Been to a zoo lately?

By William E. Males

Panama City Beach is certainly one of my family's favorite getaway places for a change of pace and well needed vacation. Now before I say much more, I should clarify that my family loves the water, and in fact we only live a short 2 miles straight up the road from several pristine springs - a convenient place where we can launch our kayaks and a fishing pier where more than one meal has come from. We even have a gulf saltwater beach where we go to do “sun downers” occasionally and is only about a 20 minute ride from the house.

Problem is - our local beach is only about 750' long and the water lacks that emerald clarity of the Panama City Beach. There is something about walking down a seemingly endless beach while listening to the surf. At our beach you just pull up, get out of the car and look for a place to spread out the towels and set up the chairs - and that's it. From your chair you can watch everything happening at Fort Island beach here in Crystal River.

However, when we do get a chance to escape to another town for a visit, I always enjoy getting out and seeing the local sights and finding the attractions that the locals themselves visit. It's like knowing you found a good restaurant when you see all the locals are there. But one of the places that I have always enjoyed visiting, regardless of crowds, is the local zoos. That’s because no matter what state or town you're in, a trip to the zoo is always like a trip to a faraway place you have yet to explore. That's one of the reasons why, during our last visit to Panama City for spring break, I took a trip to Panama City Beach's Zoo World, and I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit with their facility.

Something about a zoo always allows you to escape from where you are into a realm of intrigue and fascination. With 7 acres and over 260 animals, it was a pleasant afternoon. One of my favorites was the variety of birds that they had. They had several varieties of parrots in the vibrant colors, peacocks, and even chicken and turkeys. Twice a day the Zoo has their "PARROTS IN PARADISE" shows with large and small parrots.  During these shows visitors get a chance to see these birds perform some interesting trained behaviors like no others.  After each show the opportunity is given for guests to actually hold the birds and to have their pictures taken with the birds.

In my opinion, a trip to Panama City Beach just isn't complete without a trip their Zoo. Panama City Beach's Zoo World is a nonprofit organization that appreciates all visitors and support, so take time to stop in and give the whole family a treat. Next time I'll share about all the animals and the video I made of them. They even have a tame wolf you can pet . . . and get a picture with too!