The key to visiting the Zoo is to get there when the gates open, especially during the summer months there are tons of tourists and families with strollers.  I am planning to spend at least an hour each visit and to make it a regular part of my life rather than a "special event."  These first visits will cover the whole zoo and then what I want to do (we'll see how this goes) is to delve in a little more deeply to the less big-deal new exhibit areas (Koala, Pandas, Elephants) to see what's going on with the birds, seals and the less showy critters . And, I want to learn more about the Zoo's  impressive botanical collection too.  I know nothing about all those trees and plants. So anything I learn will be a plus.