there were petting the pink flamingos!

 

[Cat Water]

Oh, yeah! That reminds me! I pet pink flamingoes at Bush Gardens in Tampa Bay. They came right up to the side of the enclosure and started pecking the buttons on my shirt and "doing my hair!" An employee told us it was ok, though. It was very fun! He told us all their names and thier favorite games and it was just awesome!

 

[Rozzie]

I had a baby giraffe grab my shirt once and yank. Let's just say that a giraffe can really grab hold of things with that long tongue. I was lucky to keep my shirt.

(Before anyone gets upset, the baby giraffe was privately owned & in a petting zoo. I had not climbed into the giraffe enclosure at a zoo.)

 

[Cat Water]

Oh that's cute!

I love giraffes!