You mean the National Zoo is Free?
This was the thing that Carson kept asking me. He kept saying, You mean its free? He is just starting to understand the concept of money, and expenses so he was intrigued that the zoo and all things Washington are free. I didnt bother to discuss federal taxes with him. I just told him that all toys in stores continued to cost money, which is where I am sure he mind was going. He is really at an amusing age.
We arrived at the National Zoo on Wednesday afternoon to 82 degrees and bright sun. Woohoo! What a nice contrast to Maines 50 degrees when we left. We got a parking spot right at lot A which you can enter from Connecticut Avenue and arrived with 15 minutes to spare before our ticket time for the Panda exhibit. I guess most of you reading this know of my love for creatures. Undoubtedly I was the most excited to spend this time at this zoo. It is such a beautiful park; the wildlife, the rolling hills, the landscaping and the classic architecture make it very scenic and pastoral.
Gotta see the pandas, when you are at the National Zoo, right? The last time we were there some years ago, Ling Ling had died and the exhibit was empty. That was really sad and the encroachment of man on this planet haunted me. I was excited to show hem to the kids, although I knew they would not appreciate them the way I would.
If you want to ensure viewing the pandas, you can order free tickets online and print them out right at home. We did this, but as it turned out we didnt need them because the pandas were outside during our viewing time. But is a nice insurance policy just in case. This is Tai Shan, the miraculous baby Panda, lying in the tree. His mother Mei Xiang is eating bamboo leaves. Haley, I thought of you as I struck up a conversation with an attendant who shared that all the bamboo for the Pandas comes from the estate of a women who donates it from her property. She has been providing the bamboo for the Pandas since the 80s, wanting nothing in return.
The Pandas are on loan from China, and the Zoo will have to return this precious 10 month old baby when he is two. It is possible that the parents stay might be extended.
The Zoo is expanding the Panda habitat, and clearly banking on it as a big source of revenue and pr. These creatures are so charming and interesting to watch, but the construction currently taking place seriously detracted from the exhibit. However, it is understandable that they want to draw visitors and donors to continue supporting the zoo. It was fairly crowded and little Tai Shan never came out of the tree. We never got a great view of him.
We came upon this sweet fellow, who was painstakingly trying to reach a tiny tendril for a snack. I guess when your habitat is the size his is, what else do you have to do other than stretch your tongue towards a possible snack? The kids thought this scene was hysterical. I did too.
We entered the Elephant House, a fantastic structure built in the 30s. I love this type of classic architecture, and the painting and mosaic tile work inside was beautiful. The enclosures have been expanded, and the residents can come and go outside freely.
Someone mentioned one of the American idols has a mush mouth, this made me think of that... I love elephants, just for the record and that singer on idol referred indirectly here. The point is sometimes the Dis is on my mind at funny times....
The rhinos had really fancy digs with decorative paint, dont you think? I again had questions for an attendant. I asked her if she ever saw The Gods Must Be Crazy. She hadnt so I told her about a funny scene in the movie in which a rhino comes running out of nowhere to put out a campfire. Apparently they actually do this. She was not familiar with the film, but confirmed that these are indeed aggressive animals. She said that Rhinos are responsible for more deaths in Africa than any other animal, because they are so territorial. Their jaws are so hug. I cannot imagine that that would be a pleasant encounter. They are not beauty pagent contenders, though, I must say
.
We headed down the path and came upon the Przewalski horse, the only living wild relative of the domestic horse. I saw a fantastic show once on these equines from Mongolia. This stallion had a large crowd around him all laughing and taking pictures. A lot of the viewers were saying "OMG". If you study his picture you might see why. I dont see what the big deal is, anatomically speaking his physical structure would have to be such in order to further his species. But I guess many people just havent ever seen a male horse in this state.
We came upon the small rodents, housed indoors. My favorite critters here were the lion maned tamarinds. These little cherubs were just the cutest little things in the world.
The kids favorite animal in this house had to be the meercats. They were an industrious and active little group of animals. They kept digging and then would stand erect and look right at you through the glass. Jack and Sky just laughed hysterically at them. These houses are great as they gave a reprieve from the heat and afford a really close up view of the various species.
As we left we saw the sign for the Great Apes, one of my personal favorites. We meandered around a path that brought us face to face with a huge Male Silverback Gorilla and a Lowland Gorills. The Silverback was fascinating to watch and he appeared to be very self-conscious and sensitive. He kept turning his back and looking away. Who could blame him?
Suddenly he moved over towards us and came within several feet of us. Look at his expression! He was the most noble and intriguing animals I saw today. It was breathtaking. I understand Diane Fosses obsession with saving these majestic creatures. They are so exquisite. I have never been so close to one of these apes. It was thrilling! Of course, the morose side of me started thinking about the plight of all these creatures in the wild. Their habitats are shrinking and they continue to be exploited and slaughtered for profit.
In the ape house we came upon this funny guy. He had to be the cutest personality in the whole zoo.
So a visit to the zoo for all of you, if you are interested. If you are in DC, go to the National Zoo. Kids or not, it is not to be missed. The animals are well cared for. The park itself is beautiful. It opens your heart and your mind and your soul. BTW, did not see one meltdown of any child or adult anywhere there. Our kids were on cloud nine and loved every minute of it, especially the ice cream bars!
Bye all, I don't have time to read.....hope all of you are well!
