Sara Bremen | work and research

Walking just a few blocks into the park, the Zoo slowly emerges like a site-specific masterpiece.  As a viewer, there are many points of entry: you can saunter by, you can rush past, you can walk, see the seals, and turn around to get your ticket.  This variety of opportunities continues throughout the zoo.

My first impression, especially on a beautiful day, is Adorable.  The layout of the zoo is exceptional.  There’s a main hub in the middle, with radiating spokes of cute animals around it.  It’s a small zoo, but the exhibits are as open and accessible as possible.  Everything is paved, but it helps the zoo to fit within its New York City surroundings (side note: a friend pointed out recently that New Yorkers call the ground, “the floor.” Even when it’s grass).  The architecture of the buildings is carefully rendered.  Spaces are open and very pretty, very manicured.  There are tons of places to sit.  Much of the seating is even separated from the animals creating a pleasant atmosphere in and of its own.  There are two areas–the cafe and the store–strategically positioned outside the gates of the zoo.  While this choice is clearly driven by profit, it also adds to the accessibility of the space in general.  First point, that’s where the bathrooms are.  There is a flow along the east side of the zoo that continues into these areas, into the zoo itself, or past the zoo, under the clock, and further into the park.

A few years ago, I took a couple of Kindergarten students to the zoo.  We had a fantastic time.  The way in which the exhibits lead to the next–in this spokes around a hub set-up–allowed for me to keep my students in view, but I didn’t feel the need to have them next to me at all times.  That is, there is a safe freedom within this structure.

Within the exhibits, the information is also very accessible.  The zoo did an excellent job of not only interweaving poetic and non-academic text into the space, but also layering the information about the animals and habitats.  Some labels are short and simple and closer to the ground.  Along the “curb” of each exhibit, especially those indoors, had been built up a step with a railing.  Kids could almost always climb up to get a better view of whatever was on the other side.

This ant explanation was one of my favorites. On the case itself was a magnifying glass where you could (sometimes) see the Cutter Ants close-up. This magnifying glass on the counter below had a video playing underneath. A simple but effective and well-hidden technology that kept my attention on the ants, not a computer.

Other, more in depth descriptions, take up wall posters.  These posters are text heavy with the occasional graphic or photo.  Despite their textbook-like appearance, I saw more than one adult seriously reading and taking in their information.  In general, I was impressed with how many adults I saw engaged with the space–looking at the animals, reading the information, and taking in the experience of the zoo.  Most of the posters were a little shabby, but they got their point across.  There was even a rock n’ roll high school couple there.  They were having a blast and getting very serious about where the best place to watch the seals is.

And its a unique zoo.  It’s not perfect, but I don’t believe it pretends to be anything it’s not.  It’s not great expanses of natural habitats nor is it tiny cages of sad animals.  It is very much a city zoo.  There are relatively exotic animals, and in natural settings, but the spaces are small enough to fit within a few block radius.  The central hub around the seals is also very characteristic of an urban setting.  There are benches around the seal tank which operates much as a fountain in a square.  There is one walkway just west of the seals which is practically a sidewalk–a very beautiful and well-maintained sidewalk with benches.  Despite this manicured and contained aesthetic, I did see two or three kids get up to a full run.  It’s not a grassy hill, but they can still let loose.  Finally, because of the natural environments, there are enough trees and foliage to muffle a lot of the noise.  There were one or two crying kids, but their screams seemed manageable and fit within the greater space.

Need to Get Out of Park Slope?
Fold up that stroller and head to Central Park.  The staircases to and from the stairway will be a hassle, but once you’re above ground, it’s smooth sailing.  The entire zoo is stroller accessible and, because everything is smoothly paved, there are no bumps or rough terrain to worry about.  And you won’t be alone.  There is as much for moms and dads to look at as there is for Bobby and Sally.  After reading about penguin migration, you can introduce your tots to the poetry and even to the naturalistic prose that is sprinkled throughout the exhibits.  Finally, when Sally gets tired or Bobby needs ice cream right now, nothing is more than a few minutes away.  Take a breather around the seal tank, have a seat, enjoy some ice cream, and watch the seals swim around and around.

Need a New Make-Out Spot?
Check out the Central Park Zoo.  No.  Seriously.  First, mom and/or dad will not question the location.  Yes, you have to go during the day, but you’ll probably get the whole day without a chaperone because it’s the zoo. Who would suspect anything?  Next, there are TONS of benches and enough benches hidden behind large plants perfect for holding hands and totally making out.  You mind have to contend with one or two raised eyebrows from Grandmas walking through, but, if you can contain yourselves, they’ll probably just think it’s sweet.  Finally, you might even enjoy looking at the animals.  Some of them are super cute.  Avoid the penguin tank ’cause it totally reeks, but enjoy a romantic stroll through the snow leopard exhibit and definitely the rain forest.

Need a Last-Minute Field Trip?
The last month of school, there is always one or two teachers who have not used up their bus time.  Snag it!  Your elementary school kids need a day off.  Tests are done and desks don’t need to be cleaned yet.  Plus, they’re all so hyper from the weather finally getting nice that a day outside is about all they can handle.  The Central Park Zoo is a pretty great solution.  There is a wide variety of animals and environments–from a real rain forest to a huge tank of penguins–that could fit into some part of a curriculum.  There is not an overwhelming amount of information or educational material, but if you think of the trip as a day in the park as a direct learning experience, it works. The information the zoo provides touches on diversity, global warming, and biology.  Although their website is mostly geared towards tourists, it does provide some background information you might be able to use to prepare the class.  If you’re able to divide the kids into smaller groups, all the better because some of the rooms–like the penguins–can get a little tight.  In fact, the whole zoo is on the small side.  You’ll be able to finish the rounds before the kids completely lose their attention span.  Maybe this fits in great with an afternoon trip and you’ll be back in time for lunch (just make sure the kids don’t have too much to do that afternoon).  Otherwise, you’re right next to Central Park.  A short walk and the kids can have lunch outside, kick a soccer ball around, or just enjoy the shade.