Chris and I had some time yesterday so we went up to Morgantown to go to the zoo. We knew this zoo was small, but after looking it up on line we decided it could be fun. They listed tigers, lions, and bears; so we didn't think it could be to bad, right? Boy were we wrong! I'm pretty sure this zoo is how many 20/20 episodes start. You know those episodes that end with half the people getting eating by a bear or tiger that they thought wasn't strong enough to get out??
The animal cages were pretty scary....I really believe that any of the animals could have gotten out if they got mad enough. It was also one of those zoos that makes you hate zoos. The animals didn't have enough room to exercise, they were filthy, and the whole place stunk. But here's some pictures anyway!
The animal cages were pretty scary....I really believe that any of the animals could have gotten out if they got mad enough. It was also one of those zoos that makes you hate zoos. The animals didn't have enough room to exercise, they were filthy, and the whole place stunk. But here's some pictures anyway!
You can tell by my face that I was praying the bear didn't barrel out and eat me!
These poor bears just paced in circles around their cages
Beautiful tiger!
This was a miniature horse. It was super cute, but its fur was matted and falling out in spots.
This was a chimp that used to act in some movies, but is now retired. When Chris held
up the camera he sat down and grinned ear to ear, it was so cute!
It was an interesting experience to say the least. It wasn't very big, so we litterally saw all the animals in 30 minutes!
12 comments:
hahaha, I love the mini horse! How cute!
Nicole
Looks fun anyway
I was doing a search for the Hovatter Zoo. I had already heard about the conditions but I wanted to see the White Lion that was born there last spring/summer.
Instead I think we'll head to Buckhannon to the French Creek Game Farm. If you haven't visited it, the conditions are great for the animals. You go through Buckhannon towards Tennerton. I'll get the link and post it here for you.
http://www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeCenter.shtm
Also being from WV all my life, I wanted to recommend Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort in Davis/Thomas area past Parsons, WV. The falls are beautiful. Canaan is a ski resort but you can ride the ski lift up to the top of the mountain and walk back down a trail. There is horse riding on trails too.
Smoke Hole Caverns is a good day trip too. It is in the same area as the above noted day trips. You can rent a cabin (at Smoke Hole) and stay the night and hit all of these sites at once.
Seneca Rocks has a trail to the top, or you can take a guided horse ride on the trails.
Welcome to West Virginia. It is a beautiful state.
Philippi, where I'm living now, has the annual Blue and Gray Festival, (Civil War Reenactment) next weekend. It's not all that big but there are several people that participate with dressing in the period clothing, camping out in pup tents (And then you see them going to Sheetz to get something to drink).....Enjoy your stay
I couldn't agree with you more that this is a horrible zoo. I know for a fact that this zoo has been reported to the USDA concerning the conditions these animals have to endure. It is a shame that places like this are still allowed to keep their doors open, and house animals in jail cells!
People who don't know what they are talking about can really make themselves look quite stupid! The horse was obviously loosing it's winter coat, shedding the old fur off, allowing for the summer coat to come in. (WHICH IS LESS THICK TO ALLOW FOR EASY COOLING IN SUMMER HEAT) The Zoo has been there for at least 20 years that I know of, maybe longer, and to date has NEVER had an issue with animal cages or housing. Their cgae sizes are above what the USDA requires for animals to be kept in. Also, the strength must also be up to code or they wouldnt be allowed to be open to the public. Honestly, if you are that concerned over the well being of the animals there, maybe you should put your money where your mouth is and donate to the Zoo.
If you were that worried after arriving, why syat and "put your life in such danger"???? Please visit the USDA website and look up the MINIMUM requirements for cage spacing- a chimpanzee such as the one you have pictured from there is only required by law to have 25 square feet of space PER animal. A 5x5x7 feet high cage!! From the pictures on there website you can see for yourself that the Chimp exhibit exceeds the minimum requirements. Please go to www.westvirginiazoo.com and see for yourself before you judge the place by 2 peoples ignorant and Uneducated comments. It is a beautiful place to visit!!!!
I have been to this zoo many of times, I totally disagree with you, if this zoo was in that bad of shape and condition, why hasn't it been shut down? I am in fact from West Virginia and my first visit to the zoo I was totally amazed that they had something like this in WV. I beg to differ with you that it is the worse zoo ever. I infact had one of my daughters birthday party there and was wonderful and everyone had a great time and nobody was AFRAID THAT ONE OF THE ANIMALS WAS GOING TO GET OUT AND ATTACK THEM...
It is a really nice place....it's not a pittsburgh zoo but really nice for the area. Animals are not going to smell like roses so of course they are gonna have a smell.
I have visited the Hovatter Zoo numerous times with the grandchildren. We enjoyed ourselves and found the zoo a relaxing fun time for all....when compared to larger zoos like Pittsburgh it may not compare ...but it sure beat driving to Pitt and waiting in line...etc...The animals are at least out and visible and the kids loved feeding them...I give the zoo a big thumbs up.....It is all about the children enjoying themselves..maybe some of the adult complainers should learn from the children....
We have gone to this zoo several times and we really love it there. We live in WV and it's nicer than some of the big zoos we've been too. It's very well kept up and lots of shade trees that helps the animals stay cooler. This zoo is not the worst zoo ever! These animals are not in distress and seem very well cared for. All the animals seem to like their environment so I have no idea why someone would say it's the worst ever?????
I visited this zoo last week and LOVED it. the animals seemed to be well cared for and they had nice enclosures to play and run. The area is shaded to keep the animals comfortable. I think its a nice zoo!
I'm originally from Preston County and I think this "zoo" is awful! I've been to numerous zoos (large and small), wildlife refuges, farms, etc and this is one of the worst! I don't care what the USDA standards are- anyone with half a brain can tell these cages are too small. And many of the animals did appear to be in distress. Pacing, yelling...slowly loosing their minds. I'm certainly not an over the top PETA type of person, but animals needs more than a small cage, food and water. This place is just sad.
The enclosures that you see are not the enclosures that the spend all of their time in. I have met the family who owns the zoo and they take great care of these animals and love & respect them very much. They do not get animals from the wild and lock them up. They are giving them the best life they can have. They do not advertise as the biggest and best zoo ever. They advertise as great family fun and thats what you get. Beautiful creatures and a fun safe day. That's all this family is trying for. They have done nothing wrong and would be very hurt to see "the worst zoo ever" come up like #2 on the google search for their name. I for one would like to ask that you consider taking it down. Everyone is welcome to their own opinions but words like these could very well effect the lives of the animals and a wonderful family...think about it. Ii definitely wont help the enclosures get bigger if you drive away all their customers. Please consider.. thank you
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