Sunday, May 15, 2016

It's a zoo out there!


Some of you may remember I said I would share the rest of my zoo photos, and I finally saved my favorites. 

Some got tossed that might have been better, but I had to make a decision, and I couldn't show all 127 that were left after I removed the ones I showed of the elephants.

I realize Sally was here to see the elephants, but

my first love are the giraffes.  First there was one,

then two,

then three,

and finally one that stopped by to visit.

I swear this one

took a special interest in me

before getting bored

and moving on to meet up

with the other three.

Next up was the Black Rhino.

This time I wasn't on the tram, so was able to get better 

and closer

photos.

Yes, I got a bit carried away here, too.

The term "so ugly it is cute" is appropriate here.

Next it was off to see the hippo.  Sally stayed up top (she's to the middle right in the photo above), while I tried to find it below.  I should have stayed with her because she said she got some lovely shots, while all I got were photos of kids and more kids!

I deleted several photos in this area, but I really wanted to show these white birds that kept popping up.  After a bit of photographing them, they flew away. No, I have NO idea what kind of bird they are.

I also have no idea what kind of hog this is, either,

but I know it is originally from Africa and they jump easily, as the one that had been in the river did.

The beautiful zebras

were in a playful mood.

If you were here the day we took the tram (my birthday), I said I thought this vehicle was part of the Africa exhibit, also called Pride of the Plains.

One lion was sitting on a rock

She was alerted by the sounds the children made.

She is gorgeous, but I know Bleubeard and Squiggles would not want me bringing her home.

Next it was off to see Sally's favorite, the meerkat, which lives in South Africa, Botswana,  Namibia, and Angola.  

A group of meerkats are called a mob or clan.




This mob was quick and hard to photograph.

More lions.  These were sleeping and putting on a show for the crowds.

They didn't seem to be bothered by all the noise and commotion going on around them.

Then it was off to see the elephants, which I showed last week.

Fast forward nearly three hours from the time we started this trek, I could sense that Sally was getting tired.  I asked if she wanted to sit for a few minutes.  She said as soon as we found some shade, she was ready to get off her feet.  I was SO proud of her.  No whining, no wanting to quit, but finally a bit of a rest was in order.  And what could be a more perfect place to stop?  I was in heaven.

Sitting on the bench, I put my zoom to work.  Look at those eyelashes!




I know, I know.  I got a bit carried away, but we sat about 15 minutes, and I don't sit well without some distraction.  And this could not have been a better distraction if I had chosen it myself.

After we left the zoo, Sally was still in high spirits, and we went out to eat.  I'll take you there for T on Tuesday.

Thanks for visiting today while I share the rest of the zoo photos that didn't include the new elephants.  I'm so glad you could join me for this look at some of the zoo animals we don't see on the tram.  This was a fun excursion for me too, because other than the beautiful giraffes, rhino, and zebras, I have never seen many of these animals before.

16 thoughtful remarks:

Helen said...

I love the giraffes, too. they are so adorable with their soft hides and doleful beautiful eyes! quite the beauties.. thanks for sharing them

Valerie-Jael said...

What a great day out you had! Those giraffes are wonderful, my faves, too, and I love the close-up shots you got. I would love to visit the zoo again some time, there re 2 neighbouring towns with zoos, so perhaps I can get there one day. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos! Hugs, Valerie

pearshapedcrafting said...

I loved this visit to the zoo - Giraffes and Zebras are my favourites…or maybe it's the big cats…oh! I love to watch meerkats and lemurs too!! I do love zoos and I do think that they do a very necessary job these days!
I think the changes in zoos over the years from the animals being exhibits to them being protected from extinction has been amazing!
Your close up shots are brilliant by the way! Thank you so much for showing those gorgeous eyelashes especially!
Racing around at the moment - trying to catch up - one or two appointments this week!
Have a great week! Hugs, Chrisx

Meggymay said...

It was a super visit to the Zoo with you and seeing it via your fabulous photos. The giraffes look so stately and those eye lashes were amazing.
Yvonne xx

~*~Patty S said...

OH! the giraffes are gorgeous.
Wonderful photos of so many majestic and beautiful creatures E!
Hope you're having a nice Sunday.
oxo

My name is Erika. said...

I enjoyed these. I, like you, love the giraffes. There is something so elegant about them. Plus I love how they are gentle too. The lions are looking so typical too, lounging in the sun. I wonder if they are king of beasts because they look comfy when they lounge and yet they strike such fear. You look like you had a fantastic day at the zoo. I am jealous.In a couple weeks I am taking one of my classes to Harvard's museum of natural history which is wonderful old museum full of interesting things from 100 or so years ago. It isn't quite the zoo, and it is one of my favorite museums, and it shall do I guess. Enjoy what's left to this weekend. Hugs-Erika

Carol said...

You really do have a nice Zoo! I too like the Giraffes but then I do so love the others also. Thanks for sharing all of your lovely photos!!!

AiyanaKalyna said...

I love the black rhino. Beautiful, beautiful baby. The giraffes are so cute. My hubby worked at the zoo for awhile. He always had a giraffe that was flirting with him. I always said that was his girlfriend. She passed away a couple of years ago. We were so sad. I love the lion. She is such a pretty girl. You can tell she is spoiled rotten. Thank you so much for sharing. I loved all the animals.

Anonymous said...

Amazing shots of animals!I too love to see and enjoy the animals in zoo.

Frannyaitch said...

Gorgeous animals. I love the giraffes, they are such a strange shape and have a lovely skin pattern. I have never seen zebras with so many stripes. So glad you have shared all the photos, thank you x

Nancy said...

Lovely day, lovely photos. A mob of meerkats?? It fits. Love the giraffe- the patterns are endlessly interesting.

Halle said...

Those closeups of the giraffes are fantastic!!! You could make them into greeting cards!

Rita said...

Looks like a great zoo and that it was a beautiful day to go! Lots of wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing! :)

Linda Kunsman said...

OMG am so in love with the giraffes and your awesome photos of them along with all the other animals. It really looks like a nice and well kept zoo. Thanks for sharing!

Dianne said...

oh my goodness, what fabulous photos!! love the giraffe pics...the last time I was at the Columbus, OH zoo, I discovered they didn't currently have ANY giraffes! :( looks like you had gorgeous weather for your zoo outing...beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Giraffe's just don't seem possible do they, but they are and quite wonderful. Zebras too. Nice photos. xox