Zoo Playgrounds

Chlidonias

Chlidonias

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15+ year member
I thought this might be fun. Everyone (except children and their parents :p) thinks playgrounds in zoos are a waste of space. And yet they still exist. So here are some appropriate playground items from the galleries. Feel free to add any others (you can cut-and-paste the "Forum Code (Medium)" link under a photo to add it into a post).

Tarantula at Wellington Zoo (NZ) by Hix:



Blue-tongue Skink slide at Wellington Zoo (NZ) by Chlidonias:





Owl slide at Scottish Owl Centre (UK) by TeaLovingDave:

 
Tiger slide at Tierpark Hamm (Germany) by Animal:



Scary-ass Anglerfish slide at Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach (USA) by snowleopard:



 
I don't think they are a waste of space because a) it keeps children out of the way, and b) it means families have a better time, thus encouraging them to return in the future, which means the zoo gets more profit to put towards the animals and new exhibits.

Apologies for the moaning.
 
Playgrounds in zoos seem to make sense given that 35% of visitors are under 15. The themed designs look great and appropriate, in my opinion.
 
In germany, many families do have an annual pass for zoos just because of their phantastic and CLEAN playgrounds. Free playgroudns in the cities are often dirty or occupied by Junkies or dogs, so it is now wonder these motheres went to the zoos, annual passes are ofte cheaper than the sinhle entree.

So don't underestemate the importance of playgroudns in zoos-they bring in money, which can be used for..the animals. And of course young children needs them for their movement. And better the kids climbing in a spiderweb or a tiger slide on the playground than on the tigers cage...
 
I certainly much prefer things like this to the other option, that of adding theme park rides to the zoo - such as those found at West Midland Safari Park. Not only do they generally look somewhat tacky, but they often lead to the "theme park" side of the collection growing at the cost of the "zoo" side of the collection - as has happened at Flamingo Land, Paulton's Park and Chessington.
 
TeaLovingDave said:
I certainly much prefer things like this to the other option, that of adding theme park rides to the zoo - such as those found at West Midland Safari Park. Not only do they generally look somewhat tacky, but they often lead to the "theme park" side of the collection growing at the cost of the "zoo" side of the collection - as has happened at Flamingo Land, Paulton's Park and Chessington.
Click to expand...

I completely agree, although I do like at Flamingo Land how they don't cross over too much, except that splashy, wet one.
 
a few recently-uploaded images from Dierenpark Zie-ZOO, by vogelcommando:





 
Wasn't aware of this thread but thank you Chlidonias to place the pictures here, they realy fit in it
 
The best playground is in Copenhagen, because it is not just occupying kids but teaching them a lot, using pictures and cardboard cutouts. The topic is life of a wild rabbit.

I think education department of any zoo could care more about playground. Children spend lots of time there, and adults too, watching over them. At the very least I would put pictures on child's eye level all over the place, to teach small people who cannot read well. And bored father or mother sitting near the sandpit is sure to read any education plate within sight.

BTW, Owl at the Scottish Owl Centre is great.
 
As I understand it, the basket design offers more protection so even children with limited motor skills are safe. Yes, they'll need swinging assistance.
 
an elephant-pooping slide at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (UK) by zoogiraffe. Possibly something to do with Creationism.

 
That's actually a rectal prolapse @Cli, and judging by the colour and size, quite an acute and severe one....;)
 
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