America's Best Zoos Updates

[Budorcas]

Many of you have purchased and hopefully enjoyed the book America's Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families. Thank you for your support! Unfortunately, zoos are constantly changing, which is where this Forum really comes in handy. As a complement to both the book and Zoo Chat, I have started an America's Best Zoos blog site to help get accurate and detailed information for new exhibits opening around the country. This will be achieved mostly through interviews with zoo directors and other experts discussing new additions to their zoos.

Here is the website link to the new site. The first interview will be posted middle of next week, with a many more to follow. Feel free to comment or make suggestions for future interviews. In addition to the interviews, I will also be posting pictures and comments on all my zoo visits. As a reminder, I'll add to this thread everytime an update is made to the blog. Enjoy!

 

[snowleopard]

It looks as if you have a busy schedule Jon. Cheers for the info, and keep on plugging that brilliant book of yours! Any zoo fan in North America (or worldwide) who does not own it by now should be ashamed of themselves...

 

[MARK]

Glad I got my copy

 

[zooman]

If l am wrong l apolagise. Are you zoochat member?

I think its great when people post links on this site. Although if it is a link to there own commercial enterprise. l think they could at the very least be supporters as you may well be?

Otherwise l think its dam rude!

Many of you have purchased and hopefully enjoyed the book America's Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families. Thank you for your support! Unfortunately, zoos are constantly changing, which is where this Forum really comes in handy. As a complement to both the book and Zoo Chat, I have started an America's Best Zoos blog site to help get accurate and detailed information for new exhibits opening around the country. This will be achieved mostly through interviews with zoo directors and other experts discussing new additions to their zoos.

Here is the website link to the new site. The first interview will be posted middle of next week, with a many more to follow. Feel free to comment or make suggestions for future interviews. In addition to the interviews, I will also be posting pictures and comments on all my zoo visits. As a reminder, I'll add to this thread everytime an update is made to the blog. Enjoy!

 

[Budorcas]

Clarification

I am a Zoo Chat member, and enjoy listening to the thoughts of everyone on the site as well as adding my own when I have the opportunity. The blog site is intended to complement this site as a chance for all zoo lovers to keep up to date with changes occurring at zoos around the country.

As for the benefit, short of America's Best Zoos being selected as part of Oprah's Book Club, my commercial enterprise will remain minuscule. My profit rarely covers the cost of the trips I make. Like everyone on this site, I love zoos, and am fortunate enough to have a book and blog to use an outlet to share that passion.

 

[Zooplantman]

I think Stuart was suggesting "spread the wealth" even if it is small.
So many Zoochat members are too young to be able to contribute financially, so those of us who are working could share a bit and give back.

 

[ANyhuis]

I think Stuart was suggesting "spread the wealth" even if it is small.
So many Zoochat members are too young to be able to contribute financially, so those of us who are working could share a bit and give back.

I can assure you all, there is NO "wealth" coming from being the author of a book like America's Best Zoos.

By the way, hasn't that whole theory ("share the wealth", "spread the wealth around", etc.) been proven to be pure socialism? I remember it coming up in the last USA election.

 

[Zooplantman]

By the way, hasn't that whole theory ("share the wealth", "spread the wealth around", etc.) been proven to be pure socialism? I remember it coming up in the last USA election.

Proven? Proven to be pure socialism?
Yes, the Republicans used that word as though it were a curse (as they have used the word "Liberal") but that doesn't make it so. And certainly is not proof of anything except the power of spin.
I think the question is: Do we humans have any responsibility to anyone except our own greedy little selves?
It's a moral question not a political one, not an economic one, and therefore it can be said to have been proven to be "philanthropy," or "giving a gratuity," or "charity," or a "token of appreciation." Funny thing about spin.

 

[markun]

Ok, I could easily get side tracked into why many outside America are proud to be socialists where we have crazy things like national health services and gun control but I want to talk about the book.

It's very good and I read it all the time but there are some dreadful errors such as referring to 'Papua, New Guinea' in the Roger Williams Park Zoo listing and the 'mountainous region of Amur near the border of Nepal and Tibet' in the section on Utah's Hogle Park Zoo. Amur is not in the Himalayas, it's actually on the border of Russia and China. There are mountains but much of it consists of plains and wetlands.

Hugely inaccurate and easily avoidable mistakes like this let down what is otherwise an excellent resource.

 

[devilfish]

Hugely inaccurate and easily avoidable mistakes like this let down what is otherwise an excellent resource.

I disagree. Though a few more knowledgeable visitors and aficionados will be able to spot small errors, I think the majority of the public who read this book will benefit greatly from the accuracy and expert judgment throughout. I would also guess that the pointers along the way are invaluable to a zoo-goer in a rush. I can't see how the ocassional (mildly inaccurate) fact could mar the book's achievements. I've had very little experience of US zoos, so for me it was a very enlightening read. I bought the book during my revision period with the plan that I'd read it after exams: unfortunately I couldn't resist beginning to read it, and couldn't put it down. This wasn't much of a problem, however, as it only lasted a couple of days.

