"Let’s start big picture here?Founded in 1889, Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s oldest cultural destinations and one of the great zoos in the country under continuous operation. The 40 acres it occupies in the Grand Park neighborhood are home to more than 1,000 animal residents representing over 200 species, so there’s a draw whether you’re into being outdoors or seeing a particular kind of animal. While you’ll find unique habitats and the typical zoo inhabitants (elephants, lions, giraffes, bears, alpacas, tortoises, and flamingos), it’s known for being one of only three U.S. zoos to have giant pandas and for having one of the largest populations of great apes in North America. Any standout features or must-sees?If you’re here, you won’t want to miss seeing the four giant pandas (including twins Ya Lun and Xi Lun, born in 2016), on loan from China. Among the great apes, the gorilla program has been going strong for more than half a century. Floyd, born in 2019, has become one of the zoo’s major social media stars, and in-person visitors can watch the youngster play in the expansive gorilla habitat. Was it easy to get around? Zoo Atlanta offers free maps to download on your mobile device and the paved walkways encourage a one-way traffic flow around the zoo grounds. Detailed signs offer educational information for curious minds who want to dig deeper. Plus, there are always plenty of uniformed team members who are always happy to answer any questions or, if your query is outside of their specialty, find someone who can help. Those with mobility concerns will appreciate the smooth walkways and plenty of benches scattered throughout the park. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? It’s hard to fathom any animal lover not finding something to pique their interest here, since it has you covered from reptiles to birds and big cats to gorillas. While Zoo Atlanta is a year-round destination, those who are particularly sensitive to Atlanta’s notoriously hot summers might prefer to plan their visit in a more temperate season, such as spring or fall." - Jennifer Bradley Franklin
