Monday, April 8: It couldn't possibly have been more perfect zoo weather than it was this afternoon! High 60's into the very low 70's, bright sunshine, nice breeze ... gorgeous.
It was our very first zoo excursion of the year! Many of the animals were NOT out yet, due to the uncertain climate ... but we DID see mama bear up close and personal!
Dear Aidan wasn't so sure about Mrs. Grizzly ...
We went inside to see the frogs and turtles ...
And BOY did we ever come at exactly the right time! There were two zoo workers training two of the barn owls and we got to watch! It was really cool to see.
They trained one owl at a time. This is TYTO, who is absolutely beautiful. YOu can see how Tyto is tethered to the wire by his feet ...
The other trainer waits at the end of the line, gives a signal, and Tyto flies over to her ... kind of on a reverse zip line type of gadget.
We watched the training for quite a long time. Aidan was quite content to sit in the stroller and watch the whole thing. What a nice baby he is. Never in a hurry to go anywhere. Very much like Brendan in that way.
THEN it was Alba's turn. She was graceful and beautiful. The trainers told us that the scientific name for barn owl is: Tyto Alba, hence their names. I like that a lot.
I felt truly grateful to see this special treat today!
We walked up the boardwalk to see Wiley, the Red Panda--but he was NOT out. Word is that he now has a mate! We are looking forward to meeting her!
The tigers were out, but they were being lazy the first time we walked by. They would NOT get up an walk around for anything!
Aidan and I went to the play area. I thought perhaps Aidan would want to run around for awhile, so I "set him loose." But in truth, he did not want to wander far from me at all.
Look at him strutting his stuff (below)!
When we went back up to check on the tigers, ONE had gotten up to take a walk!
This tigress came very close and walked by over and over again ...
Aidan was quite taken with her! He smiled at her as she approached.
Isn't she HUGE? Her paws!
What a great trip to the zoo! I love spending time with you, Aidan! You are a treasure.
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