Fins to the Left

It ain't Africa -- but we saw a hippo too! And as Hippo's go this one was quite lively -- all over the exhibit.
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Well, school gave us this weird day off in the middle of the week. It was an unused snow day -- but they gave it back to us on a Wednesday because there was a HUGE fundraiser for the school the night before and it was thought that it might be easier for everyone (staff and parents alike) if there were no school the next day.

However, not much you can do with a Wednesday. We debated between the Bronx Zoo or the Adventure Aquarium. The Aquarium won out as it was cold and wet.

Dad was unable to join us so it was just the girls and I. The beauty of this Wednesday outing -- was that there was almost no one else at the Aquarium. It was nice -- the girls had a little freedom to roam off and I wasn't a nervous wreck trying to keep track of them in the crowds.

Checking out the exhibits.
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I couldn't believe how much the place has changed since last we were there (when the state still owned it). For starters they put the front gate on the opposite corner of the building and moved the parking.

I could be wrong but it did not seem as expensive as when the state owned it either. Is it possible the lowered the rates??? nah!

They have put on a couple of new wings and completely changed the eating area. The food service before was untouchable -- the worst I have ever seen at any attraction. However, this food was passable. Not great, but passable -- that was a welcome change right there.

Shark!!!!!!!
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They added a whole new Shark Exhibit. complete with Tunnel and that was great. Again, we were glad to be there with out the crowds because the girls really did have the time they needed to enjoy it.

Unfortunately, the touch tanks were closed down for renovating. That is always a favorite and they were dissappointed not to get the close up -- they love picking up the star fishes.

There were two other sections closed down -- I am sort of curious to go back and see what they are doing -- everything else has been for the better.

Penguins, Penguins, Penguins -- who doesn't love a penguin! We just had to take the picture.
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One down side, was the Children's Garden was no longer part of the Aquarium admission (I guess the state still owns that). As the day was wet and cold and our time was short it was no great loss -- but I do remember having a lot of fun in that garden in the past.

Oh, did I mention the new shark exhibit dumps you right into the gift shop (no surprise). Guess what, that is all new and twice the size of the old one! No surprise! How I got out of it without a purchase is the only surprise. Perhaps it is because we already own 25 plush fish!

Definetly a fun day and a must go see again soon!