Monkeys, Fruit Bats, and Seals, Oh My!

Today, our family ventured to the Bronx Zoo. It was a perfect day for being outdoors; the weather was benign and the crowds were sparse. We packed and enjoyed a picnic at the zoo. The zoo was rather large (as many tend to be) and as a result, we didn't observe all of the exhibits today, but we made a significant dent.

Bop's favorite exhibit was the seals, though she was a bit scared when they barked. Log enjoyed the "World of Darkness" primarily because there were several bat exhibits. The various species of bats moved so quickly that it appeared that they were not live, but animated. Littlest enjoyed the prairie dog exhibit (we'll have to come for a visit, Aunt Julie). Beneath the exhibit was a tunnel with plexi-glass domes that jutted out into the exhibit itself. Children could walk through the tunnel, pop-up in one of the domes and be face-to-face with a prairie dog.

J enjoyed the skyfari because it offered a lovely view of the island (and allowed him to sit for a time!). I enjoyed "Tiger Mountain." Because of the children, J and I have frequented many zoos, but I've never been to one that allowed guests to be in an intimate environment with an animal such as a tiger. At the exhibit, a wall was lowered revealing what appeared to be a regular chain linked fence. A trainer called the tigers over one at a time, fed them, and demonstrated techniques employed in training. Additionally, all of us enjoyed the children's zoo with its countless interactive exhibits.

Littlest with fox ears

Bop: crazy like a fox

Bop climbing an exhibit for a view of the peacocks

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Log

Littlest in the otter's log

Log in the prairie dog exhibit

Kiddos in a bird's nest

Daddy and Log

Skyfari carView of the city from the Skyfari; the Empire State Building is on the far left.