It sounds like to me (from what I have read) that the Dallas Zoo is #1 in Texas as both authors of America's Best Zoos put the Wilds of Africa exhibit in their top 25 list of exhibits. With the upcoming Giants of the Savanna (which from the plans seems like it might be the best elephant exhibit in America) along with their excellent tiger exhibit the Dallas Zoo sounds like a really great zoo.
jbnbsn99's Texas Zoos
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ANyhuis
Well-Known Member
You intrigued me to look up and read AM's review (from 1994) of the Dallas Zoo. Yikes! What a scathing review! It sounded like he hated your Wilds of Africa! At the same time, I was rating Wilds of Africa the #2 exhibit in the nation (#6 in the current book). On top of this, AM wrote a long silly story about a masturbating gorilla in your zoo. No wonder you "cringe"!
jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
What I find funny about this is that our Gorilla habitat was one of the models for the Congo Gorilla Forest at the Bronx where he is/was affiliated. The aforementioned Gorilla I think was Fubo who is now at the Bronx and one of the leading breeders in the past few years if I'm not mistaken.
jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
Review of the Dallas World Aquarium
Time once again for another one of my enlightening, captivating, and overly long reviews. This time one of my local favorites; the Dallas World Aquarium. This is kind of a weird name for the place, as there is also a Dallas Aquarium. Unfortunately, I cannot review the Dallas Aquarium. There are two reasons for this. One is my status at the Dallas Zoo (which is the same organization as the Aquarium) and two, which is more important, is that the Aquarium is currently closed for a complete overhaul and renovations into the Dallas Children's Aquarium.
Onto the DWA. I honestly love the DWA, I think it's great, but it's kind of an odd place. It is not really an aquarium. Originally when the DWA opened it was a small facility with a few 2,000 gallon tanks and one 8,000 gallon tank. Nothing too impressive. Over the years several of the adjoining buildings were purchased and renovated and joined to make this the facility it is today. There are a total of 4 buildings that have gone into making the DWA. 3 have been conjoined, while a 4th has recently been connected via a sky bridge (more on that later).
So for our walk through.
As you enter the DWA (assuming you come in from the regular entrance and not the member entrance), there is a long winding path that takes you pasta few exhibits before you get to the ticket counter. These are all animals from the Indonesian islands (in particular, Borneo). nothing too impressive here, but something nice to look at while you wait in line. Here are Bali Mynah, Rhino Hornbills, and Matschie's Tree kangaroos. The only complaints that I've ever heard about this area are the Tree 'Roos. THis is your typical indoor smaller, arboreal mammal exhibit. Nothing great, but I don't think that it is too bad. Actually it's not indoors in the senso stricto. It is glassed in on one side, but bamboo fencing hold it in on at least one other side. Now you enter. To your right are the Fairy Penguins in their loft apartment. What a weird was to display your penguins. They are in an exhibit that is about 20 feet off the ground overlooking the small African Cape of Good Hope/Madagascar section. The exhibit is long and narrow, but provides plenty of swimming areas as well as land. As some of you have seen from the pics, it is a weird exhibit (I think I've already said that). One interesting thing about the DWA is that they utilize virtually every space possible for exhibits. Next to these penguins is a gift shop (neat layout of the place, you go through as you enter AND as you leave). This is the one and only time I've bought something at a gift shop. It was cheep, useful, and beloved by many members here - a guidebook. Maybe I should start collecting them?
Onto the big exhibits. The interesting thing about the DWA is their specialization. While other zoos (and I really do have to call this a zoo despite the moniker) try and diversify their collection as much as possible, the DWA has probably the most highly specified collection to be had. I mentioned the sections for Borneo and South Africa/Madagascar, but these areas seem to be an afterthought when compared to the 2 big areas. The first area is the Orinoco Forest of Venezuela. Everything in this section is from the Orinoco Forest/River. Here you have the complete ecosystem from the canopy dwellers to the rover dwellers from monkeys to insects, and from bats to fish. Pretty much all of the major fauna AND flora are in this section.
Your journey through the forest starts high up in the canopy of the forest. To your right is a beautiful exhibit for some of the most colorful birds I've ever seen - Tanagars and Manakins. To your left is the Howler Junction. Red Howler Monkeys are here. So are Boat-Billed Herons, Red-Handed Tamarins, Keel-Billed Toucan, and Red-footed Tortoises (have you ever noticed how many animal names have a hyphen in them?!?). Continuing along the path, and always to your right is an open area to the bottom of the river. A cascading waterfall from this highest point here provided a deafening roar (an also helps in the filtration I'm sure). Above the waterfall are the hardest exhibit to see at the DWA. They are for more tropical birds - Capuchins (birds, not monkeys) and Various Andean birds including the bird that every time it is typed on this forum it is asterisked out. Continuing along the path you catch your first glimpse of whats down below - Lobo del Rio to the Left and theriver bottom to the right. In the river is Monkey island home to Emperor Tamarins and White Faced Sakis. Next is a very small exhibit for a very small monkey - the Pygmy Marmoset. Odd, odd little enclosure, it kind of looks like a monkey terrarium. Further along you get to the Sloth Forest home to the only 3-toed sloths in North America. These are right out in the open, no real exhibit for them just a few trees that a keeper places the sloths in for a few hours each day. The don't do much and there is hardly any chance of escape. Next to the sloths is a glorious place - the bar. As there were numerous school groups there the day I went (I tried to avoid them - I really did!) I figured that the best way to combat them was through Tequila. Well not straight Tequila anyway, more in the form of a very strong margarita! It was good. They also served food, but that wasn't important anymore. Next up, after the booze stop, was another exhibit for Tamarins and Toucans (let's see if you can keep track of how many tamarin and toucan species we will encounter - or more gramatically correct - I encountered). Here we have Cotton-Top Tamarins (that pesky hyphen again) and Swainson's Toucan and maybe some others. We are still technically in the top level of the Orinoco Forest. Next up we finally descend a level to the understory. First up is the Lobo del Rio or Giant River Otters. They actually have a pretty cool exhibit. It is a two level exhibit with lots of tunnels for the otters. There is a nice underwater viewing area and the otters was playful as all otters are. I like the area. The effect of a mister on my second time through gave for a nice impression, but made for lousy photos. Next up a few exhibits for a green tree boa and poison dart frogs. You are waling above the river now and can get a better look at the Monkeys on monkey island and can start to make out some of the shapes swimming around in the water below. Next up, you guessed it, more Tamarins. Golden Lions this time. Further along you come to an interesting exhibit called the Rivers edge. Below in the water are 3 decent sized Anacondas with hundreds of Neon Tetras and some Discus fish. Above in seemingly the same exhibit (I assure you they are separate) are yet again more Tamarins and Toucans! Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins and Citron-Throated Toucans (we got Tamarins, Toucans, and hyphens all in that one sentence-huzzah!). A cave await you next. Here are vampire bats and a few bugs. Bats suck to photograph. I think I should stop trying. They keep moving, also it's dark. Next up come one of the crown jewels of the DWA, their Orinoco Crocodiles. Chances are if you've ever seen an Orinoco Croc, it is one of the offspring of the pair. They are the only breeding pair of Orinocos outside of Venezuela/Columbia. They are impressive looking too. I get to see Nile Crocs every day and think nothing of them, but these guys put our Niles to shame in size, production, and sheer awesomeness. Every year it seems that these two are producing viable eggs and there have even been releases back into the wild! Near here are a few smaller exhibit for frogs, caecilians, electric eel, polka-dot singray, and some turtles. Around the corner from here is a mixed exhibit for Owl monkeys and 2-toed sloths (yes they do have both 2- and 3-toed sloths here). You are finally at the edge of the river, the big tank for the fish, but to really appreciate them you have to descend a flight of stair to go under water. Down below a massive underwater viewing area opens up and you get to see the world below the river. Here are red-tailed catfish, arapima, Arrau Turtle, brown stingrays, and of course the only Antillean Manatees exhibited anywhere in the world. It seems all other manatees are the Florida subspecies of the Caribbean Manatee but these were rescued from the shores of Venezuela. By the time I got to the tank (400,000 gallons BTW) it was feeding time, and 2 divers were swimming into the tank giving a noon time snack to the creatures of the deep. The Manatees are wonderful to watch, so gentle and curious, the exact opposite of athletes foot.
We leave the Orinoco behind having traveled from the canopy to underneath the mighty river and enter into the original DWA, the aquarium exhibits. I won't go into too much detail here as this review is gotting far longer than I expected and I am only half-way through (and slightly drunk as well). Here you find 12 beautiful tanks from all over the world's oceans and seas. Palau, Southern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Soloman Islands, Fiji, New Guinea, British Columbia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, and two big exhibits for Leafy Sea Dragons and the various fish found on the continental shelf. Next to here is a book store. I can't say that too many zoos/aquaria have book stores. Typical book to be found in a gift shop appeal to the audience aged 5 and down. These books, could actually be used by Ph.D. candidates in zoology there were so good. To bad I'm a poor zoo worker or I would have bought a 12 volume encyclopedia detailing every known bird species.
New we head to the only outdoor exhibits at the DWA. These are for the Cape of Good Hope animals. This area is dominated by a nice area for the Black-Footed Penguins. There are only 2 birds here, but I do like the area, lots of room to swim and roost, seemingly more so than any other African penguin exhibit I've seen. Only penguin exhibit I've seen BTW that doesn't have underwater viewing, as you are actually above the penguins the whole time. There too is a small area for rock hyraxes, vulturine guinea fowls, and Yellow hornbills. The Madagascar section is seasonal, and very underwhelming. There are a few small terrariums here for Chameleons and bugs. A few days ago was the first time I had seen it open in a long time.
So ends part one, but don't fear, part 2 will follow shortly after I get this posted and make a stop by the fridge for a nice frost beverage (mmm beer). Trust me when I say part 2 will be shorter.
Time once again for another one of my enlightening, captivating, and overly long reviews. This time one of my local favorites; the Dallas World Aquarium. This is kind of a weird name for the place, as there is also a Dallas Aquarium. Unfortunately, I cannot review the Dallas Aquarium. There are two reasons for this. One is my status at the Dallas Zoo (which is the same organization as the Aquarium) and two, which is more important, is that the Aquarium is currently closed for a complete overhaul and renovations into the Dallas Children's Aquarium.
Onto the DWA. I honestly love the DWA, I think it's great, but it's kind of an odd place. It is not really an aquarium. Originally when the DWA opened it was a small facility with a few 2,000 gallon tanks and one 8,000 gallon tank. Nothing too impressive. Over the years several of the adjoining buildings were purchased and renovated and joined to make this the facility it is today. There are a total of 4 buildings that have gone into making the DWA. 3 have been conjoined, while a 4th has recently been connected via a sky bridge (more on that later).
So for our walk through.
As you enter the DWA (assuming you come in from the regular entrance and not the member entrance), there is a long winding path that takes you pasta few exhibits before you get to the ticket counter. These are all animals from the Indonesian islands (in particular, Borneo). nothing too impressive here, but something nice to look at while you wait in line. Here are Bali Mynah, Rhino Hornbills, and Matschie's Tree kangaroos. The only complaints that I've ever heard about this area are the Tree 'Roos. THis is your typical indoor smaller, arboreal mammal exhibit. Nothing great, but I don't think that it is too bad. Actually it's not indoors in the senso stricto. It is glassed in on one side, but bamboo fencing hold it in on at least one other side. Now you enter. To your right are the Fairy Penguins in their loft apartment. What a weird was to display your penguins. They are in an exhibit that is about 20 feet off the ground overlooking the small African Cape of Good Hope/Madagascar section. The exhibit is long and narrow, but provides plenty of swimming areas as well as land. As some of you have seen from the pics, it is a weird exhibit (I think I've already said that). One interesting thing about the DWA is that they utilize virtually every space possible for exhibits. Next to these penguins is a gift shop (neat layout of the place, you go through as you enter AND as you leave). This is the one and only time I've bought something at a gift shop. It was cheep, useful, and beloved by many members here - a guidebook. Maybe I should start collecting them?
