Tuesday, September 07, 2021

The Eyes of "Zootopia" Were Upon Me...

Recently, Denis and I made another trip out to the Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park, a far western suburb of Phoenix. The sun was out, and so were the heat and humidity. In fact, the humidity was quite a bit higher than we desert dwellers are used to which meant that Denis and I almost had the place to ourselves-- and that was lovely.

I enjoyed being out in the sunshine with a good steady breeze helping to keep the humidity bearable. It was 72% in case any of you are wondering. Having grown up in central Illinois, my memory laughs at the thought of that being considered high, but I've lived in the desert with its normal single-digit humidity for a long time now.

As Denis and I strolled through the zoo, I noticed that many of the critters seemed to be keeping an eye on me. I don't know why, but I'll show you what I mean.
 
 
This American alligator was keeping an eye on me. Maybe he wanted to make sure I left his water lilies alone?

 
From the small pond in front of the Baby Animal Nursery.


I love water lilies. They remind me of some fun times I had with my grandmother.


The last time I saw this mother and her ducklings, the babies were little fuzzballs snoozing in the sun.


Even this little Mexican Amberwing dragonfly couldn't stop staring at me.


I didn't do anything-- I swear!


It wasn't me!


I beg your pardon!


Axis deer


Sunflowers


Kookaburra. At least he didn't laugh at me.


Rocco the jaguar


Denis and I got separated, and I stopped outside the giraffe enclosure to wait for him. This particular giraffe and I spent a good five minutes watching each other.


Hopefully, the next time we visit, the meerkat tunnel system will be back in operation and I'll be able to see some of my all-time favorite critters. The zoo had been hit by some severe monsoon storms that had collapsed the tunnels. Fortunately, the meerkats had already been taken off exhibit.
 
There's so much to see at the Wildlife World Zoo that I always look forward to our next visit!

13 comments:

  1. Glad you had a good time. But who wouldn't with such adorable animals.
    Beautiful antelopes. Not so crazy about the alligator.

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    Replies
    1. The alligator reminded me of the book I'd read recently.

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    2. Yes. Exactly. I wanted to read that book until I read about the alligator.
      A news story ran several times last week about an alligator at a child's birthday party (Huh?) who attacked his trainer. He had her arm in his mouth. Fortunately, a father stepped forward and wrestled with it and saved her and her arm. Her arm is covered with bandages, but she is alive.

      That news story ran constantly for days. So I"m not so thrilled about reading about one, even though that series intrigues me.

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  2. Oh, you take the most breathtaking 'photos, Cathy! What a tonic that trip must have been, too! I'm very glad you took the time and were able to go. It must be a fantastic place.

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  3. Those are some incredible pictures, Cathy! I am glad you were able to get out and enjoy the wildlife. Thanks for sharing them with us!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Gretchen. Critters and being outside always do me a world of good.

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  4. Great photos and what an interesting place to view the animals!

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  5. Good to see you guys up and around, even with the extra humidity. 78% must have been quite a shocker for the locals, but it looks as if the animals are doing fine.

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    Replies
    1. I think they probably appreciated the extra moisture more than we humans did.

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