We decided to go to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens today...Isaac wants to see an armadillo. We were hoping there would be one there but unfortunately not...he didn't seem to notice, though.
It's going to be a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 20's C (70's F). Clear blue sky and snow on the mountain tops...
We arrived at the zoo just after 10:00...
We purchased our tickets and went in...now we just had to figure out where to start!
We spoke with a volunteer who gave us the general layout and suggested we start with the 'Australian Adventures', continue up to 'Wild Americas' and finish at the 'African Safari'. Hind-sight is wonderful, but we probably should have started with the 'African Safari' section because that seemed to be where most of the animals were and by the time we got to that section, over 2 hours later, we were all tired, especially Isaac!
This was the largest Model Train Exhibit we've ever seen! Thought of you Ray. 😉
It took awhile to get to our first animal exhibit...
An Emu...
Wallaby...
Burrowing Owls...
Baja Oasis Garden, overlooking the Sonoran Pond...
Harris's Hawk. Most bird exhibits were closed and covered due to the threat of bird flu...
Cactus Garden...
Mountain Lions napping...
Porcupine....
Bobcat...
Jackal......
Badger...
Peccary...
Apparently this 3-legged female Mexican Wolf runs around the compound all day...
While this one, just watches...
White-nosed Coati...
Cheeta...
Pronghorn...
There was a carousel...
Isaac wanted to go for a ride...but mom had to stand beside him...
Steve took a short 19 second video...
Desert Bighorn Sheep...
A short 14 second video of feeding time. We thought as the dogs gathered together in excitement waiting to be fed, would all be released together from the gates as they were being unlocked. Before we knew it only a few were released at a time from an entirely different location so Steve barely got this video...
Slender-Horned Gazelles
Desert Tortoise...
Zebras...
Camels...
Warthogs...
Porcupine...
An Ostrich with an Addax...
Giraffes...
Black Rhinoceros...
After walking for over 2 hours we were getting tired as we neared the exit...
Unfortunately some of the animals were not visible as they were either in their dens or resting elsewhere in the foliage of their large pens. It's not cheap to come here, $39.95 for ages18+ and $29.95 for 3-17 but was interesting and enjoyable.
Not only tired...but very hungry, especially Isaac! We went to Buffalo Wild Wings so Steve could have his fill of wings!
Tomorrow brings another adventure...stay tuned for Part 3!
