The Many Faces of Dickerson Park Zoo

On the chilly, late-March early morning that we visited the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, many of the animals were where we should have been—indoors. That’s where other humans were, apparently, which meant we had the zoo practically to ourselves. So although we didn’t get to see as large a variety of animals as we had hoped, there also were no crowds of people with heads and hands popping in front of the camera lens just as we snapped photos.Despite the absence of many of the larger, warm-weather zoo residents, we managed to capture several images. This gorgeous peacock greeted us as we entered the zoo.

Peacock

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I wondered how flamingos could be outdoors in the cold until I saw the heat lamp they were gathered under.

FlamingosAlthough we had to take pictures through bars or glass, we managed to get a fair number of photos. I especially like to study the faces of animals in photos. I often wonder what they’re thinking. Some look like real hams; others look sad. Some look annoyed and others like they have not a care in the world. Here are some of the photos we took:

Dickerson Park Zoo150328_MO_Springgield_Zoo-3843 150328_MO_Springgield_Zoo-3838 150328_MO_Springgield_Zoo-3832 150328_MO_Springgield_Zoo-3853 Dickerson Park ZooBesides the animals, we found a couple of other things to do in the zoo. I’m not sure what this makeshift maze was about, but I couldn’t resist going through it.

Maze at Dickerson Park ZooAnd the train ride was a must.

Zoo trainWe were also impressed with the layout of the zoo grounds. The landscaping was on par with some of the larger zoos that we’ve visited. Although the trees and shrubs were barren in March, during the summer the greenery would add that much more attractiveness to the landscape.

Landscape at Dickerson Park ZooPond and waterfall

If you enjoy zoos, I’d recommend Dickerson Park. Plan to spend two to three hours there. It would also be a great outing for families with young children.

Be sure to check out our new road trip blog, U.S. Long Cuts.

Dickerson Park Zoo is located at 3043 North Fort in Springfield, Missouri. Check the web site for hours and admission fees.

Disclosure: Our visit to Dickerson Park Zoo was hosted by the Springfield Missouri Convention and Visitors Bureau and Dickerson Park Zoo, but any opinions expressed in this post are my own. Photos by Skip Reed and Connie Reed.

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Linking up with A Brit & A Southerner for Weekend Wanderlust

Other articles that may interest you:
Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha: A Must-See for Zoo Lovers
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: Not Just for Kids
Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City IN: Family Fun

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