Trip to the Zoo

We moseyed down to OKC today to go to the zoo.

It was fairly hot today (92 degrees) and we weren't going to get there until 2:00 in the afternoon (the hottest part of the day), but we decided to go for it anyway.

I was hopeful that my optimistic side was not canceling out my common sense side and that our trip would not not turn into a nightmare.

Missing nap time to be at the zoo during August in Oklahoma?!
Was I crazy?!

Things started well due to the fact that Cole and Rachel both fell asleep on the way there, so they at least got a little rest. It only took 55 minutes to get from our door to the zoo parking lot, and a short 15 minutes later (after putting on shoes, hats, sunscreen and loading up the strollers) we were walking through the zoo gates for the minimal fee of only $4! Rob earned us a coupon by giving blood (Way to go, Rob!) for two free admissions, the two year olds were already free, so I only had to pay for one big kid- what a deal!

Each kid picked one animal that they wanted to be sure to see (our usual routine) and we set off to find at least those four. Of course, we see most of the animals as we wander around to get to those four; this method allows us to make sure no one is disappointed and we end up seeing a lot of animals even if we don't make it to all the exhibits.

We have been to the OKC Zoo at least three other times, but we still seem to struggle on one side where it seems like all we do is walk in circles or hit dead ends and have to turn around so we end up seeing the same things over and over. Our plan of attack for next time is to view this area of the zoo from the tram or train because it covers that section, and then walk the middle and other side of the zoo. Now that I think about it, maybe all people have this trouble and that is why the tram and train run through that section!

One disappointing thing was the elephants weren't there. Shortly after arriving, I remembered that they wouldn't be there because the last time we visited (about 15 months ago) we were told the females from this zoo were going to the Tulsa zoo to mate with their male and hopefully come home with some babies. It won't be until next spring when they return. The elephants are one of my favorites and what I would have chosen to see.

Some things we did experience include:
A couple of donkeys being walked on leashes for exercise.

A practically empty zoo; OKC schools must have been back in session because hardly anyone was there -or maybe most people were smart enough not to go in the middle of the afternoon!

An "Island Exhibit" where we got to be really close to some pink flamingos, large tortoises, and a variety of birds.

An ostrich who acted like it might attack.

Zebras who came as close as they could to the fence where we were standing --we quickly realized a zoo cart had pulled up behind us, and I think they though they might get a snack or something.

I didn't take many photos today; I mostly enjoyed my kids enjoying the animals, but I do have a few cute/interesting ones to share . . .

The overly "friendly" ostrich that made my children nervous


Cole found a new family for a while -Pinky and Jasmine, who were out walking to lose weight.


This is one of the female lions we saw up and about, but it was taken through a glass window so a bit fuzzy on her face. We managed to see the male lion get up from a rest and do a quick walk-around before settling back in for more snoozing.


One of the zebras who came up close- I didn't even zoom to get this photo!

The cute video (below) we took at the exit when we left that shows all the kids sharing what their favorite part of the visit was, but here is the list of what animal they each chose to see today--
Robbie: big cats
Alexa: giraffes
Rachel: PINK flamingos
Cole: monkeys



We had a great time; the kids did awesome and I am really glad we went!