The Philadelphia Zoo

 This post really belongs back in June, because that is when it happened.  I only just recently uploaded my phone photos to the computer.  Back in June, we went as an extended family to the Philadelphia Zoo.  We couldn't have asked for a prettier day.  It was warm and breezy.  The zoo provided plenty of shade and was decorated periodically with colorful murals.  I was just really impressed with this zoo and here's a few reasons why:

 1.  They had statues....everywhere. They had iron and painted statues in multiple spots around the zoo.  The statue of a lioness with an arrow through her heart with the male lion hovering protectively over her, while two small cubs snuggled close to their dying mother was sortof haunting.  It also made one reflect on the beauty and value of wildlife. Below, Dylan, his Aunt Alicia and his Grandpa pose next to a statue of Dyan's favorite mammal--the Elephant.

2. The Lorikeets: They had a lorikeet feeding station.  The kids enjoyed feeding these brightly colored birds nectar and learned about their feeding habits from the lasses manning the station.

 3. More Variety of Reptiles:  The Pittsburgh zoo is near and dear to our hearts, however, we have about 5 species of rattlesnakes and one alligator.  The Philadelphia zoo has a wider variety of reptiles and amphibians including crocodiles, anacondas, a pancake tortoise and cobras (even a King Cobra not pictured here).  Ain't she a beaut?

4. The Endangered Species House:  They have an entire exhibit specifically for various endangered animal species.  To aid their animals in remaining as wild as possible, they do not just place the food in the exhibit areas, rather, they put the food in boxes ( like an old canned soda box) and fill it with paper so the animals are stimulated to "hunt" for their food in some capacity.  There are also intelligent people stationed around the zoo to explain these things to their visitors.

5. The Catwalks: There are these catwalks and monkey walks all over the zoo to provide their animals with more exercise.  It was pretty thrilling to see the tiger strolling overhead.

6. Camelrides:   Self explanitory.

7.  Swan Paddle-Boats:  This was a fun accessory to the zoo.  Paddle-boating with the fowl in the lake in a boat that resembles a swan.   The boys really enjoyed this "first boating" outing.

8. This thing......

..... which turned out to be a peacock wooing a female.  He was a determined peacock and let the world see his little butt-shake dance.  It literally was the highlight of my day. Thank you Philadelphia Zoo for the new experience!

9. Hippos: They had a few hippos.  And we love hippos.

10.  The Carasel: They had the most beautifully painted carasel.  It was seriously one of the prettiest I have ever seen.  This picture doesn't do it justice. I am just too lazy to go back into my pictures and rotate the rest of them so they will load properly into this blog.

So those are ten reasons why this zoo was pretty amazing.  As a sidenote, I have never seen a zoo with so many childrens attractions.  In addition to paddleboats they had pony and train rides.  If you were a zoo member (like my mother, who incidently put her grandchildren on her membership) all the accessories (boat rides, animal rides, train rides, lorikeet feeding)  are included in the visit for free!