By the mid-20th century, zoos became beloved destinations for American families seeking affordable weekend entertainment and a chance to see the world's animals without leaving home. A visit to the zoo was a rite of passage for children and a rare escape for working parents.
You stand at the gate on a Saturday morning, ticket stub in hand, the smell of popcorn and animal hay mixing in the warm air. Your children tug at your sleeves, pointing at the map, already debating which animals to see first. Around you, crowds gather at the lion enclosure, faces pressed against glass, the roar of the crowd nearly as loud as the animals'.
Reflect
What animals or places made your childhood feel like an adventure, even close to home?