Pokemon Go has usurped actual lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my. (Boo.)
This week, the Los Angeles Zoo will be giving discounts to trainers in training, as well as prizes and discounts to admission. It is an effort that many famous tourist stops have mimicked to capitalize on the absurd popularity of the game, as well as encouraging players to try out new locations to catch ’em all. SeaWord Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Disney World have all hosted similar events to smashing success.
Each day during the week of July 25th, the Zoo will drop lures at random, discrete locations throughout. You can uncover them by using the official LA Zoo Twitter (@LAZoo). They will be dropped every hour, at the top of the hour. Also on Twitter is the ongoing Pokemon photo contest. Snap a pic, and tweet it out using #LAZooPokeWeek for a chance at a free Zoo membership.
As an added bonus, if you arrive at 2 P.M. or later, you can show the sales attendant your Pokemon Go app to receive a $3 discount on your admission. If you are worried about your Pokeballs getting low, you can use one of the 45 PokeStops on site to replenish your supply. The Safari Shuttle is a fantastic way to hatch your PokeEggs on the way way to one of the Zoo’s three gyms.
The LA Zoo implores all trainers, young and old, to remember to stay hydrated during these extremely hot weeks and drink lots of water. As well, to bring a phone charger or external battery to keep your phone happy as well.
One of the best sides of Pokemon Go is that it encourages you to visit sites you might not have otherwise. But you actually have to pick your head off the screen and take it in, maybe at some ferocious felines. And no, not that Meowth in the gorilla habitat.