Looking for an affordable and convenient day trip for this nice weather? The Brandywine Zoo provides its visitors with a family friendly environment and, of course, a variety of animals.
The Brandywine Zoo, located in Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Del., is less than a 40 minute drive from West Chester University. With an entrance fee of only $5 from the beginning of October to the end of April, and $7 from the beginning of May to the end of September, the Brandywine Zoo provides an experience to its visitors worth much more. This is a great alternative to those looking for a day out but do not want to travel to the Philadelphia Zoo.
Although the Brandywine Zoo has a smaller amount of animals, there is still a good variety. There are animals ranging from large cats, like the tiger visible upon entrance, to larger birds, like the bald eagle. With the zoo hosting 150 animals all year round, there is an animal to please everyone at the Brandywine Zoo.
Ever wonder if goats really do yell like humans? Check out the petting zoo where this bunch of goats will show you their best human impersonations! Being able to hear them yelling in person is exciting in itself but visitors are also allowed to go into the goat’s pen and pet them. A note of caution, these goats like to eat everything in sight so stash the zoo map in a place more discrete than your pocket.
The Brandywine Zoo has its employees set up stations in from of various animal habitats with activities for visitors, mainly designed to educate young children with hands on learning experiences. Along with learning stations, employees put on shows with the animals, giving visitors the chance to see some of the animals outside of their cages.
Spending time at the zoo always calls for a snack break. The concession stand inside the Brandywine Zoo offers more than just water and churros. Visitors can enjoy a variety of specialty hot dogs. For those with a daring sweet tooth, there are sweet cream cheese pretzels available (they are delicious!).
No trip to the zoo is ever complete without a stop at the gift shop! From collectable rocks to cuddly versions of your favorite animal friend, the gift shop is stocked with items to purchase. Not much of a collector? That is fine because there is also a wall of sweets no one can resist. More of a practical individual? Drawstring bags and water bottles with the zoos name are also available for purchase.
The Brandywine Zoo is the perfect trip for friends, couples, and families. As college students on a budget it is a hidden wonder just outside of our beloved Chester County.
For more information on the Brandywine Zoo go to http://brandywinezoo.org
Angelique Caraballo is a fourth-year student majoring in communications studies. She can be reached at AC749219@wcupa.edu.