Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

How about you, you, you.  You can come too, too, too.

So goes the song the kids used to sing about the zoo.  Somewhere there was also a mention of buffalo poo which we didn't see when Meg and I went to the zoo with Lynda and Chris.

The Calgary Zoo is unique because it has dinosaurs (not to be confused with Dinosaur Zoo on iTunes for the iPad).  Founded in 1929, it began with 36 mammals and 78 birds (the offspring of 6 black squirrels donated by Toronto have spread across the city).  In 1936, 56 dinosaur sculptures were commissioned and so began the zoo's relationship with these ancient beasts.

However, for our zoo visit (Chris' generous treat), we decided it was too cold to view the Prehistoric Park and so spent our time wandering in and out of the various zoo habitats.  We parked in the North parking lot then crossed the Bow River to St. George's Island where the original zoo was built.  We later learned the West parking lot (and gift shop) closes during the winter months.  

Our first stop was the African Savannah, a nice warm building housing the hippos and giraffes.  The lions were outside napping in the morning sun while the zebras tried to eat breakfast, battling ostriches for fresh hay.  Funnily enough, the ostriches won every fight so the zebras only ate when the giant birds allowed.

Next, we stepped into the TransAlta Rainforest building.  It was very humid.  So much so that the lenses of our cameras fogged up.  Most frustrating.  However, we all got a few shots that were mist-free.  The gorillas were pretty lively and we enjoyed watching a couple playing together.

The Enmax Conservatory was also humid.  There were a few butterflies flitting about the Butterfly room but most were gone for the winter.  We enjoyed the flowers and pumpkin displays then crossed into the original greenhouse with banana and lobster-claw trees, orchids, and other exotic plants.

By this time we were hungry.  Lynda treated us to an early lunch in Kitamba Café.  The school kids came in later so we enjoyed ours in peace.  Lynda and I had homemade vegetable soup that was delicious with a hot dog while Chris and Meg dug into hamburgers and poutine (C) and chili fries (M).

South America beckoned and we enjoyed the antics of the New World Monkeys.  After which, we wandered over to Elephant Crossing (Eurasia) and watched these magnificent creatures play with their toys.  As we wandered the Discovery Trail, we passed cages with macques, snow leopards, and tigers.  The most exciting moment being when we spotted a very active Red Panda.  We also saw the preparations being made for Zoo Lights, an event where the zoo is lit up with Christmas lights.

After the tigers, we retraced our steps and crossed the river to explore the Canadian Wilds with its mountain sheep and goats.  The moose and mule deer could also be seen hiding in the brush.

We were exhausted when we finally hit the new gift shop (it opened two weeks ago) but Lynda and Chris perked up when they saw some items that would suit family and friends.  Meg drove us home--three happy and tired boomers.

Of course, we didn't see everything the zoo offers.  The dinosaurs will have to wait until next time as will the Australian and Creatures of the Night displays.  As with most zoo trips, some animals were asleep while others hid in their dens so we all have an excuse to visit the Calgary Zoo again.