The National Zoo of the Dominican Republic is one of the biggest
testimonies to the fact that this country is more than just beautiful
beaches and waters.
doesn't even matter if
they have kids because they will surely enjoy what they will see.
This means you can visit the zoo with your hot Dominican companion
and you won't have to feel awkward about visiting the place.
A Short History
Plans to create this magnificent zoo started in 1972. The original
structures in the area were designed by Manuel Podesta and Eugenio
Montas. Two years later,
animals started to arrive from various
places in the country, particularly other zoos. Animals from Africa
and the US also arrived in 1974. After obtaining an impressive
variety of animals, the zoo was officially opened in July 5, 1975.
Although the zoo has suffered some minor setbacks because of
structural problems, it's now becoming
one of the must visit
attractions in Santo Domingo. It can even be argued that it's one of
the most must visit land-based attractions in the Dominican Republic.
A Unique and Massive Zoo
Tourists who casually visit the National Zoo will be surprised
with what they will see. The National Zoo of the Dominican Republic
doesn't use many cages for their
animals. The zoo is practically a
free habitat for various animals and the open space has certainly
made them healthier and better adapted to the environment. The
tourists are separate from the animals not by fences, but by large
trenches. This unique design of the zoo was made possible simply because the
zoo is very massive
and it can provide a large space for specific
animals. With a size of 1 million square meters, it's one of the
largest zoos in the Americas.
Fun Activities for Kids and Adults
Aside from the unique setting of animals, the zoo also offer
activities for everyone so that they can have a closer look at some
of the wildlife. A good example of this
is the small petting zoo
where kids can be closer to animals and even play with them a little
bit. In this area of the zoo, kids and adults can interact with
ponies, turtles
and even monkeys. If you think the area is too large for a walk, there's also a
small train within the zoo that will provide a tour for the visitors.
The train goes to various
enclosures for unique and well known
animals in the world. Almost every well known animal in the wild can
be found in the National Zoo such as lions, tigers, zebras
and
hyenas.
But a must see during the tour is the rare white rhino. The National Zoo is located in Avenida La Vega Real, which is
practically a few minutes from the city center.
There's an entrance
fee which should cost no more than RD$200. You don't even have to be
an animal lover to really appreciate this place. It would be a great
afternoon for you and your adult companion when you visit this
remarkable zoo.