Earlier this week, I wrote about my visit to Hope Zoo to see Lucas, the African lion that was donated to the zoo. I didn’t only see Lucas. As I made my way to his enclosure, I came across a few of the other animals that make their home at the zoo.
It was hard to miss the pink flamingos even as they appeared to be hiding behind the foliage.
Hope Zoo Jamaica occupies 60 acres next door to Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston. The zoo was opened in 1961. It is currently being revitalized and new animals, like Lucas the lion and are being added to its collection, which includes macaws, tortoises, budgies, ostriches, zebras, capucin, crocodiles, and flamingos.
The day I visited, Hope Zoo was crawling with school children all smartly dressed in their uniforms. I doubt they were older than 10 or 11 years.
Exiting Hope Zoo.
Animals at the zoo are kept in enclosures that are surrounded by wire mesh and tropical foliage that gives a natural feel to the environment. But I had to be creative in taking photos so the mesh wasn’t too obvious.
The zoo offers a petting area, group tours and venue rentals.
Hope Zoo Jamaica Particulars
Address: Old Hope Road, Kingston
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Sunday; 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on public holidays
**It’s advisable to go early, say as the zoo opens, or wait until mid-afternoon when the sun cools to get a better chance of seeing the animals.
Current Entrance Fees: $5 (adults); $3 children aged 3-12; free for children under 2
**Prices are expected to increase now that Lucas the lion has arrived
Nice captures Marcia! I always enjoyed my visits to the local Zoo here in Mumbai when I was a kid!! Ignited those long lost memories 🙂
I think Lucas is worth the price hike. But naturally I’m partial being a Leo and all.
I really like flamingos. They’re such a beautiful sight.
Great pictures! I love the zoo, but you’re right, you usually have to get a bit creative with your photography to avoid the “Hey look at this animal in a cage” pictures. You did a great job though! Looks like a lot of fun!
Thanks, Danni! I have a few other pics but they definitely have the ‘animal in the cage’ look so I didn’t include them.
Thanks for for your comment.
Love them as well. They’re so graceful, aren’t they?
Hahaha, I forgot that! Their food bill will definitely go up and you know you Leos like the best.
Thanks, Arti. Glad it brought back good memories. I bet you have lots of exotic animals in your zoo.
Beautiful pictures. Alligators are so lazy! I think I liked the first shot with the beautiful still water in the first picture. Love the deep green, lush vegetation you guys have over there!
Hahaha, I didn’t realize that, Micah! I guess when you’re carrying around that much weight, you get lazy.
Glad you like the first photo. Thanks for visiting.