Teen Adventure at the Bronx Zoo

Lions, Tigers and Bears! Oh my! Perfect weather and perfect company make for a great day at the Bronx zoo. The teen adventure crew loaded up on the bus and drove off to the heart of the Bronx to see one of the best zoos on earth.

The young adventurers gathered at the South East Consortium offices for a picnic on the front lawn overlooking the Long Island Sound before they set off on their trip. Some lazed on the picnic blanket, others sat at the picnic table while other put their feet up on the bench. All in attendance soaked in some sun and enjoyed the company.

The zoo was alive and buzzing with activity. First stop: the seals. On the first hot day of the spring we could not help but be a little jealous of these playful aquatic mammals chasing each other through their watery world. The crowd of people surrounding the seal enclosure were not short of ohhhhs and awwwees as a new addition to the seal family glided effortlessly alongside the older members of his pod.

Next up were the piere david deer who were also enjoy some water fun albeit much muddier. The deer  were very active and close up as they wallowed in the shady shallow waters. Several stags were working on shedding their winter antlers by rubbing against trees.

The mid-day sun proved too much for the tigers. The extent of their activity was swatting their tails as they lay snoozing under a tree. Regardless there is not much more impressive in the animal kingdom then the exquisite Bengal tiger. Weighing up to 500 lbs. this apex predator can run up to 35 miles per hour and eat 60 lbs of meat in one night.  We were glad to be on the other side of the fence. With only 2,500 of these gorgeous animals left in the wild it is always an honor to see one (even if its just catching some zzz’s.)

The Grizzly bears were the main event of the day. These ferocious animals were very active enjoying their mountain top enclosure. The four bears were running, swimming and even wrestling each other on their hind legs to the cheers of the crowd watching.

With all the excitement the adventurers need a water break themselves so we headed to Africa for some shade, some water and a view of the plains replete with lions, thompsons gazelles and some peacocks who did not care for fences and walked right across our paths.

It was a great day; good exercise, perfect weather, awesome animals and good friends. The teen adventurers waved goodbye to this sprawling gem of conservation and education in the Bronx and are already looking forward to their next adventure together.