Today the zoo is a first class establishment and often listed as one of the 10 best children's zoos in the country. Because we had a long drive we got there later in the morning. We were there all afternoon and saw a lot of it, but not all. The park is divided into geographic sections; Florida wildlife center, Africa Safari, Wallaroo Station, Asian Gardens and the Primate world. Unfortunately, we didn't see the Primate world which is often the most fun, but there was so much to look at we were worn out by the time we got to it.
It was a very hot day, but no rain which was nice. There were several places dedicated to kid interaction. The aviary had little popsicle sticks with birdseed stuck to them so kids could feed the birds. 
A ramp led up to a platform where you could get up close and personal with the giraffes. Jen bought a cookie so Nicholas could feed the giraffe, but then one got up close and personal with her camera!
Kids can feed the fish in the koi pond or stroke the stingrays, but Nicholas kept a good distance from the goats! Smart kid! We watched the manatees eat the lettuce, but the real show was the turtles.
We watched a pair of them and wondered at the realtionship; parent and child maybe? The smaller one swam under the bigger one and constantly grabbed at its foot or underbelly, and occasionally its head. Finally the larger one would turn on the smaller one and nip it back.
The meerkats are so funny. One stood Sentry while the others played. I had to wonder what the sentry was thinking as he stood watching us and we watched them.
The highlight of the day may have been the final activity...playing in the fountains. There were 2 areas where kids could play in the water, but one was the obvious favorite. By mid-afternoon families camped out as if they were at the beach while the kids ran through the water. It was the perfect way for us to end the day.
The meerkats are so funny. One stood Sentry while the others played. I had to wonder what the sentry was thinking as he stood watching us and we watched them.The highlight of the day may have been the final activity...playing in the fountains. There were 2 areas where kids could play in the water, but one was the obvious favorite. By mid-afternoon families camped out as if they were at the beach while the kids ran through the water. It was the perfect way for us to end the day.
After cooling off in the water, we headed for the car and the long drive home. It was a very quiet ride home!
Ah - - the zoo. :) I don't think we ever really took Scott to a zoo -- except once when we were in Philadelphiia over a Thanksgiving weekend when there. We don't have one near here -- and NYC is too far -- and travel is too cumbersome -- to go there. I think he missed something -- as I love children's wide eyed wonder at all the interesting animals you don't get to see normally.
ReplyDeleteI remember well when zoos were about caged animals - and it seemed as if the animals were not happy - confined and not in their own style habitat. It is good that things have changed - for us - and for the animal's sake
A camera up close and personal with a giraffe? He didn't try to eat it did he? Great picture! You caught it well!
It sure must have been a hot day for you, though. Did you and Jen take advantage of getting wet in the fountains? I've seen them in Savannah -- actually right in the middle of the city -- and everyone (mostly kids) is jumping through them with bathing suits on!
I bet the kids slept well that night! And -- the blessedly quiet car ride home must have been nice.
Fun post to read! :)