Visiting SF Zoo

'Tis the holidays and I'm thoroughly enjoying just being home with Dav and Tesla, doing a little this and that, and not much more. But I did want to post some pics from a visit to the zoo from last Friday, my day off from work. I went with just T. Definitely worth it, but after a few hours (when I was right smack at the far end of the zoo), Tesla got antsy. She didn't want to be in the stroller, and if I let her walk, she walked the wrong way. So I had to carry her back to the exit, which was quite far, while pushing the stroller. It was work for mama! But showing animals to Tesla was worth it. And although I dislike zoos, with the current rate of environmental destruction of animal habitat, I have a new appreciation.In this picture, T was looking at some monkeys, totally getting into it. Picture on the right was her seeing penguins for the first time. The penguin group was actually really loud and stinky, so that all probably got her attention. This picture was the lowest point for me...seeing a beautiful lion couple in a cage. Granted they had a door to an outside big pen, for whatever reason were stuck indoors. So magnificent. They just did not belong in a cage at all. There were several indoor cages with other lions. After I left that area, I heard a huge roar and was quite bummed I wasn't inside when that happened, although I have no idea how T would have reacted. Pic on the right is T seeing flamingos for the first time. Such quirky birds! We got to see various large birds being fed by the keepers. The owl, waiting for her turn, was mesmerizing. I got to see her turn her head completely backwards. Such a starer! T and I both saw a hawk get its lunch - a mouse - up close. I turned away several times as it ripped the mouse apart, but knowing I don't get to see this everyday, I tried my best to experience it. [Click on picture to see details.] The most fun part was a petting area with donkeys, pigs, chickens, and goats. T was pretty intrigued by all of that, and me too. I think being able to touch the animals made a big difference for T. The last pic is of a tiger - not in the petting area, of course. Very beautiful to see, but sad as it seemed like the tiger would want to run a bit and there was no space. Like the lions, I couldn't help but see the tiger in a prison-like situation. Not a fun sight. Overall, it was good. Since I can't go to Africa often, I will go to the zoo again, and maybe even get a membership. T already shows quite a liking to cats and especially dogs (interesting since we don't have a dog), and I definitely want her to experience and love animals.

Comments

[E Jetmar]

I hate it when they have animals in cages, and the SF zoo is not a shining example of providing authentic habitat for the species they have -- I remember being somewhat shocked myself when taking Kai there. Try Oakland, which is nicer, and of course San Diego, which is beautiful.

Another insider mommy tip is Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose, which is perfect for little ones. They have a small, cute zoo on one side (with large petting and feeding area) and a historic kiddie amusement park on the other side, and admission pays for both. They also have a huge playground, picnic area, and occasionally even puppet theaters and the like. And it's all set in a gorgeous park with Japanese Gardens, etc. Less stressful than a giant zoo, and perfect for families with little ones, though I realize it's a bit far from you. Maybe we could take Tesla and Kai next time I'm in town with him.

[E Jetmar]

PS -- you heard of this, right? You weren't there on Tuesday, RIGHT????????

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/25/tiger.attack/index.html

Gawd, I have to say, I really don't care much for the SF zoo, and your observation of the lion cage looking dated and all wrong was obviously spot-on. I love fantastic zoos with huge, state-of-the-art habitat for the animals, but sadly it doesn't sound like the SF zoo is one of them -- though this could probably have happened in others, too. Most of all I am glad you weren't there when the Tiger killed a visitor Tuesday!!!

[Mie]

So far San Diego is my favorite...not the zoo but the Wild Animal Park. But SF Zoo is close so we can hop over for just a few hours which is nice. The tiger incident is really sad...and although this might sound harsh, I don't blame the tiger at all. After seeing the lions and tigers in small spaces, I'm not surprised. Very unfortunate and sad.

[generaltsao]

You were very prescient about the tiger... I love your post and feel the same way about the big cats. So sad.

jennifer