Brandy Metzger
spider
A trip to the NC Zoo is always a treat. The indoor and outdoor habitats featuring animals from Africa and North America are impressive. However, there are three new additions to the zoo that enhance the experience. Here are the highlights of Bugs, Rio: The 4-D Experience and the Kidzone.
Bugs, An Epic Adventure is a temporary exhibit currently on display. Visitors pay an extra $5 to enter the exhibit and are greeted by larger than life animatronic insects. On display are many six-legged favorites such as a ladybug, butterfly, firefly and beetle. There are also a few that many consider pests such as the ant and grasshopper. The most impressive (although not technically an insect) is the giant spider. After viewing all of the giant insects, visitors enter a dome filled with normal-sized insects (many of which are alive). Zoo staff is on hand to answer questions about the creatures on display. This exhibit is available through October.
Rio: The 4-D Experience is the current feature in the 4-D theater. The 12 minute presentation is a compilation of excerpts from the feature-length film. It is an action-packed thrill ride that follows the macaws Blu and Jewel as they escape the clutches of greedy bird smugglers. 3-D glasses give the audience the feeling of being in the film and the addition of movement, bursts of air and splashes of water (the 4-D elements) aid in making the film really come to life. Tickets for the film are $4 per guest. Rio will be playing through October.
Kidzone, a play area designed for kids ages 2-10, offers many interesting play areas. For kids that enjoy playing in the water, there is a stream for kids to jump and splash around in. There are also several buckets along the "banks" of the stream for children to use. The Mud Cafe is another popular area in which kids can use dirt, sand and cooking tools to create their own imaginary treats. For kids that love art, there is a wall to draw on with chalk or paint with water. My 5 year old daughter's favorite area of the Kidzone was the bubble station which had a huge bubble wand and many smaller bubble making tools. There is truly something for every child in the Kidzone!
