In June, the kids and Aimee had the opportunity to travel to Denver for the homeschool conference and a family visit. We planned some extra time to enjoy some special activities that we don't otherwise have access to on "our" side of the mountains.
Lego Lion
The kids enjoyed extra time with Grandpa and Grandma V., and a special auntie and cousin, along with auntie's summer helper, Miss Shelby.
The day the goose got loose...
(okay- they're actually loose all of the time at the Denver Zoo).
Settling for a rhino; for some reason Lem had his heart set on seeing a hippo.
The hippo was busy behind the scenes and the only one we actually saw was a metal statue.
Here's to the days when Aimee, her siblings and cousins used to squeeze into this covered wagon for a total of six kids on board. This time there were again six kids on board- all siblings and no cousins! We can't even imagine traveling cross country like this- especially in the heat.
I wonder just how long this wagon's been a fixture at the Denver Zoo?
Come on, you stubborn oxen. Get a move on!
Tally ho!!!
The peacock is sitting just behind the bush, thinking he's invisible to the passing world.
We were somewhat amused to watch these turtles. The one headed toward the water had been bullied and bullied by one of the smaller ones- pushed and almost tipped onto his back. We were glad when he made his "escape" to the other side of the enclosure! It was interesting behavior to observe from these creatures who seem so slow and awkward.
Go turtle, go!
It was "Carcasse Tuesday," meaning that the zoo feeds dead, frozen and thawed animals to their pride of four lion brothers. They hope to keep these boys together until they eventually grow old and die. Apparently boy lions (especially brothers from the same litter) are easier to keep together in terms of their attitudes toward one another. Apparently the females tend to get a little more "catty."
Here are the boys, eagerly awaiting their meal to be thrown to them from the roof of the guest viewing area. Dead bunnies and guinea pigs were on the menu. If this is a special meal that helps keep the lions' insides working properly, we wondered what they are fed during the rest of the week.
Everyone headed off to a different spot to eat, and then back to "ask" for more when the firsts, seconds, and even thirds were gone. There was a some gentle fighting and jostling for their goodies.
Num, num, num.
It was all fascinating... these kiddos weren't grossed out one bit and were delighted when one of the lions hunkered down just on the other side of the viewing window.
Feeding the Giraffes
Normally there is a cost associated with getting to feed the giraffes, however, zoo keepers were in the process of figuring out when the giraffes would be most interested (only one was during this feeding time) and documenting which types of greenery they appreciated the most. As a result, we were able to participate at no charge. Giraffes love lettuce as well, but seeing as how lettuce has a high water content, it apparently causes the giraffes to make quite the mess later on! It was interesting to watch how the giraffe would wrap her tongue around the leaves to eat them, as opposed to opening her mouth and biting them like a horse might. This better enables them to "pick" and strip leaves out of trees (including the thorny acacia tree).
It was so hot; the zoo's water feature was MUCH appreciated!
Foxgloves- don't eat these!
What trip to the zoo would be complete without a ride on the train and carousel?
We enjoyed the view of the flamingos from the train.
One of the grizzly bears. These fellows do not smell very good (both in the zoo and in the wild).
They leave an odor wherever they go.
It was so much fun that we... zzzzzzzzz.
(This is called synchronized sleeping- sort of like synchronized swimming, but WAY more relaxing.)
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