Onto the big exhibits. The interesting thing about the DWA is their specialization. While other zoos (and I really do have to call this a zoo despite the moniker) try and diversify their collection as much as possible, the DWA has probably the most highly specified collection to be had. I mentioned the sections for Borneo and South Africa/Madagascar, but these areas seem to be an afterthought when compared to the 2 big areas. The first area is the Orinoco Forest of Venezuela. Everything in this section is from the Orinoco Forest/River. Here you have the complete ecosystem from the canopy dwellers to the rover dwellers from monkeys to insects, and from bats to fish. Pretty much all of the major fauna AND flora are in this section.
Your journey through the forest starts high up in the canopy of the forest. To your right is a beautiful exhibit for some of the most colorful birds I've ever seen - Tanagars and Manakins. To your left is the Howler Junction. Red Howler Monkeys are here. So are Boat-Billed Herons, Red-Handed Tamarins, Keel-Billed Toucan, and Red-footed Tortoises (have you ever noticed how many animal names have a hyphen in them?!?). Continuing along the path, and always to your right is an open area to the bottom of the river. A cascading waterfall from this highest point here provided a deafening roar (an also helps in the filtration I'm sure). Above the waterfall are the hardest exhibit to see at the DWA. They are for more tropical birds - Capuchins (birds, not monkeys) and Various Andean birds including the bird that every time it is typed on this forum it is asterisked out. Continuing along the path you catch your first glimpse of whats down below - Lobo del Rio to the Left and theriver bottom to the right. In the river is Monkey island home to Emperor Tamarins and White Faced Sakis. Next is a very small exhibit for a very small monkey - the Pygmy Marmoset. Odd, odd little enclosure, it kind of looks like a monkey terrarium. Further along you get to the Sloth Forest home to the only 3-toed sloths in North America. These are right out in the open, no real exhibit for them just a few trees that a keeper places the sloths in for a few hours each day. The don't do much and there is hardly any chance of escape. Next to the sloths is a glorious place - the bar. As there were numerous school groups there the day I went (I tried to avoid them - I really did!) I figured that the best way to combat them was through Tequila. Well not straight Tequila anyway, more in the form of a very strong margarita! It was good. They also served food, but that wasn't important anymore. Next up, after the booze stop, was another exhibit for Tamarins and Toucans (let's see if you can keep track of how many tamarin and toucan species we will encounter - or more gramatically correct - I encountered). Here we have Cotton-Top Tamarins (that pesky hyphen again) and Swainson's Toucan and maybe some others. We are still technically in the top level of the Orinoco Forest. Next up we finally descend a level to the understory. First up is the Lobo del Rio or Giant River Otters. They actually have a pretty cool exhibit. It is a two level exhibit with lots of tunnels for the otters. There is a nice underwater viewing area and the otters was playful as all otters are. I like the area. The effect of a mister on my second time through gave for a nice impression, but made for lousy photos. Next up a few exhibits for a green tree boa and poison dart frogs. You are waling above the river now and can get a better look at the Monkeys on monkey island and can start to make out some of the shapes swimming around in the water below. Next up, you guessed it, more Tamarins. Golden Lions this time. Further along you come to an interesting exhibit called the Rivers edge. Below in the water are 3 decent sized Anacondas with hundreds of Neon Tetras and some Discus fish. Above in seemingly the same exhibit (I assure you they are separate) are yet again more Tamarins and Toucans! Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins and Citron-Throated Toucans (we got Tamarins, Toucans, and hyphens all in that one sentence-huzzah!). A cave await you next. Here are vampire bats and a few bugs. Bats suck to photograph. I think I should stop trying. They keep moving, also it's dark. Next up come one of the crown jewels of the DWA, their Orinoco Crocodiles. Chances are if you've ever seen an Orinoco Croc, it is one of the offspring of the pair. They are the only breeding pair of Orinocos outside of Venezuela/Columbia. They are impressive looking too. I get to see Nile Crocs every day and think nothing of them, but these guys put our Niles to shame in size, production, and sheer awesomeness. Every year it seems that these two are producing viable eggs and there have even been releases back into the wild! Near here are a few smaller exhibit for frogs, caecilians, electric eel, polka-dot singray, and some turtles. Around the corner from here is a mixed exhibit for Owl monkeys and 2-toed sloths (yes they do have both 2- and 3-toed sloths here). You are finally at the edge of the river, the big tank for the fish, but to really appreciate them you have to descend a flight of stair to go under water. Down below a massive underwater viewing area opens up and you get to see the world below the river. Here are red-tailed catfish, arapima, Arrau Turtle, brown stingrays, and of course the only Antillean Manatees exhibited anywhere in the world. It seems all other manatees are the Florida subspecies of the Caribbean Manatee but these were rescued from the shores of Venezuela. By the time I got to the tank (400,000 gallons BTW) it was feeding time, and 2 divers were swimming into the tank giving a noon time snack to the creatures of the deep. The Manatees are wonderful to watch, so gentle and curious, the exact opposite of athletes foot.
We leave the Orinoco behind having traveled from the canopy to underneath the mighty river and enter into the original DWA, the aquarium exhibits. I won't go into too much detail here as this review is gotting far longer than I expected and I am only half-way through (and slightly drunk as well). Here you find 12 beautiful tanks from all over the world's oceans and seas. Palau, Southern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Soloman Islands, Fiji, New Guinea, British Columbia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, and two big exhibits for Leafy Sea Dragons and the various fish found on the continental shelf. Next to here is a book store. I can't say that too many zoos/aquaria have book stores. Typical book to be found in a gift shop appeal to the audience aged 5 and down. These books, could actually be used by Ph.D. candidates in zoology there were so good. To bad I'm a poor zoo worker or I would have bought a 12 volume encyclopedia detailing every known bird species.