 

[zooman]

I can assure you all, there is NO "wealth" coming from being the author of a book like America's Best Zoos.

By the way, hasn't that whole theory ("share the wealth", "spread the wealth around", etc.) been proven to be pure socialism? I remember it coming up in the last USA election.

Always intertesting to see people attack to change the subject as a defence.
The reality here is that the two of you recieve allot of FREE publicity from zoochat. Including plugging your radio interviews.

No wealth, how about a lifestyle that is provided by this book to visit all these zoos! Many here would consider that a form of wealth! You just seem so ungratefull.

Budorcas, had PM me and let me know that he did not understand "zoochat supporter" concept. Totally acceptable as Sim has decided to not make this a obvious feature. It is hard to easily see this feature.

Anyuhis, you just read as arrogant with a serious lack of gratitude to zoochat. Why you could not simply and very affordably just become a zoochat supporter. Instead you make your comments to zooplantman. Simply suggest selfishness. Nothing to do with the reverse of socialism.

Anyuhis l only bought this book because of reading about it on zoochat as l am sure many of us did..

Anyuhis I certainly will not add to your NO "wealth" with support of any other of your ventures.

 

[BlackRhino]

Always intertesting to see people attack to change the subject as a defence.
The reality here is that the two of you recieve allot of FREE publicity from zoochat. Including plugging your radio interviews.

No wealth, how about a lifestyle that is provided by this book to visit all these zoos! Many here would consider that a form of wealth! You just seem so ungratefull.

Budorcas, had PM me and let me know that he did not understand "zoochat supporter" concept. Totally acceptable as Sim has decided to not make this a obvious feature. It is hard to easily see this feature.

Anyuhis, you just read as arrogant with a serious lack of gratitude to zoochat. Why you could not simply and very affordably just become a zoochat supporter. Instead you make your comments to zooplantman. Simply suggest selfishness. Nothing to do with the reverse of socialism.

Anyuhis l only bought this book because of reading about it on zoochat as l am sure many of us did..

Anyuhis I certainly will not add to your NO "wealth" with support of any other of your ventures.

If you actually took the time to get to know them a little more, you would learn they are some of the most grateful people you will ever meet. They like you and I are obviously zoo fans. There are not that many people on here so it is not like this is a major free advertising campaign. Even if it was, why does it matter? Some of the things you get angry about make no sense at all, and it seems like you argue just to argue.

Not to mention, they have a "wealth" of knowledge to pass on to you zooman, as they are extremely knowledgeable about North American Zoos and can answer just about any question or tell you about any exhibit at any of the major zoos across the nation if you ask them. Clearly your too ignorant and judgmental to. : P

 

[zooman]

Even if it was, why does it matter? Some of the things you get angry about make no sense at all, and it seems like you argue just to argue.
P

Well i can hardly argue with you now can l

I just belive as l always have. Be a part of zoochat become a supporter If you can afford to. Otherwise you are just taking and using.
QUOTE
Not to mention, they have a "wealth" of knowledge to pass on to you zooman, as they are extremely knowledgeable about North American Zoos and can answer just about any question or tell you about any exhibit at any of the major zoos across the nation if you ask them. Clearly your too ignorant and judgmental to. : P QUOTE

Black Rhino if you cannot see my point maybe you are also ingnorant. Or simply comfortable taking.

 

[Ituri]

Zooman, not all of us are in a position to do so, and you are making assumptions that certain people are in such a position when really you don't know any Zoochat members' true situation. I think that is a very rude thing to surmise without actually knowing the people you accuse. I just hope your frequent demanding that people become Zoochat supporters does not chase people away from this fabulous site.

And a note to the original intent of this thread. The blog looks fabulous Budorcas, I really look forward to reading it.

 

[mstickmanp]

Zooman, not all of us are in a position to do so, and you are making assumptions that certain people are in such a position when really you don't know any Zoochat members' true situation. I think that is a very rude thing to surmise without actually knowing the people you accuse. I just hope your frequent demanding that people become Zoochat supporters does not chase people away from this fabulous site.

And a note to the original intent of this thread. The blog looks fabulous Budorcas, I really look forward to reading it.

Well said Ituri!

Budorcas, thanks for the blog! Your book is amazing, so the blog will be a great addition.

 

[snowleopard]

Both Allen and Jon are amazing resources of information, with Allen having visited about 210 zoos worldwide and Jon (at the ripe old age of 24!) close to 90 just in North America. That represents a total of 300 zoos (surely some repeats there) and a wealth of information. I've chatted with both authors via email countless times, on the phone with Jon, and in person with Allen...and their combined love for zoos is impressive. The blog is an awesome idea and the book is absolutely amazing in its detail. I don't agree with 100% of what either of them have to say in regards to certain zoos or animal exhibits, but I have a tremendous amount of respect for each of them as zoo enthusiasts and as human beings.

