Wildlife Adventures Program
Encounter animals in the wild, explore exotic places, and experience local cultures with Zoo staff and native wildlife experts as your guides. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime and share your commitment to wildlife conservation through ecotourism with The Toledo Zoo!

Blue-footed boobie Photo: Mike & Alison Holly

Galapagos Islands (August 25-Sept. 5, 2008)
This is one of the few wildernesses in the world where animals have no instinctive fear of humans and will approach visitors with benign curiosity. Your 16-passenger motor yacht will drop anchor at a different island each day where you can view flightless cormorants, marine and land iguanas, Darwin’s finches, fur seals, giant tortoises, and the incredible blue-footed boobies! There will be opportunities to snorkel with seal lions, penguins, and an array of tropical fish. An optional extension to Machu Picchu, Peru is also available.

South Africa (September 12-25, 2008)
Discover the innate beauty, historic culture and exotic wildlife of South Africa where abundant seascapes, quaint villages, mountain views, eclectic architecture and incredible wildlife await you. Go to the top of Table Mountain, the tip of the Cape of Good Hope and enjoy the fruits of fertile winelands. Roam private wildlife reserves in open vehicles. Experience the excitement of seeing the “Big Five.” Secluded lodges and camps bring the romance of the safari alive as expert rangers and trackers share their insights and enthusiasm.

Newport, Rhode Island (September 18-22, 2008)
This program includes a variety of unique opportunities, including: a behind-the-scenes tour of the Roger Williams Zoo; a tour of the historic areas of Newport; a visit to Brenton Point State Park; a high-speed ferry ride to Block Island to spend time at the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (notable for its large concentration of migratory songbirds); a behind-the-scenes tour and lecture at the Norman Bird Sanctuary; a visit to the Sachust Point Wildlife Refuge (renowned for its 200+ bird species); and much more.

Brazil/Pantanal (October 18-28, 2008)
The journey will begin in Miami with your flight to Sao Paulo and then on to Iguassu Falls. One of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Falls form a horseshoe that stretches almost 2 miles between Brazil and Argentina and rise over 236 feet high. You will then spend 3 days in the heart of the Pantanal – with forest walks, canoe trips, horseback rides, etc. It’s then off to Rio de Janeiro where you will stay on the famous Ipanema Beach. We will visit several research sites to learn more about the native wildlife of the region.

Bermuda (October 28-November 2, 2008)
Explore beautiful pink sand beaches with gentle cerulean waters. Learn about the history and culture of Bermuda. Visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and the Bermuda Botanical Garden and enjoy special behind-the-scenes tours. Bird lovers can watch for great blue heron, egrets, flamingos, warblers, kiskadee, hooded mergansers, coots, ducks, and many other species. Spend time exploring the northernmost coral reef in the world.

Botswana elephant herd

Botswana (November 1-12, 2008)
Explore the Okavango Delta, the earth’s largest inland water system and experience the exhilaration of close contact wildlife viewing during day and night game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles, from mokoros (dug out canoes), and even on foot. A journey to Chobe National Park offers some of the highest wildlife concentrations in Africa – of special significance are its elephants. Exclusive luxury camps in remote locations make this a memorable adventure. You will also visit Victoria Falls. At more than twice the size of Niagara Falls, it’s no surprise that it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Coming in 2009!

Kenya Safari (February 4-15, 2009)
Kenya’s many wildlife reserves, its tribal cultures, and fascinating history make this former British colony an exotic destination. With its great diversity of scenery – ranging from snow capped peaks to tropical forests – lush grasslands to scrub-covered desert, and fertile farm land to arid bush, Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries on the African continent. The main attraction is the immense variety and numbers of animals and birds that roam freely across the vast and striking landscapes. All of this coupled with rustic but luxurious accommodations will transport you to a different world and time and a safari adventure you’ll never forget. Enjoy the thrill of seeing elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, the elusive leopards, and many other animals on daily game drives. Visit Sweetwaters, Lake Naivasha and explore the Masai Mara Game Reserve with its incredible herds of wildebeest and zebra during their annual migration. Accommodations will be in a variety of lodges and tented camps.

Discover Hawaii’s Birds and Wildlife (March 7-16, 2009)
Embark on a wildlife adventure on three islands of Hawaii. Search for endemic and Pacific Island birds all while enjoying the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii’s remote, oceanic location and distinctive volcanic geography have produced an extraordinary array of species unlike any other found on Earth. Join us as we explore the wildlife, flora, and fauna of this tropical paradise with expert biologists and naturalists. In addition, learn about Hawaii’s culture and history as we visit the islands of Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. There will also be time to just enjoy the beautiful beaches and turquoise blue waters. March is a great time to get away from the cold and snow of Northwest Ohio and spend some time in the sun!

China, Tibet & the Yangtze River (April 14 - May 5, 2009)
Begin in the capital of Beijing and visit the legendary sites of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. Enjoy personal encounters such as a tour through Beijing’s ancient back roads and alleys (hutongs) and a home-hosted visit with a Chinese family to get a glimpse of the traditional communal lifestyle. See why Xian’s extraordinary Terra Cotta Warriors are called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Visit the renowned Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Chengdu. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at the Chengdu Zoo with the zoo curator. Travel to mystical Lhasa in Tibet and tour the 1,000-room Potala Palace and Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest temple. Enjoy a home visit with a Tibetan family. Cruise the fabled Yangtze River and see the immense Three Gorges Dam. Conclude your journey in dazzling Shanghai, a city that epitomizes 21st century China and excites visitors at every turn.

Thailand (November 14-26, 2009)
Explore Bangkok, walk across the River Kwai bridge, attend the annual elephant round-up festival (with over 300 elephants and 1000 performers taking part in incredible feats of strength and skill), visit local village and markets, have an opportunity to do a jungle trek on elephant-back, and much more. Keep watching for more details.

Other possible locations include: Tanzania and the U.S. National Parks

If you have any questions or would like detailed itineraries, please contact Sally Albert by phone at 419-385-5721, ext. 2079 or via e-mail.