Africa

After doubling back for a second look at the black bear and coyote exhibit, guests encounter the Africa-themed exhibits beginning with Cheetah Country, home to Dickerson Park Zoo's successful breeding work with this endangered species. A raised pavilion offers panoramic views of the cheetahs and the neighboring African Plains yard. From the pavilion, guests have exceptional views of Greater Kudu and other African antelopes, European White Storks, East African Crowned Cranes and Ostriches.

From the pavilion, a walkway skirts the African Plains exhibit allowing continued observation of this spacious mixed-species exhibit. Next to the Bush Country Café, zoo guests can observe Bongos, a shy African forest antelope.

Adjoining the African Plains yard is a new space for the zoo's Baringo Giraffes. This second yard will help accommodate the zoo's growing herd. Guests also see indoor holding space for several of the giraffes as they follow the walk through the barn (Don't miss the savannah monitor and African rock python!) and to the zoo's original giraffe yard.

The elevated viewing/feeding deck at this yard is a favorite stop for most zoo guests. During the spring, summer and early fall, an attendant sells crackers at the deck for guests to feed the giraffes. Not only do children and adults get an eye-to-eye look at these magnificent animals, the feeding opportunity makes a memorable impact.

Guests step off the giraffe deck at the overlook for a modern lion exhibit and follow the walkway to exhibits for Warthogs, Zebras and White-crested Turacos. Black and white colobus monkeys, with their striking coats of black with a white “cape,” are a favorite. Two births since March 2006 have created a family troupe, and the interaction between the two juveniles and their parents is a “must-see.”