Marco Polo Trail July 24, 2009

Built in 1996, the 'Marco Polo Trail' was one of the first in the country to truly embrace the 'biopark' concept -- the idea of combining cultural, historical and zoological experiences. The Marco Polo Trail is a multifaceted exhibit tracing a three-year journey of explorer Marco Polo through Asia. To give visitors a sense of the culture and history of the era, the Zoo recreated scenes from Marco Polo's journey including a Venetian plaza, Bedouin tent and the hull of a 13th century trading vessel. Along the trail through the 2.5-acre exhibit, visitors encounter animals native to the countries Marco Polo visited.