If you spent any time on Cape Cod as a child, you probably remember the coolest place to have a birthday party: ZooQuarium!
ZooQuarium opened in Yarmouth in 1969 and remained open until December of 2013. The Whydah Pirate Museum is now in its place – keeping up the legacy of one of the coolest places to visit on the Cape!
I recently found myself wandering through the rooms of the pirate museum learning about an amazing pirate ship and it’s crew, but still daydreaming about each display from the old Zooquarium. I recall the petting zoo and the reptiles along with the wide variety of birds. Most of the animals were native species, but there were a few “exotic” animals as well.
“Martin” the big brown bear statue was a local landmark for tourists and locals alike. My fondest memory is of Willow, the sea lion. The highlight of any birthday party was a kiss on the cheek from Willow for the birthday boy or girl during the sea lion demonstration!
Before Zooquarium closed, I had the opportunity to interview Dennis Markham for the local television show All Access Cape Cod, which was produced by Amy Davies for the Cape Cod Community Media Center. Let’s see if this brings back any memories for YOU!
Have you got any pictures or memories you’d like to share about ZooQuarium? Email me: [email protected]
To see a few pictures from ZooQuarium, please visit www.CapeCodPhotoAlbum.com thanks to Dave read and his wife Elaine!
About Cat Wilson
