Stay-Cation 2015 Has Begun!

[DonnaR57]

Feeling like a bit of exercise today and an excuse to do some animal photography, we headed for San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Yesterday, we had watched a program about the 1915 Panama Exposition in San Diego, and the start of the SD Zoo the following year (they had to have somewhere to put those animals left from the expedition). Like normal, we were there shortly after opening. We noticed, as the day went on, that the place became more crowded. Once again, we used our membership. (I thought it would pay for itself on the 3rd trip, but in recalculating, found that it paid for itself today.)


San Diego Zoo 002 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

We headed to the right, toward the Koala/Australian Outback area, first. I caught this little guy looking really cute.


San Diego Zoo 009 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

My husband and I hadn't been to the Zoo in years. The Koala exhibit, and quite a few other things, had completely moved, been improved, or were in the process of being upgraded. The Zoo still takes wonderful care of the critters it has.

From there, we headed up into the current African area, which is being remodeled (for opening in summer 2017). I love the giraffes and elephants. Hubby and I had just watched the movie HATARI (John Wayne) a couple of days ago, too - another reason why I had the itch to go to the Zoo.


San Diego Zoo 015 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

Of course, I love the long-legged birds, and the Zoo has their share of them just like the Safari Park (which is a sister park to the Zoo) and Sea World.


San Diego Zoo 022 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

Lest you think that the Zoo is only for critters, it has thousands of plants, trees, and other flora. Here is a funny looking tree!


San Diego Zoo 038 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

The day was "perfect zoo weather" -- partly cloudy, not super hot, and not cool. These turtles were taking advantage of the sun by taking a sun bath on the rocks. (We didn't get to the giant tortoises. Later this summer, we intend to return to the Zoo to do that side of it.)


San Diego Zoo 039 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

The Zoo has both Asian and African elephants. You can tell the difference by the size of their ears. This big guy had tusks as long as his trunk. The docent told us that the Zookeepers had to get permission first, but they would cut the tusks whenever they grew so long that the elephant would trip over them.


San Diego Zoo 042 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

The African lioness was sleeping so close to the glass. I stood there and watched her sleep for a few minutes.


San Diego Zoo 057 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

We got "up" to the high point of the Zoo, where the Polar Bear Plunge is now located, and were getting hungry. There weren't too many offerings, but there is a "Skyfari" ride that crosses the Zoo, cost included in our membership. The line was short, so we got on and rode it back to "Front Street", near the entrance to the Zoo. A lot of food places are located near there. On the ride, you get a nice view of San Diego's downtown Skyline and Cabrillo Bridge, and portions of Balboa Park:


San Diego Zoo 068 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

The California building, built for the 1915 Panama Exposition:


San Diego Zoo 070 by jeanniesisters, on Flickr

After lunch, we got in line to take the Skyfari back to the Polar Bear Plunge, and continue our day.

To be continued....