Zoo and Family Fun

Hello Fall!  We are off for a fun-filled day and the first thing I notice is the changing of the oak tree in the backyard. 

Where are we off to today?  It's a Member Morning at the zoo giving us access one hour before it officially opens.  That is the BEST time to go as we can walk and enjoy the animals as they start their days outside.  Most of the time they are up and moving around which makes it even more fun. 

This morning there is a presentation for the members at the Lemur Exhibit and we have arrived in time to visit with their keeper a bit before it starts.

We discover that one of the brown Collared Lemurs has gone away to become a daddy and so the little one still here is a bit lonely but will receiving a new mate shortly.  The Ringtailed Lemur boys are active all around and our Black and White Ruffed Lemur couple are also playing games.  When we first approached the habitat, those two were being especially vocal and doing a bit of territory claiming.  We are so hoping that these two will produce some cute little ones in the spring.

We start to enter Zoo North and then change our minds and head for the tunnel, but not before noticing that some of the lights for the new, upcoming exhibit are already in place.  I bet it's going to be fantastic and I can't wait to wander around one evening.

As we walk, several of the animals are checking us out --- closely.  The male mandrill knew right where we were as did this meerkat.

The elusive Hyrax is also out.  That is indeed a treat.

And so are his partners in the area.  The klipspringers are super active this morning.  Lucky us.

Making a stop in the aviary is perfect today.  It is just the two of us and we are super quiet as the birds go about their business of making nests or grooming or territory claiming.  Whatever they are up to, it appears they could care less that we are in here.

In the picture right below - this one is filling it's beak with as many leaves as it can possibly hold and they taking them up to the nest.  Over and over again and I am in awe of just how much he can indeed gather in one attempt.

Continuing on, the Gorillas are next and one is down by the viewing window.  He's really not interested in us and actually acts kind of annoyed.  When I lift my camera, he looks at me and covers his eyes with his hands.  Well, okay.  I get it.  I'd likely get tired of pictures too.

However, at the other end of the habitat, there are several who seem to want the attention.  Perhaps even posing for it.

Here comes another one.

And I love this so much.  He sits to watch the one near the rock.  Is is a stare down?  Or a come hither?

As we leave this side, the penguin area is being cleaned, thus quite a few are either in the water or heading there.

Aren't these great?

One quick look at the flamingoes, a stop to see if the tiger is out (not) and we're calling it a morning as we need to go meet the nephew for lunch.  (keep reading)

Lunch is in the Bishop Arts District at El Jordan Cafe and perfectly delightful.  We are stuffed and needing to walk a bit so decide to shop for awhile.  Across the street is Bishop Street Market and it's plethora of treasures.  Without me even seeing, Mister gets a present for Bob and we are on our way.  Although, I did find several games in here that I may go back and get another time.

That's pretty much it.  A couple of antique stores (no treasures) and grocery shopping finish out our day.  Believe it or not, it's almost 5 by the time we get home.  I'm done -- time to relax.