A Day at the Zoo

We didn't make it to the zoo over the summer for a few reasons.  We mostly didn't make it because we were so busy on the weekends, but it was also hot when we were free to go.  Adam and I decided to wait until fall to head to the zoo with the thought that the weather would be more pleasant, we'd have more free time on the weekends, and the zoo would be less crowded. 

We finally made it there last Saturday.  Since Adam was traveling all week, we slept in on Saturday and didn't leave for the zoo until 11ish.  We decided on Ft. Wayne Children's Zoo because we'd heard it would be best for Vera's age.  It was a good choice.  We were able to get through the whole zoo in a few hours without feeling totally exhausted or rushed.  The zoo didn't have any elephants or bears, but we had a lot of fun enjoying all of the other animals.  The weather was just right.  A little chilly in the shade, but warm and comfortable in the sun.

Our first exhibit was the African Safari.  Vera could've cared less about the animals.  She kept asking for a snack, and showed absolutely no emotion when we'd point out animals. 

She had no interest in the zebra and ostrich in the background.

She did perk up a little when we went to the giraffe exhibit.  We spent $1 for a piece of lettuce to feed the giraffe.  We got there just in time for Vera and Adam to feed the giraffe; they had their fill after we fed our lettuce and walked away.  Vera thought it was hilarious, especially when the giraffe stuck out his long tongue. 

We continued through the "safari" with a mopey and uninterested girl.  At this point, it was imperative that we get something to eat.  The only thing Vera cared about was a snack.  We splurged a little and ate some sandwiches at the zoo.  Vera ate really well, she was reenergized for the rest of the zoo adventure, and had a lot of fun checking out the rest of the animals.

The aquarium exhibit was a big hit.  Vera loved the fish that looked like Nemo.  She also thought the shark was pretty cool swimming right in front of her.

After a ride on the train, we made our way to the pond filled with ducks and geese.  Adam bought some food, and had the birds eating from his hand.  I, on the other hand, am not a fan of birds.  I was completely content snapping pictures and keeping my distance.  No way would I have a bird eat out of my hand.  Vera threw some of her feed toward the ducks, and they quickly came running.  Eventually, she felt brave and opened her hand for the geese to eat.  It was all I could do to not freak out.  She thought it was pretty funny.  That is, until she got bit.  One of the geese got her poor little finger and pinched it between it's beak.  After a pretty hysterical crying episode, and two parents who felt really bad, we got Vera to settle down.  We noticed right away a little pool of blood and some swelling on her finger.  She was tough, and we moved on through the zoo.



 

We also checked out the farm animals.  All week when I asked her about going to the zoo, she said she wanted to see some pigs and mermaids.  The goats were so tame, and we took some time to brush them.  Vera thought it was pretty cool.

 

 

The last part of our day included a ride on the carousel.  As we waited in line, Vera was so excited, asking questions and pointing out the animal she wanted to ride.  When it was our turn, we chose a cheetah.  Vera loved the ride, giggling and waving to dad each time around.

 

 

We had a fun family day at the zoo.  Vera was really good, though she was tired at the end.  We ended our day by stopping for ice cream at McDonald's on our way home.