 

[zooman]

Zooman, not all of us are in a position to do so, and you are making assumptions that certain people are in such a position when really you don't know any Zoochat members' true situation. I think that is a very rude thing to surmise without actually knowing the people you accuse. I just hope your frequent demanding that people become Zoochat supporters does not chase people away from this fabulous site.

And a note to the original intent of this thread. The blog looks fabulous Budorcas, I really look forward to reading it.

@mstickmanp & Ituri, twice before is not what l would call frequent.

The problems of todays world stem from selfishness and greed.

I really doubt that my action drives people away from this site.

Will leave it at that.

 

[markun]

I disagree. Though a few more knowledgeable visitors and aficionados will be able to spot small errors.

It's a great book about zoos and I love reading the descriptions of the various exhibits, often following up with a search on flickr and a visit to the zoos' websites but these aren't small errors.

Papua, New Guinea is as incorrect as Puerto, Rico or West, Virginia and saying that Amur is near the border of Nepal and Tibet is like saying that the Hudson River flows through Arizona.

Maybe I'm picky but it's just plain wrong and whilst it won't have an effect on the usefulness of the book it indicates bad scholarship and as I said lets down an otherwise great book.

 

[ANyhuis]

ABZ errors

It's a great book about zoos and I love reading the descriptions of the various exhibits, often following up with a search on flickr and a visit to the zoos' websites but these aren't small errors.

Papua, New Guinea is as incorrect as Puerto, Rico or West, Virginia and saying that Amur is near the border of Nepal and Tibet is like saying that the Hudson River flows through Arizona.

Maybe I'm picky but it's just plain wrong and whilst it won't have an effect on the usefulness of the book it indicates bad scholarship and as I said lets down an otherwise great book.

Markun: I'm glad you like the book overall. As for the 2 errors you point out, I concede them -- but I'd point out that both of them were a result of passing on direct information we got from the particular zoos. But I am especially embarrassed by the "Amur" mistake, as I happen to be a big geography fan. The point was that Utah's Hogle Zoo IS trying to replicate the region of the Nepal/Tibet Himalaya region with their excellent Asian Highlands cat exhibit. I guess that, as we saw that this exhibit includes Amur tigers and Amur leopards -- lazily, I transferred that word ("Amur") to the Himalayan region this exhibit is replicating. My bad!

On the other hand, with the "Papua, New Guinea" error, no offense, but I do think you are being a bit picky. In fact, you are the first person to even make us aware of this problem. Yes, it's true that the actual nation's name is "Papua New Guinea" -- without the comma. But then again, the island's name is "New Guinea" and the other half of the island is the Indonesian province of "Papua". So thus, while technically you are correct, I doubt if we are the first ones to call this country "Papua, New Guinea". And no, I don't see this as comparable with "West, Virginia". It's more comparable with saying "West Virginia" while actually referring to the western portion of the state of Virginia -- which John Denver was actually doing in his song. (Technically, he should have sang "Western Virginia", but that wouldn't have fit into the "Country Roads" song as well.)

 

[ANyhuis]

Joining ZooChat & Socialism

The problems of todays world stem from selfishness and greed.
I really doubt that my action drives people away from this site.
Will leave it at that.

Zooman: I'll agree that you likely are not driving anyone away from this site. But I will caution you that there is a better way to let people know that they can (and maybe should) "join" ZooChat by contributing monetarily to the site. As Jon let you know, he didn't even know about this possibility -- same with me. Quite frankly, I just tried to join and the automated system wouldn't let me -- as it says I have a PayPal account, but I do not. Hopefully I'll get this resolved soon. But as I said, there's a better way -- besides using insults and profanity -- to encourage us to join ZooChat.

As for the problems in today's world, yes, selfishness and greed are somewhat responsible, but so is socialism. Sorry folks, but I HATE socialism, and it's not just a code word. I have literal friends from Venezuela, Kazakhstan, and elsewhere in the world, who have left their homelands to escape the evils of socialism. I have a friend who has visited Cuba, and he's shown me pictures of how socialism-in-the-extreme (aka, communism) has ruined that once beautiful nation. I also have a very close friend from Colombia who has told me about how the socialist FARC guerillas have murdered and kidnapped thousands in her homeland. So while I concede that some readers of ZooChat are from nations where socialism is accepted, here in the USA, most of us still greatly fear it. It's especially scary as we watch our banks and auto companies get nationalized and the federal government tells companies how much they should be paying their executives. So while I do regret bringing up the topic -- I'll just say that I did so because I thought it was being suggested that if you oppose socialism ("share the wealth"), then you are being selfish. That's a vile tactic used by socialist politicians worldwide, and I greatly resent it!