Zoo Trip

My friends and I typically go to the zoo at least once a summer and this year we did it with three boys I babysit for (ages 10,8,and 3), but we also had my best friend's little brother along for the ride. We were going around the Zoo with 4 boys which was a lot of fun, but amazingly tiring. The funny thing is the oldest brother is about a head shorter then his younger brother and my bf's little brother has the same hair cut and similar look to the brothers. I am sure people thought they were all brothers...they really look that much alike. We left a little later then usual since two of the boys had swim practice, but we made pretty good time to the Zoo even with one stop to grab some food.

Since my friend was driving she ended up having to park about a mile from the Zoo since she wouldn't pay $10 for parking. I suggested that we park across the street at the nursing home, but she was afraid her car would get ticketed or hauled off.

Once at the Zoo, the 10 year-old only wanted to go see the Fish and Reptile house while the two 8 year-old's just wanted to see the big cats and elephants. Well they all had to wait! We went through the Apes and Monkeys first. I was able to snap a couple amazing pictures in the Great Ape exhibit.


Of course with the day we had plenty of LOOK LOOK and WAIT WAIT, but all the boys were very well behaved. The boys of course loved the petting zoo and the bat cave. It was a true highlight for the boys. After that we went to the Bird and penquin house.


Even with the less than bright sun the boys had a good time watching the birds and especially seeing the Bald Eagle up close. I also got a special treat when I was included in the show. I got to hold a bottle for a Raven to fly over take and drop in a recycling bin. At the end of our day we stopped and the final exhibit for the Sting Ray and Sharks. There was a large pool with the rays that the kids could reach in and touch them as they floated and “flew” by.
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There was also an educational exhibit showing the effects of the oil spill on sea, land, and air creatures. The videos of the oil-soaked turtles, birds, dolphins, and fish was so devastating to watch. What an eye opener for us! Those men and women who are working to save those animals are true hero's in my book!

By the end of the day everyone was really tired and had a great time. The Zoo is always a fun trip for everyone and even the older I get, I find more and more ways to enjoy going.

A Few More Pictures…

This picture took me 5 or 6 times to actually get with the ears out. I love Digital Cameras!