Wildlife Adventures Program
Encounter animals in the wild, explore exotic places, and experience local cultures with Zoo staff and native wildlife experts as your guides. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime and share your commitment to wildlife conservation through ecotourism with The Toledo Zoo!

Blue-footed boobie Photo: Mike & Alison Holly

Galapagos Islands (August 25-Sept. 5, 2008)
This is one of the few wildernesses in the world where animals have no instinctive fear of humans, approaching visitors with benign curiosity. Drop anchor at a different island each day and view animals from Darwin’s finches to giant tortoises to the incredible blue-footed boobies! Snorkel with seal lions, penguins, and an array of tropical fish. An optional extension to Machu Picchu is also available.

South Africa (September 12-25, 2008)
Discover the innate beauty, historic culture and exotic wildlife of South Africa where abundant seascapes, quaint villages, mountain views, eclectic architecture and incredible wildlife await you. Go to the top of Table Mountain, the tip of the Cape of Good Hope and enjoy the fruits of fertile winelands. Roam private wildlife reserves in open vehicles. Experience the excitement of seeing the “Big Five.” Secluded lodges and camps bring the romance of the safari alive as expert rangers and trackers share their insights and enthusiasm.

Newport, Rhode Island (September 18-22, 2008)
Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Roger Williams Zoo and the Newport Bird Sanctuary, tour the historic areas of Newport, and visit Brenton Point State Park. Ferry to Block Island to spend time at its National Wildlife Refuge and its large concentration of migratory songbirds, visit the Sachust Point Wildlife Refuge, and much more.

Brazil/Pantanal (October 2008)
Fly from Miami to Sao Paulo and then on to Iguassu Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You will then spend 3 days in the heart of the Pantanal – with forest walks, canoe trips, horseback rides, etc. It’s then off to Rio de Janeiro where you will stay on the famous Ipanema Beach. You’ll also visit several research sites to learn more about the native wildlife of the region.

Bermuda (October 28-November 2, 2008)
Explore beautiful pink sand beaches with gentle cerulean waters. Learn about the history and culture of Bermuda with special behind-the-scenes tours of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the Bermuda Botanical Garden. Bird lovers will thrill to the sight of birds from the great blue heron and the egret to the flamingos and the kiskadee. Spend time exploring the northernmost coral reef in the world.

Botswana elephant herd

Botswana (November 1-12, 2008)
Explore the Okavango Delta and experience the exhilaration of close contact wildlife viewing during drives in open vehicles, from mokoros (dug out canoes), and even on foot. A journey to Chobe National Park offers some of the highest wildlife concentrations in Africa – of special significance are its elephants. Exclusive luxury camps in remote locations make this a memorable adventure. You will also visit Victoria Falls. At more than twice the size of Niagara Falls, it’s no surprise that it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Coming in 2009!

China (April 14 - May 3, 2009)
Begin in the capital of Beijing and visit the legendary sites of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. Enjoy personal encounters such as a tour through Beijing’s ancient back roads and alleys (hutongs) and a home-hosted visit with a Chinese family to get a glimpse of the traditional communal lifestyle. See why Xian’s extraordinary Terra Cotta Warriors are called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Visit the renowned Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Chengdu. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at the Chengdu Zoo with the zoo curator. Travel to mystical Lhasa in Tibet and tour the 1,000-room Potala Palace and Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest temple. Enjoy a home visit with a Tibetan family. Cruise the fabled Yangtze River and see the immense Three Gorges Dam. Conclude your journey in dazzling Shanghai, a city that epitomizes 21st century China and excites visitors at every turn.

Thailand (November 14-26, 2009)
Explore Bangkok, walk across the River Kwai bridge, attend the annual elephant round-up festival (with over 300 elephants and 1000 performers taking part in incredible feats of strength and skill), visit local village and markets, have an opportunity to do a jungle trek on elephant-back, and much more. Keep watching for more details.

And more to be annouced later...check back for more information!

If you have any questions or would like detailed itineraries, please contact Sally Albert by phone at 419-385-5721, ext. 2079 or via e-mail.