New we head to the only outdoor exhibits at the DWA. These are for the Cape of Good Hope animals. This area is dominated by a nice area for the Black-Footed Penguins. There are only 2 birds here, but I do like the area, lots of room to swim and roost, seemingly more so than any other African penguin exhibit I've seen. Only penguin exhibit I've seen BTW that doesn't have underwater viewing, as you are actually above the penguins the whole time. There too is a small area for rock hyraxes, vulturine guinea fowls, and Yellow hornbills. The Madagascar section is seasonal, and very underwhelming. There are a few small terrariums here for Chameleons and bugs. A few days ago was the first time I had seen it open in a long time.
So ends part one, but don't fear, part 2 will follow shortly after I get this posted and make a stop by the fridge for a nice frost beverage (mmm beer). Trust me when I say part 2 will be shorter.
jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
Dallas World Aquarium Review - part the second
Here we are again, I've replenished my supply of brew, here we go.
There is only one more exhibit at the DWA, but it is on the same level of complexity as the Orinoco Forest. It is Mundo Maya, a look at the complete ecosystem of Central America. Here we take the opposite approach to the forest as we start in a cave at the bottom of a sinkhole or a Cenote. Here is the elusive Yapok or Water Opossum, the only one of its kind in captivity, and damn it if I didn't see it the other day. Oh well, my last time visiting more tham makes up for my lack of viewing of the aquatic marsupial this time. (The last time I was there, I got a private viewing of the back area and got to photograph the Yapok from the keepers area, just search Yapok and you can see all the photos I took of it, they are some of the only photos of the animal on the interweb). In the area are small exhibits for lizards, frogs, and their ilk. Another interesting ehxibit is the Fishes of the Cenote. Typical fish specimens from a Mexican sink hole - and screech owls. Same kind of set up as the Anaconda/tamarin/toucan exhibit in the Orinoco, they look like they are in the same exhibit but are indeed separate. Next to this is an area but burrowing owls and bunny rabbits (desert cottontails to be exact). Down the path is the deepest part of the cave. Here you find blind cave fish, also supposedly spiders. I didn't see any spiders, but I did look up and see some spider webs, though that could have been poor house keeping. Next is a long shallow tank for Axolotl, which may have to be the coolest name nor anything after Cthulu. Now the Cenote opens up into a large walk-through tunnel into the shark exhibit. It may not be the most magnificent shark tunnel, but damn for us around these parts, it's pretty freakin' cool. Originally it was to hold bull sharks, but now I think they have been replaced by brown sharks. Also here are bonnethead sharks, sawfish, cownose ray, and eagle ray. I think the large groupers are here too. Usually this tunnel is so crowded with people that I don't have time to stay an look as I really want to punch some of these people in the kidneys by this point. The last time I was there, I did get to stay and marvel at the sharks, rays, and especially the sawfish, how cool looking of an animal is that! After the Cenote is an area for smaller aquaria. A small coral reef as well as shore animals are here. More reptiles, especially those highly venomous one follow, although not before the seahorses. Passing more quickly we go by some more bats in the House of Zotz (who the hell Zotz is I don't really remember, or at this point care). The bats are leaf-nosed bats, but who can tell in a bat exhibit what you're looking at - honestly - it's dark. Next up may be the most over looked exhibit at the DWA, namely that for the Morelet's Crocodile. This is a smaller croc, in a fairly small exhibit, but nothing bad. I think that this is one of the only ones in North America. One of these day I will complete my crocodilian life list. I'm about halfway there. Going right along now we come to a round tank for sea turtles, specifically hawksbills. These are injured animals like most sea turtles I've seen. Some other colorful fish are in this tank, as well as a baby bonnethead shark. We are steadily climbing out of the Cenote and come across the Jaguar exhibit. Ok, I will stop the narrative here. This is a weird exhibit, but I think that it has a bad rap. Some people have called it a "Jaguar Aquarium" as it is a glassed in exhibit with 4 walls of glass. A lot of people think this is a terrible exhibit for the Jags, I tend to disagree. There is a little more going on here. This is more of a holding area for the jaguar. Here we have almost the complete opposite of what most zoos do. The off exhibit area is a small holding pen with little enrichment or foliage. Here we have a small viewing area with the off exhibit area being large and lush. The thing I love about the DWA is that every time I go there something has changed, whether it is a new exhibit or a totally redone one. Since I went there about 2 months ago the Jaguar exhibit has been totally redone with more climbing materials, natural substrate, and a different method of getting the jaguar from the off exhibit area to the viewing area (jaguar elevator anyone?). I think someone from the DWA may be listening to our rantings about the place. If so - hello out there, I bid you peace (which now that I think about it is close to peach, which goes well in cobbler) and I truly love your facility (if that hadn't become evident already). In addition to their current holding area, a much larger outdoor area is being built on the sky walk way connection the main building of the DWA to the offices/research building. This will be a huge improvement for the Jaguar(s) here, maybe not for the guests, but definitely for the animals. Past the Jaguar is a raised platform that on weekends hosts a live Mayan band preforming a ceremony of the Jaguar or some other sacred ritual. If you go up onto the platform there is another exhibit for Oscellated Turkeys and Agoutis (first time I had seen the Agoutis was on Wednesday). Back down now. Here we have colorful flamingos. What exactly is the appeal of the flamingo? They smell, have a wretched sounding honk, and are rather ungainly. We're almost home now. The last exhibit is overlooking the Cenote down below. Here we find the Jabiru Storks, again one of the only places you can see them in captivity. It is a small netted in area, but a delight being able to see these birds. We are now taken back to the gift shop where we entered. On my way out I stopped at the very last exhibit - the guide book exhibit. Here I picked up a few souvenirs - 5 extra guide books free to anyone who wants them (maybe a trade?). These aren't the expensive one that I bought, but the free one that is full color photos and maps that is 12 pages long.
