Two sloth bear babies were born last month, adding a new level of adorableness to the Philadelphia Zoo. The zoo told Travel + Leisure on Friday that mom Kayla and dad Bhalu are doing excellent, and that their cubs were born on January 2 at 3:53 and 4:16 in the morning. At this moment, the zoo is unable to tell the gender of the cubs, and has thus not named them.
While the International Union for the Conservation of Nature classifies sloth bears as “vulnerable,” the zoo is celebrating the birth as a “great achievement” for conservation (IUCN). Boston is frequently recognized as one of the top 10 most-visited cities in the United States – and for good reason. The city has a diverse range of things to do, from eating and drinking to visiting historic sites and shopping. Therefore, whether you’re on a single journey or visiting with the entire family, here are 30 of the top things to do in Boston.
The Freedom Trail is calling your name
“Philadelphia Zoo is happy to participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the vulnerable sloth bear,” said Rachel Metz, vice president of animal well-being at the Philadelphia Zoo, in a statement supplied to T+L. “We are looking forward to sharing the growing stages of these beautiful bear cubs with our guests.”
The parents are still caring for the cubs in a separate location, and the zoo staff is keeping an eye on them from afar via webcams. There is a delay of many weeks before the cubs are put on exhibit. Visitors seeking to phrazle witness the new arrivals should check the zoo’s website before planning a trip.
Visit the Paul Revere Mansion and go back in time
Before the cubs are introduced to their new home, the exhibit will be “baby proofed,” according to a zoo spokesman who talked with T+L. This includes ensuring sure the pool water level is safe in case they stray into it and filling any holes that may trap them. Established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is the country’s first zoo. There are almost 1,700 creatures in the Zoo, including several that are critically endangered.
Visits to the Philadelphia Zoo can only be accommodated if they are scheduled in advance via the Zoo’s website. General admission is $16, children ages 2 and under get in free. Zoo memberships are available and include free parking and entry.
Explore the Boston Common by foot
The Boston Common is symbolic of the city as a whole. It was the first public park in the colonies and dates back to 1634. The park’s 50 acres include the Frog Pond, a softball field, and other monuments. You may take your time and enjoy the views while wandering around the beautifully planted grounds.
You want more Boston background? Go to the Paul Revere House. Revere sold the house in 1800, and since then it has been used as a boarding house, a neighborhood business, and as tenement flats. It’s been transformed into a museum where visitors may take guided tours of the beautifully restored house.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile self-guided walk across the city that highlights museums, churches, meeting houses, and other historical sites to recount the narrative of the American Revolution. You may explore on your own or look into tour possibilities.
Go to Boston to see the New England Aquarium
Visitors have been able to get up up and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating marine animals at the New England Aquarium for almost 50 years. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of creatures, from penguins to sharks, stingrays to seals, and everything in between. It’s also a research tank, so your support helps keep these species alive for the future.
See the animals at Franklin Park Zoo for even more exciting experiences. The 72-acre zoo in the midst of the city is the best site to see a red panda, tiger, or zebra. With several kid-friendly activities and adult-led talks with experts, it’s a great location for the whole family to spend quality time together.
Pace the Esplanade and get some fresh air
A high seas experience, such as a whale-watching cruise, may be had just outside of Boston. You may see whales, dolphins, and migratory seabirds from a safe distance by taking a trip with the New England Aquarium and Boston Harbor City Cruises.
The Esplanade, a three-mile route that along the Charles River, is another excellent walking location. The riverside parks and paths are perfect for a relaxing stroll or leisurely bike ride while keeping an eye out for passing boats. Also, if you feel so inclined, you may support the Esplanade Association, a non-profit that has been striving to protect the area for over twenty years. Getting out on the water for yourself may be appealing, and if that’s the case, Community Boating Boston has sails you may join.
If you are in the mood for a little adventure, the group will hire out sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Although though it didn’t debut until 1933, at the height of the movie industry’s glory days, the Coolidge Corner Theater has long since established itself as one of the city’s finest movie theaters. But if you really want to step it up a notch, attempt to catch one of the After Midnite screenings. The late-night shows are perfect if you’re looking for something scary to watch after dark, since they often include horror films and other genre-bending films.
