At the last meetup group meeting, I asked what the members would like to do for upcoming events. Several were mentioned that required more than just an hour or two on a weeknight. So I thought about what weekend days might be available. Labor day was perfect. I put up a poll, got one response, so I made the final decision to go to the zoo. We were to meet at the carousel at 10:15.

I left to catch the train. I ran into a neighbor with two big dogs who were intent on meeting me. They were so friendly and wanted to join me, but I told them that dogs aren’t allowed on the train or in the zoo.

I continued on and saw a man coming out of his house with pants the same color green as the house. I decided to not say anything.As I was walking to the zoo entrance, a man pushing a stroller started singing Beast of Burden. I asked if he was going for the zoo theme and thanked him for the giggle.I got to hear a couple argue about who forgot the baby’s sweater. It brought back memories of when my kids were small.I went to the meeting location, and no one showed up, as expected. I got another chuckle as a small child told his dad he wanted to pet the choo choo.

I am wondering what this is.  Maybe part of the old Fleishacker’s pool?

I had no idea that the zoo is 90 years old.

The translation of the zooetta stone.

They finally enclosed the flamingos.  I was always nervous about small children falling in.

I made a video of the fairy gardens.

I still haven’t figured out who Eugene Friend is.

I had to watch the carousel rotate.

They have posted the schedule and map instead of using paper ones.  Wonderful!

Watching the Grizzlies eat.

They were cleaning the pool when I arrived.

The anteater never made an appearance.I talked to the zookeeper for the wolverines. She told me to go watch the fishing cat. I took a video of it hunting, but the video didn’t process.

I did catch feeding time for the otters, though.

I got to the otter enclosure as they were being fed.I went to sit near the penguin enclose enclosure to wait for my children. They brought me a zoo key.We stopped to eat lunch before they saw any animals.

My lunch was a Thai noodle bowl. Not much flavor.

From here on out, the photos are jumbled.

 

We spent a long time watching the lemurs playing and lounging.

I remember getting fish to feed to the sea lions when I was a child.

There’s always a Darwin awards sign somewhere.

More lemur photos.

 

I got my zoo key and I need a manicure.

No rhino in sight.

That’s a hippo, under water.

The last Doggie Diner head.

I was surprised to find chickens in the yard of a zoo neighbor.

It was a fun exhausting day.  I made 12,000 steps on my fitbit without trying very hard.