Ok to sum up. In case you haven't guessed it, I do love the DWA, but there are a few drawbacks. Go on a crowded day and you want to rip someone's spleen out through their throat by the end of your trek (that's where the Margarita come in oh so handy), go through twice like I did and the booze is utterly essential. I personally have never been to any of the indoor rain forests that so many of you talk about (Leid Jungle, Bronx, or Tropic World), but I can tell you the the DWA does a good if not great job. I have read a comment or two on how the exhibits aren't lush or it doesn't feel like you are in a rain forest, I beg to differ. This is as lush as it can possibly be, and yes I actually have been to a real rain forest on Puerto Rico so I have some grounds to base it on. The collection is wonderful and very specialized. If you want to see animals from one region of Central and South America, run, don't walk to the DWA. However if you are looking for a more balanced collection, maybe another facility would be in order. For me, I love being able to see 2 entire ecosystems in the span of a few hours. The drawbacks here are the narrow pathways make for one way traffic (which sucks royally when someone tries to go against the flow). Food - wonderful - I think?!? Honestly, I've never eaten anything for than a quick sandwich here, but I have the complete menu in front of my now and am getting hungry again. These are fancy restaurants, white table cloths, wait staff, and a full bar selection. Is the DWA a place that you could spend all day at, no, but for a few hours it is wonderful (a bit pricey, but that's an aquarium for you). And now for my overall rating. From 1 to 10 the DWA gets...
8
Like I've said, it's not perfect, but what it does it does well.
Here we are again, I've replenished my supply of brew, here we go.
There is only one more exhibit at the DWA, but it is on the same level of complexity as the Orinoco Forest. It is Mundo Maya, a look at the complete ecosystem of Central America. Here we take the opposite approach to the forest as we start in a cave at the bottom of a sinkhole or a Cenote. Here is the elusive Yapok or Water Opossum, the only one of its kind in captivity, and damn it if I didn't see it the other day. Oh well, my last time visiting more tham makes up for my lack of viewing of the aquatic marsupial this time. (The last time I was there, I got a private viewing of the back area and got to photograph the Yapok from the keepers area, just search Yapok and you can see all the photos I took of it, they are some of the only photos of the animal on the interweb). In the area are small exhibits for lizards, frogs, and their ilk. Another interesting ehxibit is the Fishes of the Cenote. Typical fish specimens from a Mexican sink hole - and screech owls. Same kind of set up as the Anaconda/tamarin/toucan exhibit in the Orinoco, they look like they are in the same exhibit but are indeed separate. Next to this is an area but burrowing owls and bunny rabbits (desert cottontails to be exact). Down the path is the deepest part of the cave. Here you find blind cave fish, also supposedly spiders. I didn't see any spiders, but I did look up and see some spider webs, though that could have been poor house keeping. Next is a long shallow tank for Axolotl, which may have to be the coolest name nor anything after Cthulu. Now the Cenote opens up into a large walk-through tunnel into the shark exhibit. It may not be the most magnificent shark tunnel, but damn for us around these parts, it's pretty freakin' cool. Originally it was to hold bull sharks, but now I think they have been replaced by brown sharks. Also here are bonnethead sharks, sawfish, cownose ray, and eagle ray. I think the large groupers are here too. Usually this tunnel is so crowded with people that I don't have time to stay an look as I really want to punch some of these people in the kidneys by this point. The last time I was there, I did get to stay and marvel at the sharks, rays, and especially the sawfish, how cool looking of an animal is that! After the Cenote is an area for smaller aquaria. A small coral reef as well as shore animals are here. More reptiles, especially those highly venomous one follow, although not before the seahorses. Passing more quickly we go by some more bats in the House of Zotz (who the hell Zotz is I don't really remember, or at this point care). The bats are leaf-nosed bats, but who can tell in a bat exhibit what you're looking at - honestly - it's dark. Next up may be the most over looked exhibit at the DWA, namely that for the Morelet's Crocodile. This is a smaller croc, in a fairly small exhibit, but nothing bad. I think that this is one of the only ones in North America. One of these day I will complete my crocodilian life list. I'm about halfway there. Going right along now we come to a round tank for sea turtles, specifically hawksbills. These are injured animals like most sea turtles I've seen. Some other colorful fish are in this tank, as well as a baby bonnethead shark. We are steadily climbing out of the Cenote and come across the Jaguar exhibit. Ok, I will stop the narrative here. This is a weird exhibit, but I think that it has a bad rap. Some people have called it a "Jaguar Aquarium" as it is a glassed in exhibit with 4 walls of glass. A lot of people think this is a terrible exhibit for the Jags, I tend to disagree. There is a little more going on here. This is more of a holding area for the jaguar. Here we have almost the complete opposite of what most zoos do. The off exhibit area is a small holding pen with little enrichment or foliage. Here we have a small viewing area with the off exhibit area being large and lush. The thing I love about the DWA is that every time I go there something has changed, whether it is a new exhibit or a totally redone one. Since I went there about 2 months ago the Jaguar exhibit has been totally redone with more climbing materials, natural substrate, and a different method of getting the jaguar from the off exhibit area to the viewing area (jaguar elevator anyone?). I think someone from the DWA may be listening to our rantings about the place. If so - hello out there, I bid you peace (which now that I think about it is close to peach, which goes well in cobbler) and I truly love your facility (if that hadn't become evident already). In addition to their current holding area, a much larger outdoor area is being built on the sky walk way connection the main building of the DWA to the offices/research building. This will be a huge improvement for the Jaguar(s) here, maybe not for the guests, but definitely for the animals. Past the Jaguar is a raised platform that on weekends hosts a live Mayan band preforming a ceremony of the Jaguar or some other sacred ritual. If you go up onto the platform there is another exhibit for Oscellated Turkeys and Agoutis (first time I had seen the Agoutis was on Wednesday). Back down now. Here we have colorful flamingos. What exactly is the appeal of the flamingo? They smell, have a wretched sounding honk, and are rather ungainly. We're almost home now. The last exhibit is overlooking the Cenote down below. Here we find the Jabiru Storks, again one of the only places you can see them in captivity. It is a small netted in area, but a delight being able to see these birds. We are now taken back to the gift shop where we entered. On my way out I stopped at the very last exhibit - the guide book exhibit. Here I picked up a few souvenirs - 5 extra guide books free to anyone who wants them (maybe a trade?). These aren't the expensive one that I bought, but the free one that is full color photos and maps that is 12 pages long.
