Giraffes, Anteater, and Monkeys...Oh My

Isabelle's first outing to the zoo this year has given her a whole new perspective now that she can actually get right up to the exhibits and see the animals. We have an annual pass that has definitely paid for itself since we've been in Florida. It will most likely be renewed. We decided to get the family pass with one guest. This has worked out great when Katie, Nina, and Adela come with us. During this visit Katie brought some other friends too, one who had a girl about Isabelle's age, Payton. They became instant friends. With her short attention span, Isabelle only enjoys the exhibits where the animals are moving. When she does see the moving animals, she gets quite excited and even points at times. The best exhibits include the giraffes that we watch other zoo guests feed, the giant anteater that walks in front of the glass, and the playful squirrel monkeys. In these pictures from left to right and top to bottom: Isabelle looks at the giraffe being fed, turns my way for a quick shot, is happy about her log seat, claps with her new friend Payton with multiple giraffes in the background, and looks at funny giant anteater with Payton.

Just because I am not use to a kangaroo exhibit, that is a favorite as well especially if we catch them not lounging around in the heat of a day. Actually saw them hopping all over on a cool afternoon near closing time when they were ready to go in for the night to eat. Might be the best time to go to the zoo as all the animals were pretty active. We especially noticed the giraffes running and the monkeys making a ton of noise that magnified when they were let into a room that echoed. Would not want to be the poor deaf person who had to care for them in there! In the summer we will be sure to use the Splash Ground again. It is great to have the zoo so close to home too that we can go for just a short amount of time.

In these pictures Isabelle prepares to see the giraffes by cuddling her giraffe at home, rides the carousel zebra where the middle picture apparently she is exhausted from the ride (parental disclaimer: someone was hiding behind to make sure she wouldn't fall off), has another look at the giant anteater during our second trip there this year,

and saw beautiful ducks in the aviary we finally decided to venture into. Isabelle was either excited to see the birds up close...or perhaps terrified...

As I said with the likelihood of renewing our pass and the close proximity of the zoo, I'm sure there will be many more fun pictures and videos to come of our trips to the zoo. Can never get enough of those interesting animals God gave to us surely for our enjoyment.