Today we were driving around and went over to Highway 13 in Branson West. Major ground work has been done on the Branson Zoo and Aquarium. Apparently, this will be a great entertainment venue containing an open visitor friendly zoo and a very large aquarium.
I believe this may be developed by the Hershend enterprises (developers of Silver Dollar City) however, I am not absolutely certain.
Check it out by visiting www.predatorworld.org/.
The aquarium is supposed to have the largest exhibit of shark species in the US. Also you can beed them yourselves.
Right now it looks like development on this site has just begun. But watch for it --it may prove to be interesting.
3 comments:
I recently visited the zoo and aquarium. I was not impressed!! Walking through the front door, I was engulfed in the most awfulness smell. Immediately my hoodie went around my face. I didn't spend to much time in the first bio-dome, hoping that the next dome would be not so overwhelming. I was wrong!
The next dome was for the reptiles. I am NOT over-exaggerating when I say that just about every snake habitat had at least 3 snake sheds in it. Some of the sheds were not even complete. Suggesting that the humidity is not at the level it should be or the "access" to water to soak in is not amply provided. Even though most habitats had 3 snakes in them, I know for a fact that not every snake in the habitat will shed at the same time! The cleanliness of the habitats were very disappointing. I saw evidence of both internal and external parasites. Several snakes were severely underweight and very sickly. The saltwater crocodile that they house at the end of the dome, is so small and is so pathetic. The poor thing cannot even submerge in its water. There isn't even enough water for it to do so if it wanted to.
As I walked on to the last dome, I got the opportunity to see some of the larger mammals that they have in this facility. Bengal tigers in areas TOO small, Wolves pacing in cramped enclosures, well you get the point. I couldn't tell how large the enclosure was for the bear, but given that the other areas were so small I can only imagine that it was too small as well. Animals are kept together that should not be and would normally not ever cross paths anywhere. Oh, and be careful, the kangaroo bites. And can easily reach you, because of the 3 (three) that's right 3 foot fence that keeps him from you.
So, next is the "aquarium". I use this word VERY loosely!!!!!!!! The so called, largest shark exhibit, is not. Perhaps I was expecting something more to the caliber of the New Orleans Aquarium before the hurricane. It was more like a large pool. This is not an exaggeration. The ray area was also a pool than an aquarium. Very Disappointing!! But, back to the shark area, the Loggerhead turtle that they house, when submerged has about only 7 or 8 feet of water above the top of the her shell. In my opinion, they should not be allowed to have this turtle in their "zoo".
So, after paying $10, after coupons, I left feeling extremely disappointed and saddened by this outing. Before going there, I was hoping to find an aquarium that I could spend my time at leisure enjoying any down time that I had and will have while in Branson. But, I did not even think about asking about a season pass!
There were a couple of good things about the visit. My daughter and I did get to feed the rays, sharks, and turtle. That was exciting. And you got a nice supply of fish to do so for the price of the bowls. The 2 gaboon vipers that they have looked to be in very great condition. They were fat and their scales were in very nice condition. My daughter did get to feel a rat snake and an alligator. She very much liked that.
With that all being said, IF I ever return to this establishment, it will be to take pictures and note anything and everything I see!!!!!!!
Do not waste your money going here. It will be a waste of your money and your time. DON'T GO.
I agree with the previous poster. This attraction was disgusting. I was incredibly disappointed with the care of the facility. It had an awful odor and I was honestly concerned about the care of the animals. Don't waste your money!
Our family has recently visited this facility as well and we visit alot of zoo's/aquariums, and I honestly wished I had thought about reading some of these blogs before I went and " WASTED " $87 on this horrible outing that was supposed to a huge family fun thing, not to mention it was for my step-son's 8th birthday, he even had a few comments on how the animals were being cared for and the unbearable stinch that was obvesouly due to the poor maintnence. We thought that the outdoor area where all of the larger animals and alligators were kept would have been a little better but the tigers and lions were fenced up in a large chain linked fence as one that you would have around your yard and they had very little room in the cages. One of the alligators had its taiil broken halfway off the the broken off part was still in the cage and he was so dry on his back because he could not submerge himself completly in his small pool area. We will never return to this mess!!!!!!
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