Philadelphia Zoo, PA.

I have a love/hate relationship with zoos, aquariums, anywhere all these magnificent animals are put on display. I have the softest spot in my heart for animals of all types and I love being able to be so close to them. However, my hatred comes from knowing that they obviously do not want to be there; they've been taken away from everything they know and shoved into these little quarters - I don't believe that's how they should live. Employees at any zoo or aquarium probably hate me because I spend a good amount of time asking how well these animals are taken care and so on (I'm an extremely curious person).

I've been to the Philadelphia Zoo several times and each time it has gotten a little more unmanageable. The first time I went a few years back, I remember the atmosphere being extremely relaxed and no one being in a hurry. Since then, it's been a little busier and little more hectic each and every time. In my opinion, people visit zoos to see animals they normally would not see stepping outside their home. With that being said, why is there an entire section of the zoo dedicated to pigeons? They have the usual giraffes and rhinos and whatnot, but I think they did the best job on their reptiles.

They had a few signs such as this one for any animals they have rescued. Comforting, yes, but with all the variety of animals and the very few that were actually rescued - unsettling for someone like me.

After seeing giraffes at many zoos, I've noticed that they seem to be the most social animal. Am I the only one who has caught on to that?

Tips:

- I suggest when going to the zoo to start at the back of it and work your way up. This visit, I started by the "Frog Parking Lot" which is the end corner of the zoo and took my time - making it that much more enjoyable. Also, if you don't mind walking - you can avoid the $20 parking by parking a block or two away from the zoo!

- This just so happens to be a pet peeve of mine that I thought would help everyone out: if you're someone that hogs the entire window when an animal is moving around - move. I noticed the same crowds standing in front of tigers or polar bears for minutes on end when there are plenty of other people that want to see as well. I saw what I wanted to see, I got my picture, then I let the next person have their fun. Do the same.

- Bring your own food. The food is nothing to rave about - not that it should be, we're all going for the animals.

(I plan on venturing to the Bronx Zoo in the upcoming weeks and hope to compare the two, stay tuned!)