Ok to sum up. In case you haven't guessed it, I do love the DWA, but there are a few drawbacks. Go on a crowded day and you want to rip someone's spleen out through their throat by the end of your trek (that's where the Margarita come in oh so handy), go through twice like I did and the booze is utterly essential. I personally have never been to any of the indoor rain forests that so many of you talk about (Leid Jungle, Bronx, or Tropic World), but I can tell you the the DWA does a good if not great job. I have read a comment or two on how the exhibits aren't lush or it doesn't feel like you are in a rain forest, I beg to differ. This is as lush as it can possibly be, and yes I actually have been to a real rain forest on Puerto Rico so I have some grounds to base it on. The collection is wonderful and very specialized. If you want to see animals from one region of Central and South America, run, don't walk to the DWA. However if you are looking for a more balanced collection, maybe another facility would be in order. For me, I love being able to see 2 entire ecosystems in the span of a few hours. The drawbacks here are the narrow pathways make for one way traffic (which sucks royally when someone tries to go against the flow). Food - wonderful - I think?!? Honestly, I've never eaten anything for than a quick sandwich here, but I have the complete menu in front of my now and am getting hungry again. These are fancy restaurants, white table cloths, wait staff, and a full bar selection. Is the DWA a place that you could spend all day at, no, but for a few hours it is wonderful (a bit pricey, but that's an aquarium for you). And now for my overall rating. From 1 to 10 the DWA gets...
8
Like I've said, it's not perfect, but what it does it does well.
Excelent review, and I agree once again with just about all of it.
Are there certain days of the week that aren't as crowded as say, the weekends? I've been there mainly on the weekends, and some days it really wasn't that bad in terms of crowds. I made one of the worst zoo-related mistakes, and went to the DWA on spring break. Not again! By 10:30 you could barely move around at all...and that was in the morning.
Are there certain days of the week that aren't as crowded as say, the weekends? I've been there mainly on the weekends, and some days it really wasn't that bad in terms of crowds. I made one of the worst zoo-related mistakes, and went to the DWA on spring break. Not again! By 10:30 you could barely move around at all...and that was in the morning.
jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
Never, ever visit a zoo during spring break. For the love of whomever you believe or don't believe in don't do that. I speak from great experience here. I honesty don't know when the best time would be to visit the DWA. My gut feeling would be to say get there at about 2 in the afternoon on a non-holiday weekday. I think by that time all the school groups have cleared out and you can enjoy yourself a little more.
Yet another great review, and this thread has become almost exactly like one of my road trips threads! I love the comments and look forward to your Texas zoo "walk-throughs", which are often hilarious as well as informative. Aquariums are so tiny in comparison to zoos that often I struggle to deal with the massive hordes of people that enter them. Even my local aquarium in Vancouver is only 2.1 acres in size, and with almost a million people plowing through the galleries it can make for a tight squeeze at times. School groups in a tiny aquarium is like a recurring nightmare for many of us ZooChatters.
There is nothing wrong with kids, but having 35 of them all in the same small area can be overwhelming for many.
There is nothing wrong with kids, but having 35 of them all in the same small area can be overwhelming for many.Great walk-through, please don't leave out any details. I like the long reviews.
I am disapointed to know they don't have bull sharks. I remeber on their old website they said they have them. I guess I'll have to go to OKC aquarium on my trip as well.
I was also excited to hear about the bar
Did you get to see either of the cock-of-the-rock (grow up people, its the birds name!) species or the ornate hawk-eagles? I am looking forward to at least seeing them if I cannot get a photo (ironically my little home zoo had ornate hawk-eagles when they opened their Sierra Madre exhibit for about a year).
I am disapointed to know they don't have bull sharks. I remeber on their old website they said they have them. I guess I'll have to go to OKC aquarium on my trip as well.
I was also excited to hear about the bar
Did you get to see either of the cock-of-the-rock (grow up people, its the birds name!) species or the ornate hawk-eagles? I am looking forward to at least seeing them if I cannot get a photo (ironically my little home zoo had ornate hawk-eagles when they opened their Sierra Madre exhibit for about a year).
ANyhuis
Well-Known Member
Thanks for another fun review, jbnbsn99.
I have to say, your touring experience is certainly different from mine! For me, alcohol would ruin my time. And wow, you certainly seem to have an aggressive reaction to crowds. You talked of "combat"ing the crowds, and even wanting to "punch them in the kidney". I know you're just being humorous (mostly) with this, but just a thought -- is it possible that the alcohol makes you slightly less tolerant of the crowds? I've honestly never had this kind of negative reaction to crowds (unless the people are being rude or abusing the animals) -- whether it's in a zoo, aquarium, Disney World, or even in packed Times Square (NYC). When I toured the zoos in Mexico, they were packed with people (mostly children). To me, that made the experience more fun. I figured, "If there's so many people, this place must be good!" Here's my review of those zoos:
http://www.zoochat.com/230/mexicos-best-zoos-article-90295/#post199033
A thought: Many (maybe you) have said, "the Dallas World Aquarium is not really an aquarium", and some have suggested it's more of a zoo. From your review, I would beg to differ. While it's certainly a very different aquarium, it's still true that all of their exhibits are centered around some water source, often a river (Orinoco, Cenote). Many other USA aquariums do this kind of theme, though maybe not as extensively. For example, both the Tennessee and South Carolina Aquariums have a theme of following water from its source in the mountains all the way to the Ocean. Thus, like DWA, they have major indoor forest exhibits, with many land animals.
Sure sounds exciting to see all of those rare and unique animals. I'm fascinated to go down to DWA and see yapoks for the first time. As for the Orinoco crocodiles, I saw them in Mexico, but I didn't realize what an unique experience I was having. It's funny, but I was wondering what animal you were talking about with, "the bird that every time it is typed on this forum it is asterisked out". My first thought was the "titmouse", but it didn't seem to fit the Orinoco. Funny that "cock-of-the-rock" hasn't been asterisked out yet here. By the way, I've seen these brilliant birds at the San Diego WAP. Finally, did you find the Antillean manatees any different from the regular Florida manatees? I just looked them up on Wikipedia and I can't find any ways that they are different. I'd love to see these animals, but somehow seeing a separate SUBspecies isn't as thrilling as seeing a whole new species (ie, the yapoks).
