Summer means a lot of things here at ChezRanger. It's always meant I have a time to recharge my batteries, getting ready to teach for another year. Every once in a while it's meant a small trip. It has often meant that I've been able to indulge myself in one of life's little pleasures: a trip to the Zoo! I've always loved going. I get to see creatures that I'd never ever see in the wild. Had a couple of firsts on this trip. The Red Wolves were out, fairly active and near the front of the enclosure:
Both the Black Bears...
...and the Grizzly Bears were flirting with the camera.
The elk were so close that you could hear them as they ripped the grass from the ground.
I don't know why, but I was entranced by that sound....
The otter was being playful right up front where folks could see him.
He did this over and over. In truth, we were a bit worried about him. Afraid that he's gone all Steve McQueen in the cooler....
We even saw an alligator.
Of course, the main point of any trip to the zoo is to see the cats. We saw the pumas,
we saw the bobcat having a bath,
What?!
We saw the lions chillin'. I swear I have never seen that male lion move a damn inch. You can see him in the back of this picture doing his best impersonation of a rug....
I think I figured out why they seemed so listless that morning (and it wasn't the 85 degree heat and 85% humidity, either!)
Apparently, they'd had quite the kegger the night before! Even the Missus Lion was feeling the wear and tear...
Would you shut up? I promise, when the savannah stops spinning I am going to eat you....
One of the biggest joys of our annual trip is seeing the Sand Cats! Our zoo now has two of them. I beg forgiveness in advance. My pics are blurry and below even my usual standard. I trust the grace and beauty and unalloyed cuteness shines through.
This is Cosmos, the zoo's original Sand Cat.
Here's the newest Sand Cat:
Regal, isn't she?
I didn't learn the name of the latest addition, but I believe she is Cosmos's intended mate. Once they've gotten to know each other, filled out the eHarmony forms and all that.
Now we get to the utterly new experience for which I titled this post. We happened to be waling by the giraffe enclosure...
hello......
...around lunch time. It so happens that, for a mere $3 you can get on a deck and feed the giraffes!!! Best $3 I ever spent!!!!!!!!!
This is Turbo...
...and this is Jack.
You rip romaine leaves into quarters and then let the giraffes stick out the longest tongues in the world, roll 'em around the leaf, and let'em go. Giraffes really like romaine. We weren't allowed to pet either of these boys, but there was some incidental contact. Turbo even drooled on me!
Jack didn't seem to like me, or my camera. He kept giving me serious side-eye.
I was sure to move slowly and keep quiet. I think we parted as friends.
pppbbbbbttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or maybe not... Anyways, I have been drooled on by a giraffe. Another experience I never thought to have. How very cool!
And at the end of this very long post you might be asking me, "And how did your very own wild creature put up with your trip?" A fair question. I'll let Daisy answer for herself.
Just pack me up and ship me to the zoo! Maybe then they'll pay some attention to me! Giraffe drool, for the love of Mike..... REALLY?!!?
Don't worry, snuggles and treats are on their way!
have a good week ahead!
thanx for sharing; enjoyed seeing these zoo dwellers; of course you'd be right in guessing which is the fave !! cracked UP at the kegger picture; it DOES look like they've been on a ..."spree"
N daisy....ya still R de most gorgeouz in thiz post....heerz two a grate week a head two ewe all sew...we hope dad BATHED ;) ☺☺♥♥
Posted by: da tabbies o trout towne | August 12, 2019 at 01:12 PM