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Chaffee Zoo African Adventure – sneak peek photo tour & grand opening news

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This afternoon, my gracious supervisor granted me a few hours off so that I would have the opportunity to go with my family to the Chaffee Zoo Member Preview of the new Chaffee Zoo African Adventure – sneak peek photo tour & grand opening news expansion. I am so very glad that we went! It was such an amazing experience and I’m still in shock at what an amazing gem of a zoo we have, right here in Central California. African Adventure will remain Members Only Wednesday, October 13th (Zoo members can simply show their membership card at the Zoo entrance to receive a stamp to show at the African Adventure entrance area, located next to the original snack bar on the east side of the Zoo). The grand opening of the expansion for the public will be on Thursday, October 15th. (If you’d like to purchase a membership today and tour the expansion early, you can absolutely do that as well. Membership pricing is very reasonable and grants the pass holder unlimited Zoo admission for one full year. Prices for memberships vary based on number of people to be included and they can be viewed and purchased online here.) Even without a membership, the Chaffee Zoo remains an affordable experience at just $7 for adults and $3.50 for children. (Don’t forget, the Zoo is in Roeding Park, so there is a $5 car entrance fee and cash is required.)

I’d like to take you on a mini-photo tour of the expansion now, however, I must say, please find the time to go see it for yourself in person very soon! Pictures can’t possibly do it justice, and if you haven’t been to the Chaffee Zoo since Measure Z was approved the first time, well you are in for quite a treat! Our entire Zoo is just worlds apart from what it once was. Expanded habitats, lots of animal enrichment, interactive exhibits, lush greenery, lots of shade, flowers, tasty food at reasonable prices, friendly keepers ready to teach you about the animals stationed all around… the Chaffee Zoo has become a true destination not just for locals, but for thousands upon thousands of visitors each year (75k +!) and for good reason.

Without further adieu, a sneak peek at African Adventure! Enjoy!

My son and I, ready to enter African Adventure
My son and I, ready to enter African Adventure
Just past the entrance to African Adventure and the cheetah exhibit, you'll see a fork in your path and a directory leading you to the trail of your choice.
Just past the entrance to African Adventure and the cheetah exhibit, you’ll see a fork in your path and a directory leading you to the trail of your choice.
Closer view of the sign, so you can get an idea of the layout
Closer view of the sign, so you can get an idea of the layout
To your right is the dining area, it's expansive and shady. Food is cafeteria style (think Disneyland restaurants or Sea World style, where you grab what you like, place it on trays, then pay at a cashier by the exit for everything at once). Prices are very reasonable and food is fresh. Garlic fries, freshly-baked pizzas, kale power salads and macaroni and cheese seemed to all be big hits. I had a three-cheese personal pizza, which was tasty and not greasy at all for $6.99.
To your right is the dining area, it’s expansive and shady. Food is cafeteria style (think Disneyland restaurants or Sea World style, where you grab what you like, place it on trays, then pay at a cashier by the exit for everything at once). Prices are very reasonable and food is fresh. Garlic fries, freshly-baked pizzas, kale power salads and macaroni and cheese seemed to all be big hits. I had a three-cheese personal pizza, which was tasty and not greasy at all for $6.99.
Bilingual exhibit signage (yay!) expands education opportunities for many
Bilingual exhibit signage (yay!) expands education opportunities for many
The dining area overlooks the animals
The dining area overlooks the animals
Beautiful beams and carved giraffes decorate the giraffe feeding and viewing area
Beautiful beams and carved giraffes decorate the giraffe feeding and viewing area
We have rhinos in Fresno again! (Two white rhinos to be specific!)
We have rhinos in Fresno again! (Two white rhinos to be specific!)
More of the amazing, expansive grazing animal exhibit area. Lots of room for animals to roam, play, drink, cool off and run!
More of the amazing, expansive grazing animal exhibit area. Lots of room for animals to roam, play, drink, cool off and run!
Awesome covered dining area
Awesome covered dining area
African Adventure dining
African Adventure dining
Fantastically appointed "Simba" classroom, located off of the dining patio
Fantastically appointed “Simba” classroom, located off of the dining patio
Clean, well-appointed restrooms (because I know some of you wonder about these things!)
Clean, well-appointed restrooms (because I know some of you wonder about these things!)
Interactive children's exhibits allow kids to experience what it might be like to live in a termite home or be a meerkat.
Interactive children’s exhibits allow kids to experience what it might be like to live in a termite home or be a meerkat.
This rock, looks like an ordinary rock, but is actually heated, to attract the lions, so they'll want to lounge on it in clear view of Zoo guests. It is just beyond the viewing glass.
This rock, looks like an ordinary rock, but is actually heated, to attract the lions, so they’ll want to lounge on it in clear view of Zoo guests. It is just beyond the viewing glass.
Oh hey you three awesome African elephants, just milling peacefully about! Looking good.
Oh hey you three awesome African elephants, just milling peacefully about! Looking good.
The elephant's fountain, with holes where keepers can put treats as an enrichment activity for the elephants
The elephant’s fountain, with holes where keepers can put treats as an enrichment activity for the elephants
We happened to overhear Scott Barton, Zoo CEO and Director mention to a child that there were 6 of these "dung beetles" hidden in African Adventure. We found 4 of them - try to find all 6 when you go!
We happened to overhear Scott Barton, Zoo CEO and Director mention to a child that there were 6 of these “dung beetles” hidden in African Adventure. We found 4 of them – try to find all 6 when you go!


Natali Carrera
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