One of the major attractions of the zoo is the elephants. The building resembles an oversized stone mausoleum. But it houses three Asian elephants Surapa, Jothi and Buki. These big girls each eat about 100 pounds of hay, 2 cups of bran, and 7 pounds of grain a day. As they munch away, music in the background plays from an easy rock radio station. Perhaps it helps aid their digestion?

The zoo features indoor and outdoor displays of animals and birds on 23.5 acres. Obtain a free Zoo Map and learn the zoo's exhibit signs are colour coded to explain where these animals normally live. Blue represents the Americas; green represents Australia/Asia and orange represents Africa.

However, on a very cold day you'll see only a limited number of animals outside. Mary Rudewicz, Public Relations co-ordinator for the zoo explained, "Animals are like most of us, we just hate the cold and stay inside." There was one exception - the Polar Bears.

They were out in full force. On a very cold February day visit, some were snoozing, while others were frolicking on large chunks of ice. However, this marine animal is especially equipped for this type of weather. They have a double layer of fur, and undergirded by 10 centimetres of blubber that almost completely prevents heat loss. Broad, fluffy paws act as snowshoes and their short, solid claws help grip the ice.

Other hearty creatures you're likely to see outside on a not too cold March day are the Pigmy Goats, Reindeer, Wallaroo, waterfowl, Bighorn Sheep, Gorillas, Antelopes and Rhinos. You can step inside a tall building and really stretch your neck to see the Giraffes. If you're lucky, Tigers and Lions might pop their heads outside (please note these animals are not with the giraffes they are each in their own houses).

Displays out side each exhibit explains a little about the different species of animals. Take time to read them and you'll learn things like Pigmy Goats, after the dog, were the first animals to be domesticated over 9000 years ago; reindeer are the only members of the deer family where both male and females have antlers; that the size of a Bighorn Sheep's antlers indicated the sheep's rank.

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day the zoo On March 17th promises to make you Irish. Activities take place throughout the day, including a performance by a dancing Irish troupe, and an Irish storyteller. You can bet they'll be some tall tales here! Wear something green and celebrate.

When you leave the zoo explore the majestic grand old homes in the area. This Elmwood Avenue strip is also filled with lots of neat and not so neat, but definitely quirky, colourfully painted shops and eating places.

If you don't have small children with you, culture vultures will be happy to know the nearby Albright - Knox Art Gallery on Elmwood Avenue is five minutes away. This Greek revival building houses paintings and sculptures dating back to 3000B.C.

For More information:
For the Buffalo Zoo visit BuffaloZoo.org or call 716-837-3900, ext.106.

For the Albright-Knox Art Gallery visit AlbrightKnox.org or 716-882-8700.

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George Bailey is a professional photographer and writer. He is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada and writes a regular column for Canadian CAA Magazine. He can be contacted at Wonderful.life@sympatico.ca. Photos courtesy of George Bailey.

© 2007

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