By the way, it's interesting that DWA has so many animals from Venezuela. I wonder (do you know?) if they have a special relationship with Hugo Chavez or the Venezuelan government. Could this be another of Hugo Chavez's efforts to buy favor with people?
While it's been over a decade since I personally visited DWA, it sounds like it's changed a LOT! My memory is that it was the first place where I saw sea dragons and also beautiful Banggai cardinal fish. My son and I ate in their very nice restaurant and they had a fascinating menu of exotic foreign foods. We ate Indonesian "rijsttafel" (rice table) and it was amazingly delicious!
In conclusion, I think when ranking North America's top aquariums, the Top 3 are Georgia, Shedd, and Monterey Bay -- in some order. Numbers #4 and #5 are probably Baltimore and Tennessee, again in some order. But after that, I think this Dallas World Aquarium is a strong contender (along with New England, Newport, Steinhardt, Vancouver, and maybe the Ripley's and/or Landry's aquariums) for the next 5 aquariums on the list.
I have to say, your touring experience is certainly different from mine! For me, alcohol would ruin my time. And wow, you certainly seem to have an aggressive reaction to crowds. You talked of "combat"ing the crowds, and even wanting to "punch them in the kidney". I know you're just being humorous (mostly) with this, but just a thought -- is it possible that the alcohol makes you slightly less tolerant of the crowds? I've honestly never had this kind of negative reaction to crowds (unless the people are being rude or abusing the animals) -- whether it's in a zoo, aquarium, Disney World, or even in packed Times Square (NYC). When I toured the zoos in Mexico, they were packed with people (mostly children). To me, that made the experience more fun. I figured, "If there's so many people, this place must be good!" Here's my review of those zoos:
http://www.zoochat.com/230/mexicos-best-zoos-article-90295/#post199033
A thought: Many (maybe you) have said, "the Dallas World Aquarium is not really an aquarium", and some have suggested it's more of a zoo. From your review, I would beg to differ. While it's certainly a very different aquarium, it's still true that all of their exhibits are centered around some water source, often a river (Orinoco, Cenote). Many other USA aquariums do this kind of theme, though maybe not as extensively. For example, both the Tennessee and South Carolina Aquariums have a theme of following water from its source in the mountains all the way to the Ocean. Thus, like DWA, they have major indoor forest exhibits, with many land animals.
Sure sounds exciting to see all of those rare and unique animals. I'm fascinated to go down to DWA and see yapoks for the first time. As for the Orinoco crocodiles, I saw them in Mexico, but I didn't realize what an unique experience I was having. It's funny, but I was wondering what animal you were talking about with, "the bird that every time it is typed on this forum it is asterisked out". My first thought was the "titmouse", but it didn't seem to fit the Orinoco. Funny that "cock-of-the-rock" hasn't been asterisked out yet here. By the way, I've seen these brilliant birds at the San Diego WAP. Finally, did you find the Antillean manatees any different from the regular Florida manatees? I just looked them up on Wikipedia and I can't find any ways that they are different. I'd love to see these animals, but somehow seeing a separate SUBspecies isn't as thrilling as seeing a whole new species (ie, the yapoks).
By the way, it's interesting that DWA has so many animals from Venezuela. I wonder (do you know?) if they have a special relationship with Hugo Chavez or the Venezuelan government. Could this be another of Hugo Chavez's efforts to buy favor with people?
While it's been over a decade since I personally visited DWA, it sounds like it's changed a LOT! My memory is that it was the first place where I saw sea dragons and also beautiful Banggai cardinal fish. My son and I ate in their very nice restaurant and they had a fascinating menu of exotic foreign foods. We ate Indonesian "rijsttafel" (rice table) and it was amazingly delicious!
In conclusion, I think when ranking North America's top aquariums, the Top 3 are Georgia, Shedd, and Monterey Bay -- in some order. Numbers #4 and #5 are probably Baltimore and Tennessee, again in some order. But after that, I think this Dallas World Aquarium is a strong contender (along with New England, Newport, Steinhardt, Vancouver, and maybe the Ripley's and/or Landry's aquariums) for the next 5 aquariums on the list.
jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
@snowleopard
I definitely don't mind kids. I was a teacher for a few years before going to the dark side of zooing. It's usually the parents that are the worst! Kids are usually well behaved except for the part that they are KIDS! As for the humor, I try, what can I say. If these weren't slightly humorous why read them
I definitely don't mind kids. I was a teacher for a few years before going to the dark side of zooing. It's usually the parents that are the worst! Kids are usually well behaved except for the part that they are KIDS! As for the humor, I try, what can I say. If these weren't slightly humorous why read them
jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
@loxodonta
The bull sharks would be more impressive, but probably harder to keep. Excited about the bar? How about 3 bars! I had a docent point out the OH Eagles to me once. Now I get to see one all the time at work, so it's not that big of a deal anymore. I think at the DWA they are actually in free flight in the Mundo Maya area, but I could be wrong. Yes, Cock-of-the-rock (there we go with those hyphens again- and this time 3 woo-hoo) is its name, but referring to it the way I did seemed funnier at the time, kinda like he-who-must-not-be-named (let's see someone beat 5 hyphens!).
The bull sharks would be more impressive, but probably harder to keep. Excited about the bar? How about 3 bars! I had a docent point out the OH Eagles to me once. Now I get to see one all the time at work, so it's not that big of a deal anymore. I think at the DWA they are actually in free flight in the Mundo Maya area, but I could be wrong. Yes, Cock-of-the-rock (there we go with those hyphens again- and this time 3 woo-hoo) is its name, but referring to it the way I did seemed funnier at the time, kinda like he-who-must-not-be-named (let's see someone beat 5 hyphens!).
