Are all of the zoos in the ghetto? (best, better, places)

[goofy328]

From what I can tell all zoos across America are in, next to, or not far from, a ghetto somewhere. I am looking for exceptions to the rule. Also, if anyone knows this, would like to know why so many zoos are built in the ghetto. One theory I have is that zoos predate suburbia, and that they are built in some of the oldest parts of a city.

[indiglo_2000]

Not in San Diego.

[annie_himself]

Baton Rouge Zoo is on the edge of the city in suburbia. New Orleans Audobon Zoo is in Uptown, one of the nicest areas of the city. Houston Zoo is also in one of the nicest areas of the city, Hermann Park.

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

Baton Rouge Zoo is on the edge of the city in suburbia. New Orleans Audobon Zoo is in Uptown, one of the nicest areas of the city. Houston Zoo is also in one of the nicest areas of the city, Hermann Park.

So it is a Northern and Mid-Atlantic phenomenon primarily?

[North Beach Person]

Nor in DC. The National Zoo is in NW near some of the most exclusive areas of the City.

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by indiglo_2000

Not in San Diego.

That's like the best zoo in the country, if not one of the best. But good point.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by goofy328

So it is a Northern and Mid-Atlantic phenomenon primarily?

I have no idea but it does hold true in some cities because zoos predate suburbia. Then again, once inner cities began declining they probably went to the suburbs.

[ironcouger]

Woodlandand Park Zoo is in an nice neighborhood, And Pointe Defiance Zoo is in an waterfront neighborhood.

[18Montclair]

San Francisco's is an upper middle class neighborhood right on the ocean.

Oakland's is adjacent to 2 of the wealthiest predominantly Black neighborhoods on the West Coast.

[Yokie]

Originally Posted by goofy328

From what I can tell all zoos across America are in, next to, or not far from, a ghetto somewhere. I am looking for exceptions to the rule. Also, if anyone knows this, would like to know why so many zoos are built in the ghetto. One theory I have is that zoos predate suburbia, and that they are built in some of the oldest parts of a city.

Thanks for giving me more material for my blog "removed - don't advertise blogs, please."

As a youngster growing up in Boston in the 1940s, I was taken to Franklin Park Zoo by bus and subway on special occasions.

So, in later years, when I had a friend and her young daughter visiting from New Hampshire, I decided to take them to Franklin Park Zoo and let them experience a trip in and on the subway the same day.

I had to go to the information booth to inquire about the right train since the system had changed. The man at the booth after learning where we were headed, said to me, "No, you don't want to go there. It's too dangerous! If you were to go by car that would be better, but you would need to be very careful."

In short, the zoo was there first. The ghetto came later.

In my lifetime I've lived in many, many places. And to quote Gertrude Stein, whenever I've returned for a visit, usually "There's no there, there."

Neighborhoods tend to mutate.

--Yokie