Zoo

On Friday we went to the zoo after school.

The white tiger was amazing!

 Our reptile unit wasn't complete without a visit to see all the snakes, turtles and alligators.

 I found this flyer about crocodiles and alligators in Mississippi.

Thankfully we live in the county where sightings are "very rare".

 We learned that the average length of an American alligator is approx 15 feet.

That's longer than our staircase!

The otters are so cute.

Will rubbing the Buddha belly.

One of our favorite exhibits.

These pandas are on loan from China.  

They are so pampered!

 Pretty flowers.

 

  

  

The silver back gorilla was impressive. 

Fits right in with the family, don't ya think?

 I couldn't help but think of those super imposed old pictures from the 80's when I took this shot.

 

The reindeer.

 He is actually smiling!  GASP!

We were soooo tired.

When I say "we" I mean most of us were tired.

 

Not Eliza!  

What is the deal with these people?

Well, in the end she joined us. :)

Not only do we get to check out really cool animals at the zoo,
but we also get to study history.

Memphis was a city in ancient Egypt.

And that's where Memphis, Tennessee got its name.

The two cities have very similar geographical locations.  

One on the Nile, the other on the Mississippi.

 We also just learned about the Valley of the Kings where King Tut was found.

And there is an Egyptian obelisk and hieroglyphics everywhere.  

We tried to decipher them one day, but it was taking a really long time.  

It says something about animals I'm sure.

 

I know these pictures don't do it justice, but the red panda were so adorable.

They are just little cubs now, full of energy and very playful.

We couldn't get enough of the majestic cats. 

And lastly the Azure Poison Dart Frogs.

We could have watched them for hours.

I must say, our zoo pass has proven to be a great investment.  So glad we got it!