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jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
@ANyhuis
LOL, I'm not really aggressive towards crowds, or anyone for that matter, I just think kidneys is a funny word. The alcohol, is just a mere "enhancement" of the experience, but obviously not for everyone. Don't try and read anything into it. Trust me, I'm used to crowds. Before the zoo, I worked summers for a major league baseball team. I can handle crowds (although about 50,000 people is a little nerve wracking).
As for the DWA not being a true aquarium, that a tough one. Only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the place is actually aquariumesque, the rest is more like an indoor zoo. It is really tough to classify this place, that maybe part of the appeal. I think the DWA fully recognizes this as their website URL is dwazoo.com which embraces both the aquarium and zoo goodness.
With the Orinoco Crocodiles, they are truly one of the most endangered crocodilian species and a lot of ex situ conservation hasn't been done with them. ISIS lists the DWA as having 1.58.35 for a grand total of 94!
When you see the Yapok it's cool, but I've only ever seen it the once. Good luck here, it may not be the best designed exhibit.
Having only seen Florida Manatees twice ten and 12 years ago at Epcot Center, I can't honestly tell much of a difference, I would assume that the main difference is just geographic populations and genetics, but there maybe something else there.
I seriously doubt that there is any connection with Chavez. The DWA has had the Venezuelan connection since before he assumed power in 1999. There connections are with a group called PROFAUNA and a few others I think. I have no info though on this organization.
I'm surprised that you only first saw the Bangai Cardinals at the DWA. I first saw them at my local PetCo for $19.99?!?
If you haven't been in at least 10 years, then you are missing a lot! The place has about doubled in size since you last visited. If you do make it down to this area soon, I would be more than happy to take you through some of the places around here.
LOL, I'm not really aggressive towards crowds, or anyone for that matter, I just think kidneys is a funny word. The alcohol, is just a mere "enhancement" of the experience, but obviously not for everyone. Don't try and read anything into it. Trust me, I'm used to crowds. Before the zoo, I worked summers for a major league baseball team. I can handle crowds (although about 50,000 people is a little nerve wracking).
As for the DWA not being a true aquarium, that a tough one. Only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the place is actually aquariumesque, the rest is more like an indoor zoo. It is really tough to classify this place, that maybe part of the appeal. I think the DWA fully recognizes this as their website URL is dwazoo.com which embraces both the aquarium and zoo goodness.
With the Orinoco Crocodiles, they are truly one of the most endangered crocodilian species and a lot of ex situ conservation hasn't been done with them. ISIS lists the DWA as having 1.58.35 for a grand total of 94!
When you see the Yapok it's cool, but I've only ever seen it the once. Good luck here, it may not be the best designed exhibit.
Having only seen Florida Manatees twice ten and 12 years ago at Epcot Center, I can't honestly tell much of a difference, I would assume that the main difference is just geographic populations and genetics, but there maybe something else there.
I seriously doubt that there is any connection with Chavez. The DWA has had the Venezuelan connection since before he assumed power in 1999. There connections are with a group called PROFAUNA and a few others I think. I have no info though on this organization.
I'm surprised that you only first saw the Bangai Cardinals at the DWA. I first saw them at my local PetCo for $19.99?!?
If you haven't been in at least 10 years, then you are missing a lot! The place has about doubled in size since you last visited. If you do make it down to this area soon, I would be more than happy to take you through some of the places around here.
ANyhuis
Well-Known Member
Hey JBNSN99,
Did you work for the Rangers? What did you do? Was Bush still with the team then? I always love that scene of "The Ballpark in Arlington" in the movie, "The Rookie".
Like I said, even though there's lots of non-aquariumesque exhibits, all of them are still connected in some way with water. That, and the fact they call themselves an "Aquarium", are good enough for me.
Yeah, DWA was the first place I saw the Banggai cardinals -- but I've seen PLENTY of them since then, including in some pet stores. But on that visit I was even more enchanted with the sea dragons I was also seeing for the very first time. Does DWA still have that centrally-located nice restaurant with exotic foreign food on the menu? If I remember right, DWA was started by a local restaurant owner, right? I think it's located not too far away from where Kennedy was shot -- which is where we went to see after our DWA visit.
By the way, since you're connected with the Dallas Zoo and the original Dallas Aquarium, I've long wondered what the folks inside that institution think of DWA. As great as DWA is, I've also thought it's a shame to come into a market and somewhat squeeze another established aquarium (Dallas) out. To me, it's similar to that guy in the Wichita area opening up his own safari park -- as I worried that if it's very good, it could hurt the wonderful Sedgwick County Zoo. But it sounds like the big remake as the "Dallas Children's Aquarium" will give it a different focus. I hope it's successful.
I definitely will come on down there sometime in the next year. My coauthor (Jon) will probably be down there even sooner.
Did you work for the Rangers? What did you do? Was Bush still with the team then? I always love that scene of "The Ballpark in Arlington" in the movie, "The Rookie".
Like I said, even though there's lots of non-aquariumesque exhibits, all of them are still connected in some way with water. That, and the fact they call themselves an "Aquarium", are good enough for me.
Yeah, DWA was the first place I saw the Banggai cardinals -- but I've seen PLENTY of them since then, including in some pet stores. But on that visit I was even more enchanted with the sea dragons I was also seeing for the very first time. Does DWA still have that centrally-located nice restaurant with exotic foreign food on the menu? If I remember right, DWA was started by a local restaurant owner, right? I think it's located not too far away from where Kennedy was shot -- which is where we went to see after our DWA visit.
By the way, since you're connected with the Dallas Zoo and the original Dallas Aquarium, I've long wondered what the folks inside that institution think of DWA. As great as DWA is, I've also thought it's a shame to come into a market and somewhat squeeze another established aquarium (Dallas) out. To me, it's similar to that guy in the Wichita area opening up his own safari park -- as I worried that if it's very good, it could hurt the wonderful Sedgwick County Zoo. But it sounds like the big remake as the "Dallas Children's Aquarium" will give it a different focus. I hope it's successful.
I definitely will come on down there sometime in the next year. My coauthor (Jon) will probably be down there even sooner.
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