It's All Happening at the Zoo

The week I was going back and forth to Philadelphia for my testing I decided to make a trip to the zoo one day.  I've always loved the Philadelphia Zoo, which has the distinction of being our nation's first. I met my friend Gwen and her little one, Sweet Pea there. Join us.

 Flamingos always make me giggle.

There were a couple of women discussing this position with the little one they were accompanying.  We all agreed it looked like giraffe yoga.  Downward giraffe anyone?

 I was following my prep diet for the scans while at the zoo.  Last year I may have fought the otter for the fish.  This year my cravings were all about cheese, so I could just enjoy the otter's antics.  We also had an extended discussion with the otter's keeper.  We learned a lot about the breeding programs.  Essentially the worldwide zoo population of these river otters is descended mostly from the same mother and there are more hoops to jump through to get your otter laid than any sane person would even want to imagine.

 This bear seemed wholly unconcerned with any of that.

 We were hoping the peacock would give us a show.  He did not oblige.

Getting ready for a date and checking his deodorant?

"Listen, Glen may have on his aftershave but he still can't dance.  Just look at that ungainly display on the dance floor."

 GQ Lemur edition.

 The beauty shop at the primate house.

 Cutie

 Deep in thought or needing a smoke?

 Whoa, Mama!  the ground is waaaaaay down there!

 She seemed fairly annoyed by the people around.

 Sweet Pea's favorite toy is her stuffed lion.  It goes everywhere with her.  She wanted this lion to meet her lion.

Majesty

If you've ever read E. B. White's Trumpet of the Swan you may recall the main character Louis lives at the Philadelphia Zoo for a time and plays his trumpet for tourists.  The swan boats at the zoo are in honor of the book.

 Sass

 Just inside the entrance is this fountain.  I've loved it since I was a child.