College students are animals. There are the lazy and the crazy, the mini and the mighty – you name it, we’ve got it. Some are frequently obnoxious and hairy, like monkeys. Others can be found running amuck around campus, oblivious to their surroundings and to other species – as in, the mellow animals that actually sleep. Different animals from all over the world meld together in this artificial environment we like to call college. Really, though, college is a zoo.
If you’re looking for a break from the uncaged wildlife at Northwestern, however, the real Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon, is a somewhat safer haven.
Nonetheless, I know some of you are anti-zoo. After all, we are adults, and a daytrip to see caged animals might seem juvenile at this juncture in life.
But for these zoo skeptics – and anyone else who’s intrigued – I’ve prepared the top five reasons (in no particular order) that the Lincoln Park Zoo is a good bet for an entertaining, out-of-the-ordinary afternoon.
1. Kids are everywhere, and they are hilarious.
When I visited Lincoln Park Zoo, children easily outnumbered adults. Brave moms corralled up to as many as five or six children each, usually taking a frantic headcount from exhibit to exhibit. Kids trudged along in what seemed like every sort of contraption possible; I’ve now probably seen more makes and models of strollers than cars. One unique little boy walked independently with a beige teddy-bear backpack on, but was cleverly (or deceptively) walked by his father who controlled a long leash stemming from it.
The sheer volume of children, both in number and loudness, made eavesdropping unavoidable but provided priceless entertainment. While passing the camels, a girl who looked about five yelled to her mother, “They’re bigger than Daddy!” A little boy spent a solid two minutes screeching “Bambi! Bambi!” to a deer at the top of his lungs, but disappointingly never caught its attention.
Gail Malnarick, 35, a visitor from Morristown, N.J., brought her two kids to the zoo.
“My favorite animals are the tigers,” says Malnarick’s 9-year-old daughter, Mikaela. Her reason? “Because they can eat.”
At the Lincoln Park Zoo, the kids provide the show. The animals are merely an added bonus.
2. The animals, but mainly the monkeys.
The Lincoln Park Zoo has the standard rundown of animals: There are penguins, giraffes, seals, zebras, rhinos and the like. But the monkeys steal the show.
The impressive Regenstein Center for African Apes opened in July 2004 and has three different habitats with space indoors and outdoors for chimpanzees and gorillas. They swing and play in constant motion, providing entertainment for all ages.
Kim Velsey, 21, a student at the University of Chicago, describes monkeys as interesting and human-like – probably typical college-student observations.
Six-year-old Brandon Malnarick, another visitor, ignores the filter people seem to acquire with age, eagerly commenting that “(he) can see the monkey’s boobs.”
Other noteworthy exhibits include the Regenstein African Experience, described on the Web site, www.LPzoo.com, as an “unparalleled immersion experience.” In the exhibit, visitors walk through various simulated African climates to view both the animals and landscape in a realistic environment. The wetlands section has lush plants and a waterfall and is continually misted for added affect.
Kovler Sea Lion Pool allows zoo-goers to view seals and sea lions from rocks at the water’s surface, then walk down to watch them swim in an underwater viewing area.
The Levine Family Polar Bear Plaza employs the same setup. You can get close to these animals without the threat of actual confrontation – a nearly impossible feat on campus.
3. Nostalgia and pondering the future.
As I walked down memory lane – er, make that monkey row – endless stories about the zoo back home and accounts of former animal obsessions came streaming back. For instance, I was crazy about “mingys” (flamingoes) which I now think are kind of creepy-looking and smell awful.
After reminiscing, evaluation of the future is also inevitable. Think about it: In the next 10 years, we might be the ones holding our own kids on leashes while strolling through the zoo on a Monday afternoon. Doesn’t that blow your mind?
4. Location.
The Lincoln Park zoo is located right off Lakeshore Drive, and the Chicago skyline provides a stellar backdrop. On a sunny day, you can get both educational and comedic enrichment – and maybe shed the pasty remains of winter complexion.
5. It’s free.
The zoo is open 365 days a year, free of charge. It’s the perfect place for a cheap date, picnic, jog or a simple scenic walk outdoors. The grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Medill sophomore Deena Bustillo is a PLAY assistant editor. She can be reached at d-bustillo@northwestern.edu
