Trip to the Zoo, My Darling

The kids (oldest four) and I took a trip to the Ft. Worth zoo recently. We left mom and the baby at home to have a much needed restful (and quiet) day. I love the zoo. This was Henry's (21 months) first trip to the zoo so that was fun to watch.

The kids and I enjoyed the orangutans, who always seem to steal the show. They were begging for grapes that someone was throwing to them. They even offered a trade of some little bit of stick or something to the holder of the grapes.


I think Ben (12) enjoyed the big cats as much as anything. The jaguar was up and pacing and he enjoyed see that.

We got to the otter exhibit just in time for feeding and that was a big attraction for them.

The lions could be heard roaring pretty much all throughout the day, except for when we were actually at the lion exhibit at which time they seemed to be sleeping heavily.

Our timing was perfect at the elephant exhibit, too. This was, by far, one of the best pictures I took all day. :) They were eating so they weren't too concerned about showing us that side of themselves.

The gibbons were very playful, as is usual, and the kids stayed there a long time to watch them wrestle and swing and climb.

Last time we went to this particular zoo, which was several years ago, Lydia (now 9) lost me in the reptile house. I totally panic when that happens in a crowd and I was in a praying frenzy as I looked for her that day. This trip we made it two for two when Jack (7) lost me in that same reptile house. I just about wanted to shake the boogers right out of him when I did find him because that praying frenzy takes a year or two off my life every time. He had found this little cave you could climb into near the bat exhibit to show the habitat of bats. I guess he should've told me first, huh? That's what I told him anyway.

When I tried to get a straw for my not quite two year old for his milk at lunch, I was informed by the zoo staff member running the cash register in the lunch stop of our choice that they do not allow straws for the safety of the animals. I am not exactly sure what threat a straw is to the animals but we had to find an alternative. They actually had those little stir-sticks for coffee that are sort of little straws and we just used one of those. Is that not the same threat as a regular straw? Again, I am apparently ignorant of the reasoning there but I am sure there was good reason in there somewhere. I just didn't weather the challenge well at that point in my day as I was trying to wrangle everyone (who all wanted different things for lunch and changed their minds frequently and wanted to go everywhere and touch everything while in line and hang on the rope things that separate the lines like the monkeys we'd just seen recently). I probably didn't have the kind and smooth tones of someone in total control of his situation as I questioned what I would use in place of a straw for my ~2 year old since they would not give me one. Another failed opportunity to show Christ-like character in a tough spot. I wish I could go back and try that one again.

What trip to the zoo would be complete without the stinky garbage can with the bees circling around it?

I am a little disappointed that the Ft. Worth Zoo doesn't have the aquarium with all the big fish in it. Fish are my favorite attraction so I miss them there. I think our next trip will be to the aquarium.

The weather was very nice for it being January, and we all really enjoyed the day. I hope we are building some happy memories for all the kids because I know I am for me.