Back to the zoo

I had been a bit nervous about returning to the San Francisco Zoo after the Christmas Day Incident. Since many of the exhibits have been fortified, and the kids have been asking to go, I finally agreed to take them during Spring Break. We went on the Monday, as it was forecast to be the nicest day of the week. It was beautifully sunny at home, but as we drove closer to the zoo we saw the fog and I wondered if it had been a mistake.

Here is a photo taken on our way into the zoo next to a photo taken from the same spot on our way out of the zoo. We had a lovely time, and the sun was shining brightly by the time we left for home.




















When we arrived, we felt jealous of these lemurs, huddled up under the heat lamp. Where was our heat lamp?


We particularly enjoyed seeing the giraffes as they were very close to us this time. Usually the giraffes seem most intent on eating. This time they were slightly more focused on each other, with quite a bit of flirting going on.













Here is a tiger photo from our previous visit to the zoo. It may actually be the tiger who is no more. Although I did zoom in, I really did feel very close to the tiger at the time. Below is a photo of the children in front of the current lion exhibit. You can see the reflection of my flash on the glass behind them. We may have felt safer, but I think something is now lost in the experience with the concrete, glass, fences, and distance they have added to the exhibits.




















Many of the animals had just been given their food, so we watched them eat.


The peacocks were out all over the zoo. Some of them spread their feathers for us. This one just seemed to be posing. He held still in that spot for quite a while.


The kids had some playtime too. We rode the carousel. Charlotte mastered the rings at the playground. They climbed on various animal statues.


They became quite silly after posing for too many photos, so I knew it was time to head home. Overall it was a fun visit.