Let's see if this can possibly be feasible... Rules for the poll: 1. Please only vote if you think that you would have the possibility of traveling (physically and financially) to a decided zoo this fall...no "I wishes or if I could". 2. Please vote for all locations that would be possible for you to travel to and that you would like to visit. 3. After a month of voting, the top three will be place in another poll to decide with zoo/city to visit.
Okapikpr, haveing the time so close to the UK get together Maybe you might want to have your date 3 weeks before or after to allow people to attend both Or have it in jan - feb 2010? Just a thought.
I think it would be great. If people who voted identified themselves as to what city they would prefer. Not sure as to why people have not done this
September through November, I feel are the best time to visit a zoo...less school groups, weather is still good, and most of the new exhibits for the year have opened and their vegetation has grown over the year. Nothing is set in stone, just getting an idea of what can be feasible and who would be interested....havent paid too much attention to what the English are up too.
I voted Ohio b/c I could actually make it to Columbus and Cincy. I think we have some amigos in Indy, too, which is close.
I chose Florida, Mid-West, Texas and Ohio et al. But I not really discerning ... between the regions. I just love the idea of meeting up with like minded folks and zoo people alike!!! K.B.
I voted So Cal (easy to get to), Ohio (dying to see The Wilds) and Pacific Northwest (for Seattle jaguar and Northwest Trek). But may be open to other possibilities. I'm not sure how everyone feels about traveling on holidays, but maybe Labor Day weekend is a good time?
I suppose I should clarify for our non-U.S. friends: Labor Day is Monday, September 7. It is a big public holiday in America and generally considered to be the last day of the summer vacation season.
If we were to get together during a US holiday weekend...while it maybe easier to get time off from some of our respective jobs....travel costs will be more expensive and the zoos would be busier than usual with guests.
I voted for the Pacific Northwest as it is easiest for me to reach, and this year would be difficult for me to embark on another massive road trip. Maybe 2010...haha. However, I've visited all 50 U.S. States in the past, and driven a vehicle in 49 of them. With Hawaii I've only been to the Honolulu airport a couple of times.
and school... we go to school for a week and then get a 3 day weekend. Our school boards are brilliant....
One thing to be aware of --the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums has their annul meeting in Portland, Oregon September 12-18 and American Association of Zookeepers/ International Zookeepers Conference is in Seattle September 24-29. Many of the zoo professionals would be unavailable during those times, either attending the meetings or filling in for those who are gone. If you pick Ohio you're still close to Fort Wayne--less than 3 hours away from either Columbus or Cincinnati. Our African Journey opened last weekend to record crowds. Member preview day alone drew 13,000.
U.S. Zoochat Trip For those who haven't been to the site in a while, there are only a couple days left to vote for our autumn trip. Deadline is July 5 (05-07-09 - please note this site uses the international standard of day then month, rather than the U.S. standard of month then day).
I would be able to make it to Toronto for sure Detroit, Buffalo, and any Ohio Zoo's could also be a possibility
