It Was a Zoo!!!!

Today was a very nice day. Wall to wall sunshine. Slightly warm temperature with a cool breeze. And a family trip to the North Carolina State Zoo! It's been several years since I have visited the zoo. I used to go fairly regularly and have been missing it. Since I was able to get free tickets, I told everyone we were going and set the date.

We set out around 9:30 and traveled the 75-mile distance to Asheboro, NC. After arriving at the zoo, we started at the Africa exhibits. We first saw the Reticulated Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) and Ostriches (Struthio camelus). After admiring them for a while, we strolled over to the new Watani Grasslands to see African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) and White Rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum). I hadn't had the chance to see this newly redone exhibit and was excited to see the larger space for these massive pachyderms and the increase in the size of the herds. Next door was the African grasslands where we were able to pick out Gemsbok (Oryx gazella). Most of the antelopes were resting far away.

After a stop at the Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas) where we were able to get nice views of their daily lives (including some views that elicited some gasps and guffaws!), we viewed some of the tropical plants in the African Pavilion. Upon exiting, we headed towards the Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) exhibits. Next came the Red River Hogs (Pomatochoerus porcus) and the Lion (Panthera leo). Unfortunately, the Lions were not out for us to see. They must have been resting in some corner. Mikayla was finally able to get a good view of "her" Grant's Zebra (Equus burchelli boehmi) before we headed back up the hill to North America.

Before crossing the border between the continents, we took a stroll through the aviary. I love this place!!!!!!! There was a little drama between two Chilean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) as we entered the building. Feathers were flying and squawks were sounded! Wesley was able to see the Blue Poison-dart Frog (Dendrobates azureus) among other species as we went inside. Upon walking through the doors to the tropical aviary, we were able to pick out several of the species that were present there including the Pekin Robin (Leiothrix lutea), White-headed Mousebird (Colius leucocephalus), Victoria Crowned-Pigeon (Goura victoria), Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber), and Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias).

Our first North American exhibit was the Sonoran Desert exhibit. We were able to see a Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californicus) who didn't say "beep-beep", an Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), North American Cacomistle (Bassiriscus astutus), a Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus), Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas) and several desert reptiles including a Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) and a Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum). After we exited the building, we had to hurry to see the Red Wolves (Canis rufus), Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), Black Bears (Ursus americanus), American Bison (Bison bison), and American Elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis). All of these animals are very impressive!

By the time we had viewed the bison and elk, the zoo had closed and we weren't able to see the Streamside exhibit or any of the Rock Coast exhibits or Cypress Swamp exhibits. Oh well! One can't do but so much in a day. We will just have to visit it again soon!

All in all, it was a grand day. I am looking forward to my next visit!