Just as Mother Theresa said she was not anti-war, she was pro-peace. I am going to say I'm not anti-zoo, I'm pro-animal freedom (not that I can even compare myself to her). If you didn't know or can't tell, I have some issues with the zoo and I refuse to pay to enter. I do understand that my tax dollars are supporting the zoo, but there is really nothing I can do about that. It just doesn't feel right to cage up all these poor animals. People have told me over and over how great the zoo animals have it, they don't have to look for food, they don't have to struggle, they have controlled environment etc. etc. It sound pretty much like a jail to me, and I don't see anyone signing up for that.
Now you may be asking, why did I go to the zoo? Well, in my efforts to be a good mother, I would hate to deprive my children the opportunity to see the animals up close. It was free zoo day, and I take advantage of it every year, I even thought about taking Reece out of school that day so he could go, because you know we are NOT paying to go another time.
Mason was a little nervous at first, all these animals, are those cages really strong enough to hold those elephants?
This is Maya, ready to leave as soon as we got there, she is terrified. Or maybe she is like her mother and is feeling extreme compassion for these animals and doesn't want to be a part of their captivation. Or maybe she was just terrified.
Maya was terrified of the animals, I was terrified by this huge growth on the elephant. It was only on one side, and I'm just hoping this elephant is 'with child'.
They soon warmed up to the animals, how could you not love a zebra? It is a horse with stripes.
And of course how could any kid not love Pumba from the Lion King?
And Happy Feet! I'm sure these penguins love the summers here in Utah!
The accommodations for the giraffes are amazing. So realistic, I'm sure it feels just like the African Savannah!
These kids obviously don't care about the accomodations, they just wanted their picture taken with the giraffe.
Now, I must say that the tiger was thrilling to see with it's massive catlike body, huge paws and teeth, and beautiful markings.
The cheetah was even more thrilling, it was pacing back and forth in front of the window hissing at all of us. The kids were glued to the window for about 10 mins. I have to admit, I almost thought it would be worth coming back and actually paying to get in. But I erased those evil thoughts from my mind.
The most interesting part of the trip to the zoo for me was how many 'leashed' children there were. I swear over 50% of the kids had leashes on disguised as a cute backpack.
Here is another one. Now, here is my question, why can't this mother just hold her child's hand? She doesn't have hoards of other children to watch over or worry about, it is just him. Why the leash? Show your child some love, hold his hand and experience the zoo hand in hand and not pulling him on a leash.
Now, this mother takes the cake in my book. No cute little backpack for this little tyke, oh no. She pulled out the big guns and actually hooked her child up to an actual dog leash, attached to his belt buckle. This one does have the added feature of being retractable, unlike the cute backpacks.
How do you feel about the zoo and 'leashing' children? I will now step down from the soap box.
This sweet little babe has expanded in vocabulary like none else in the last few months and I can't get enough of it. At least 10 times a day he asks, "Mommy, you happy?" most often than not, I respond with a, "yes, mommy is happy" because I am.
But, every once in a while, I will be frustrated, stressed, angry, tired, drained, annoyed, displeased, outraged, you get the point, and Mason will ask, "Mommy, you happy?" And I will say, "No, mommy is not happy right now, mommy is (fill in the blank from above). This is very concerning to Mason.
I notice his concern and tell him, "but I still love Mason" that seems to make him feel better.
When Mommy is Happy,
Everyone is happy!
Mason was a little nervous at first, all these animals, are those cages really strong enough to hold those elephants?
This is Maya, ready to leave as soon as we got there, she is terrified. Or maybe she is like her mother and is feeling extreme compassion for these animals and doesn't want to be a part of their captivation. Or maybe she was just terrified.
Maya was terrified of the animals, I was terrified by this huge growth on the elephant. It was only on one side, and I'm just hoping this elephant is 'with child'.
They soon warmed up to the animals, how could you not love a zebra? It is a horse with stripes.
And of course how could any kid not love Pumba from the Lion King?
And Happy Feet! I'm sure these penguins love the summers here in Utah!
These kids obviously don't care about the accomodations, they just wanted their picture taken with the giraffe.
Now, I must say that the tiger was thrilling to see with it's massive catlike body, huge paws and teeth, and beautiful markings.
The cheetah was even more thrilling, it was pacing back and forth in front of the window hissing at all of us. The kids were glued to the window for about 10 mins. I have to admit, I almost thought it would be worth coming back and actually paying to get in. But I erased those evil thoughts from my mind.
The most interesting part of the trip to the zoo for me was how many 'leashed' children there were. I swear over 50% of the kids had leashes on disguised as a cute backpack.
Here is another one. Now, here is my question, why can't this mother just hold her child's hand? She doesn't have hoards of other children to watch over or worry about, it is just him. Why the leash? Show your child some love, hold his hand and experience the zoo hand in hand and not pulling him on a leash.
Now, this mother takes the cake in my book. No cute little backpack for this little tyke, oh no. She pulled out the big guns and actually hooked her child up to an actual dog leash, attached to his belt buckle. This one does have the added feature of being retractable, unlike the cute backpacks.
This clip isn't very long, but it just shows some of the amazing tricks they did!
