The city of Lafayette, Indiana has one of the oldest—and best—small zoos in the country. Recent renovations, thoughtful and modern designs, and focusing on providing for their local guests as top priority are a few reasons they are successful.
ZooWorld: Embracing the Kitsch
If you’ve ever spent time at a popular beachside destination in the U.S., you are probably well-acquainted with the kitschy, uniquely American, tourist trap vibe that often accompanies these places. Panama City Beach is no exception. Brightly colored signs dot the roads inviting guests into themed or ramshackle seafood joints. Mini-golf courses with tall waterfalls and pirate ships are squeezed between ice cream shops and places to rent scooters and slingshot cars. It is in this context that we delighted in the tourist destination of ZooWorld. To be sure, the five-acre ZooWorld is not without its problems, but overall, the experience is happy and fun with a dose of humor, and the park is clean and comfortable, if not outdated in places.
