The Zoo

Its a March Tuesday, its raining, its pouring, its the northwest in spring time. Not to be deterred by the weather, Jen suggested we all go to the zoo. It was a guaranteed no crowds day with crappy weather looming constantly. two year old Cole would get some outdoor activities with his cousin Riley. I was sceptical at first. Luckily I had heavy woolen gloves and ski cap and extra wind jacket in the car. Riley had his favorite heavy ski jacket with attached hood. We were set to brave the elements.

We arrived at 1:15 at the zoo. Parking was available right up by the front gates. A clear indicator that there would be no crowds. It was blustery and raining. When you stood still you could feel the cold trying to work its way through the layers of clothing. Even the animals looked wet and unhappy. The advantage was they were active also. The lions wondered around the enclosure trying to stay warm, checking all their indoor access doors to see if perhaps someone might let them in out of the cold. They even came over to the glass and checked us out for a change.

Momma and baby elephant were inside eating. Momma elephant used her trunk like a giant snow blower to gather into a pile stray grasses from beyond the fence and bring them within reach, where she could scoop them up in her trunk. It was very impressive.

The baboons were being fed romaine lettuce. It was dropped onto the fencing above the cage, so they had to climb and pick it as if it were fruit in the forest. The alpha male was impressively huge with 2 inch fangs and a rainbow of color showing on his rump. He came right up to the glass with a grin. We were told by the docent to grin back and shake our heads. Its a sign of hello. To nod would have shown aggression and made him angry. He was not a fellow you would want to anger. The new primate exhibit is expected to open some time in July if the the rains let the work continue on schedule.

The Sea lions were still an awesome sight, swimming right up the glass as people took photos. They hung suspended in the water staring back at us. Riley noted they looked like they were both missing an eye. It may be why they are in the exhibit. Perhaps they are rescue animals that would not survive anymore in the wild. One was missing a huge chunk of rear fin.

By the time we got to the penguins on our way out, the penguins were all quiet and napping and so was Cole. He was out cold in his stroller by the time we reached our car. It rained regularly on us all day, and was cold. But I told my sister she had made a good call. The animals were incredible. Every display had activity. Without the crowds, we had uninterrupted views. The animals interacted with us in a way they never had before. I am guessing it was the lack of crowds and the cold that kept them engaged. We were the only action all day except for a few other brave souls wondering about.

Riley had a great time. We even stopped and got some chicken strips and fries from the Africa Cafe for him and some warm drinks for the adults. None of the out door cafes were open. I liked this cafe anyway because it was inside and warm.

Riley was tired from all the walking. He is napping now. He took his evening blood booster shot, then crashed out on the couch. We'll see if we over did it with the walking when the teacher comes tomorrow. Riley has homework still to do, depending on how long he sleeps, if he has time to do homework tonight.

Trevor was not happy he didn't get to go, but he went out with us on Sunday to that great restaurant, which Riley could not go to because of the crowds. The exercise I am hoping was good for Riley also. He hasn't done much activity. We need to get out and walk more, once the weather improves.