Impromptu Zoo Trip

Yesterday, we were about to leave to go to the grocery store when Brittany, noting how beautiful the day was, declared, "Let's Go to the zoo!" This was Hana's first trip to the zoo and she saw real-life animals that she'd only seen depicted as toys or as drawings in children's books.

Hana was particularly taken with the Meerkats. We saw them as they were just finishing feeding time and they were really active. Brittany commented that they looked smaller than they do on TVs "Meerkat Manor."

There was a boa constrictor and a monitor lizard.

We saw giraffes, elephants and zebras.

The lions were really putting on a show.

But the tigers were too busy laying on their backs and loafing around to be bothered with posing for pictures.

The sun bear was out and we saw the flamingos being fed.

We had lunch at the cafe there. Hana didn't much care for the chicken nuggets (I took a bite - can't say I blame her) but Brittany and I were pleased with our burgers. Hana was actually much more enthusiastic about the box her meal came in than the meal itself.

This picture is just before she ripped the box to shreds.

Brittany (who in general has a distaste for zoos) was so taken with the place that she bought a zoo membership for the family. Since the zoo is so close, it makes a nice outing.

Hana also went on her first carousel ride at the little amusement park at the zoo. The rides there remind me of the ones they used to have at Perris Hill park in San Bernardino when I was little.