The Oakland Zoo

If you've got kids, know someone who's got kids, or just love animals, Oakland would be a great place for you to live because it has an excellent zoo facility. Zoos offer the chance to view and interact with animals you may never have had a chance to encounter in the wild, provide a unique space to go for a walk or have a picnic, and even offer an alternative to wedding halls. Mississauga hasn't got one, but Oakland does. If a trip to the zoo sounds like something you or your kids would be interested in, here are some fun facts about the Oakland Zoo.

The Origin of the Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Zoo, which was previously known as the Knowland Zoo, was established in 1922 by a naturalist named Henry Snow. The park focuses on what animals could teach us rather than the wild animal's potential for causing a class action suit. Canada's largest zoo, by contrast, didn't open until 1974, so the Oakland Zoo is fairly historic. Over the years the zoo moved locations several times until finally settling into its current location in what was known as Durant Park. Through the assistance of the East Bay Zoological Society, the zoo grew into the facility it is today.

The Animals at the Zoo

The Oakland Zoo covers more than 525 acres because not only does it have to house the animals, it also has to have vet clinics, feeding stations, and offer zoo visitors food and beverage. Public relations literature lists the number of animals currently housed in the zoo at 660. This includes both local animals and animals from all over the globe such as: baboons, bobcats, camels, cows, elephants, foxes, goats, lions, meerkats, monkeys, rabbits, tigers, zebras, cranes, doves, ducks, geese, kookaburras, parrots, anacondas, chameleons, frogs, lizards, turtles, tortoises, ants and spiders.

Areas of the Zoo

The Oakland Zoo is subdivided into several different areas based on the different climate and vegetation zones in the world, much like in the zoo in Toronto, catering to people who would particularly like to see animals from a specific region, like Africa. The African Savannah is the heart of the zoo and features grassland and trees native to central Africa. The Rainforest habitat replicates the wet, humid conditions and tall, densely packed foliage of jungles in South America and Asia. The California zone features California's native geography while the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo offers kids a chance to play and see animals.

Things to Do at the Zoo

If you want to be a stick in the mud, you can always sit in the air conditioned cafe and discuss office space for lease, Toronto stock trading, or real estate on your cell phone. If you want to get involved, the zoo has dozens of programs for adults and kids alike. Animal feedings happen regularly and the Wildlife Theater in the Children's Zoo hosts live animal presentations. Kids will like programs like ZooCamp, ZooSchool Discovery, and the Overnight tour. Zoo facilities are available to rent for work parties, birthday celebrations, weddings, and also to film movies.