Does anyone else remember the tune by Peter, Paul, and Mary that went, "We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo. How about you, you, you? You can come too, too, too. We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo."? That song has been stuck in my head this past weekend (still is, in fact) ever since we headed off to the Fresno Zoo during our Thanksgiving holiday weekend visit with Hubby's family.I don't recall having gone to the Fresno Zoo before, so it was a new adventure for me (and Hubby too, I think). It's a smaller sized zoo and those kinds of zoos suit me best. I like to stop and observe the animals for long periods of time. So the less there is to see the more I can feel fine about leisurely standing and watching each animal.
It's also a very well-kept and well-designed zoo that has great enclosures and habitats for the animals that live there. It makes me happy when I see a zoo like this. I don't like the thought that the animals are in captivity in the first place, so if they are in well-designed habitats it makes me feel better and happier for them.
I was surprised that there were at least two walk-through aviaries where we could get buzzed by squawking lorakeets and be almost nose-to-nose with a beautiful cockatoo. To be inside the habitat without barriers between me and the birds was wonderful. I always enjoy walking through large aviaries.
Digitially created art photo by Cindy IversonClick the image to view larger
Not surprisingly, I found myself photographing more flowers and greenery than animals. What's the old adage? You can take the gardener/photographer to the zoo, but you can't lead her to the monkeys... wait, wait, wait... You can take the gardener/photographer to the zoo, but you can't take the animal out of the photographer... no? Oh well. You get the picture.
Grin, I love how you've given a new spin to an old adage. The best way to see other animals is without any barriers between you and them. Not always possible of course, because hello-dangerous!
ReplyDeleteBTW I don't have to go to the Zoo as I have one right at home; 10 cats, 1 puppy and lots of birds in the garden. :-)
I'm with you on the plants thing. I don't live in a climate as warm as yours so I have no idea what that flower is- do you know? It looks a little like a Fuschia.
ReplyDeleteWait! I think I figured it out, it's an Abutilon? They're tender perennials here so they don't get as big. Gorgeous nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, as usual! I'd wondered where you'd gotten to.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of zoos, although I have to say, for the most part, they're becoming more aware of the experience they're creating for the animals. If you ever make it up to the Vancouver, BC area, you'll want to include a visit to Mountainview Conservation & Breeding Society. They breed animals who are either extinct or nearly extinct in the wild. You can google them to find out more or visit my page & find them in my sidebar.
Didn't mean to go on there....you can tell I get very excited about the work they do out there. *sheepish grin*
Now that you're home, swing by and enter the Giveaway I'm hosting over at my place.
Carolynn
I haven't been to the zoo since I was a child! It sounds like you had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteI love your description of the Fresno Zoo. (And I love the Goin' to the Zoo song!) We had membership at the LA Zoo for years and would sing it all the way on the freeway.
ReplyDeleteLOL- I loved you "old adage"... sounds like something I would say by accident!
Love you,
YLA
All right, now thanks to you I'm going to have that song stuck in my mind allll day!
ReplyDeleteThese are great photos - looks like a fun place to visit. I haven't been to a zoo since I was 13 :)
Cynthia wins the prize! It IS an Abutilon! A Flickr friend helped me identify it. I thought it was a fuschia too.
ReplyDeleteAnd sorry, Blossom, but misery loves company.;)
I have been wanting an abutilon for my garden but I haven't seen any around here so I suspect it isn't quite the right climate here. I love small zoos, too. I much prefer the Oakland zoo to the San Diego Zoo, which is kind of blasphemous in zoo land. er. ha ha!
ReplyDeleteI relate, regarding the camera!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had fun and you're right, a well-designed and well-tended zoo is a much happier place, because the animals are treated with at least some degree of love and respect!
I must have had a deprived childhood! I don't know that song.
ReplyDeleteCockatoos in the aviary! It would be fun to see one again. They flew wild and tame all around our village in Indonesia, whole flocks of them. We considered them pests because they would bite through our short wave radio wires and leave us without battery hook ups and then we were out of contact with the rest of the world until we could fix them.
LOL I know what you mean. Everyone was cold (I TOLD them to dress warm yesterday) so they were rushing through the town to get to the car. I in the meantime was going snap happy delighting in the old buildings. Would you believe I was threatened at sword point (wooden) to hurry up! I was affronted!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI like to cockatoo's funky toesies. What's up with that? Better to cling to a rock with my dear? Anyway, made me remember going to one of your CA zoos right after valentine's, better known as sex day at the zoo. Nice. Sex day at the zoo always a fantastic experience with Josh. Not. Except I remember the gorillas with the boobies and that great story he tells. Gosh that makes me miss you guys! 'Cept I wouldn't wanna be in aviaries with you and the birds "buzzing" you. Things that swoop freak me out. Yes, even butterflies. Seriously, ask Misty. It's a little out of control.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun day and the photos are beautiful as always!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Cathie
I'm with you! Flowers and foliage just grab my attention! Not that I don't love other things, but they speak to my heart in a different way!
ReplyDelete