If you think you know all Zoo Atlanta has to offer - think again! I grew up near Atlanta and date back to old-school Willie B. adventures and have found lots of new programs and experiences at this Atlanta landmark in recent years. It has been so wonderful to watch Zoo Atlanta develop such amazing animal habitats over the years and continue to grow with conservation initiatives and even more physical expansion coming in 2019. It is easy to think, however, that the Zoo is just about going on a warm day and observing the animals, riding a few rides, and eating some great grub. Recently, however, we had the pleasure of going to the Zoo after hours to experience the Zoo in a very different way!
Twilight Trek is an after hours adventure that you and your family will be sure to enjoy. We arrived at Zoo Atlanta after it was closed to the public and began a tour of the Zoo that was different from any other we had experienced. We were greeted by a team of Zoo Atlanta professionals who each had knowledge of different animals groups within the Zoo. Our group was led by Jason, an expert in the field of ornithology who could answer our questions on any type of bird, and Sabrina, who loves reptiles and has over 100 animals of her own at home! Going on this after-hours tour was like having your own classroom experts in the field with you as you explore the Zoo from a completely different angle.
The theme of the night for our Twilight Trek was technology. We were able to use some of Zoo Atlanta's most interesting technology to track and find animals as they moved, bedded down for the night, or were just ramping up for a nocturnal activity. Our first technology exploration involved tracking down an animal who had a collar/band with sound, the closer the animal the more intense the sound became. Then we found another Zoo Atlanta inhabitant with the use of microchip detection. Smaller animals can't use bands or collars so some have a tiny chip implanted under their skin. Either way- an elusive Zoo friend can be found with the help of a little technology!
My daughter had a blast with the next method of animal location - infrared tablet technology to allow the user to point toward and object and determine the heat emitted. She is a turtle lover and could track these reptiles in their habitat as they moved through twigs and barriers.
As dusk came and the light began to fade we used two more methods of detection and observation. The first was the use of binoculars. Sounds simple, but it was amazing to refocus with the use of this tool to zoom in on the birds that visit Zoo Atlanta and hide high among the treetops. One of my favorite technological tools, however, were the night vision goggles- complete with Ghost Recon! What an amazing feeling to look at the animals and see them clearly as the night sky has taken over your normal daylight vision.
I can not recommend this program enough for individuals, families, and homeschooler like ours. We really got to have a behind the scenes tour with experts in the field who were attentive to our questions and helped us navigate the low light world of Zoo Atlanta with fun and informational technology! Call and make your reservation now!
Upcoming Dates for the Trek: August 25th, September 8th, September 28th, October 12th and October 27th
Times: 6:30 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $15 Adults, $7 Children 3-17, Children 2 and Under are Free (if you are a member you receive a discount)
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