Zoo

The first part of today (Tuesday July 26, 2011) we spent at the ClevO Zoo. I had thought about trying to visit the Columbus Zoo (later this week) but Lynn thought it would be best to stick with ClevO. We visited the ClevO Zoo a few years ago. So it was interesting to see what had changed.

Today was brutally hot, in the 90s and sunny (I felt sorry for the polar bear). It was so hot, I even bought a cherry  "Iceee" (they usually result in a stomach ache - no different this time) that Richard and I shared.

We started out with the elephants. They are big (and kind of smelly). What else can I say?

One of my favorites is the Australian Adventure area. The air conditioning in the Homestead house was heavenly. We enjoyed riding the little train that encircles the area. And I think the (Yagga) tree house is really neat (reminds of Swiss Family Robinson)(see picture below).

Yagga Tree

The Uphill Deck Walk (sort of like a boardwalk built into the side of a hill) was nice because it was in the shade. After a quick lunch, we spent a lot of interesting time in the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building. Lots of fish, sharks, gorillas, monkeys, etc. Because it was sort of dark inside, it reminded me of a fun house at an amusement park.

One of the changes from our previous visit was the condition of the Fulton Road bridge. Last time it looked like it was ready to collapse. It has been renovated and looks great. 

At the Northern Trek, Lynn and Richard were fascinated with the exhibit and demonstration at the Seal & Sea Lion exhibit. Boy, did that pool look inviting.

How tall is Richard!?

We took a tram back to the entrance and then went to Monkey Island but it was closed for cleaning. We paused for a while in the air conditioned gift shop but didn't find anything to buy. Last time, we bought Richard some bongo drums which he played the entire drive back to Connecticut (it seemed).

Rick, Richard, & Lynn at the Zoo.

As we walked back to our car, we got someone to snap a picture of us (see above). Then we returned to Grandma Meg's house to get ready for this evening's Indians game.