The Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden is a great place to be at feeding time. Whether you’re watching the sharks gulp down big pieces of meat or sampling a gourmet sandwich in the cafe, the indoor animal park takes you on a wildlife safari around the globe that feeds your mind, spirit, and body.
It’s no wonder that food, for the residents and for visitors, is more than just an afterthought at the aquarium. The brainchild of Daryl Richardson, the three-story theme park mixes his catering business with his love for wildlife. After hours, the ballrooms are often filled with catered parties.
As one of only a few privately owned zoos participating in the worldwide Species Survival Plan, the zookeepers are doing important work in protecting endangered species. A half-dozen of the residents are registered members of the captive breeding flock monitored by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Also housed at the zoo are the cute little African, or black-footed, penguins. Native to the South African coast, the 2-foot-tall waterbirds had no trouble adjusting to the heat of Dallas summers. They stay in the shade and swim around their natural-looking pool.
Entering the aquarium is like walking into a rain forest with waterfalls and thick vegetation. The winding trail around the three levels can often be confusing, but give it time and you’ll figure it out. There is so much to see, with nearly 100 different kinds of critters.
And not everything in the aquarium lives underwater. The animal garden has a large collection of colorful birds, as well as reptiles and mammals. In one corner you can watch a two-toed sloth cling to a tree branch; walk a few feet and see a crocodile hide below a fallen tree. In the aquarium section there are walls of glass tanks filled with colorful fish.
One of the most unusual sights at the aquarium is the Antillean manatees lazily swimming around their tanks. Distantly related to elephants, these sea cows are both friendly looking and menacing because of their size, especially at feeding time.
Nothing is more exciting than walking through the 40-foot-long transparent tunnel below the shark and ray tank. The big fish circle overhead as though they are picking out their next meal from the unsuspecting guests. So far, no visitors have gone missing.
The Dallas World Aquarium is located at 1801 N. Griffin St. in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas. The garden is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Feedings happen every 30 minutes and include a short introduction of the animals by a staff member. Admission is $18.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. For more information, call 214/720-2224 or go to www.dwazoo.com.
941st in a series. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips” 101-200, is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.
This article appears in July 17 • 2009.
