We've been coming here for a while now (few years) and over the past year or so we're becoming increasingly frustrated each time we go. We have a membership and typically go on weekends, sometimes weekdays.

The zoo is basically a loop with gated/fenced animals you can feed some kibble to. They have two notable "attractions" within the zoo - a free roam goat petting area, and a paid pony ride area.

Our issue started about 7 months ago when a young man was standing around in the goat petting area holding a rake doing nothing. The petting area was supposed to be open, but he didn't open it. He would sweep the dirt every few minutes then stand around. Only once a few of us became frustrated and kept asking when he would open it did he eventually open it.

Earlier this year the petting zoo area was closed for renovations. The re-opening was pushed to around father's day. Now that it's "open" again it's been closed/unavailable every time we go. The reason stated is they are short on staff.

We went today (8/14) and, again, both the new goat petting area and pony rides were closed due to staffing issues. While I understand employment issues in many places right now, the employees that were working didn't seem to be prioritizing anything of value.

For example, one employee was busy leaf blowing picnic tables in a pavilion you can't even get to from in the zoo. Another employee was literally raking dirt outside of the goat petting area. Others were walking around conversing.

What this tells me is they are prioritizing small cleanup activities that could be done before/after closing, and instead are still charging normal prices when two of the main reasons to go are constantly closed. At this point you experience all the zoo has to offer in less than 20 minutes. Even my 3 year old gets bored quickly.

It's sad to see this recurring theme, as I don't feel they were this way a year or two ago. The zoo has potential but needs some serious management and prioritization done. I would not bother driving out of your way until they keep things open more consistently, and definitely wouldn't buy a membership right now.