NC Zoo

Now that everything is a little crazy, and we trying to get ready for our move, we may only have one or two more trips to our beloved NC zoo... So, I figured it's about time I shared some of our zoo pics, and stories! This past year the girls and I would go to the zoo every other week, when we could get away with it.  The North Carolina Zoo is awesome! It’s basically a resort for the animals.  

The first time we went Serenity fell in love with the monkeys, mostly the Gorillas.  There are two little baby gorillas that are about Scarlette’s age Apollo and Bomassa.  For some reason Serenity does not like Apollo.  She only ever seems to wants to see Bomassa ha.  There are three female gorillas: Olympia (Apollo’s mom), Jamani (Bomassa’s mom), and Acacia. The male gorilla died just a few months after the babies were born.  Acacia is Serenity’s favorite.  Acacia LOVES little kids! Every time we go see the gorillas, she always comes over and interacts with the girls.  Serenity even named her gorilla stuffed animal Acacia!

Acacia saying Hi to Serenity

Olympia and Apollo

Acacia

Jamani and Bomassa

The Chimps are also fun to watch.  They have a huge exhibit, and they are always swinging on ropes and jumping from tree to tree.  BUT, since the chimps are not nearly as friendly as the gorillas, we don’t spend much time there. 

 

see... no monkeys visit the girls at this window...

The zoo also has baboons; in my opinion the most disgusting of the monkeys, but their habitat is partially indoors, so it’s fun to go in there when its chilly out.

Serenity getting no love from the baboons either...

 

The giraffes are the most annoying animals at the zoo.  They are rarely wandering in their habitat because they can’t handle the cold.  Unless its at least 65 degrees, they are inside by the heater.  There must be something good about them though, because they are Joey's FAVORITE by far!

 

The lions have a beautiful habitat.  The female lion is just SOO photogenic that I don't even have a picture of the male...

 

One day, when it was probably 35 degrees outside, I took the girls to the zoo.  I didn’t even THINK about it.  When we got there, it was closed!  The local news team was there and interviewed me about why I came to the zoo on such a cold day.  I told them “The zoo has polar bears, so I figured we’d at least be able to see SOMETHING.”  Looking back, I really don’t know why I would take them to the zoo in near freezing weather, other than it’s really nice to get out of the house sometimes and just take a walk.  Going to this zoo is basically like going on a gigantic hike.  It’s miles of trails up and down hills all through the mountains, it really is a work out, and really beautiful.  I guess I figured working out in the cold keeps you nice and toasty right?? … but I guess the warmest option for the babies probably isn’t sitting in a stroller. That being said... they DID look pretty comfy!  

 

Both babies really enjoy the Elephants.  Serenity, not even two years old, knows which trails lead to which animals already.  She gets so excited when she knows we are heading to the “elephantes!” When we took Aunt Liza to the zoo with us last week, she was so impressed with how Serenity could navigate her way through the zoo.

 

Over the past few months of being a season pass holder, we’ve been able to visit the zoo with tons of friends and family!    

  

I love this pic of Serenity and her little friend Charlotte!

I’m so happy that both the girls enjoy the zoo as much as I do!  It’s been so fun being able to take them as often as I can, and seeing their love for animals grow with each visit! 

Scarlette's first couple trips to the zoo... she looks so small!

 

Our last trip to the zoo...      

 

The best part of the zoo however, COULD possibly be how the girls pass out immediately after getting them in the car to go home...

 

I know you are all thinking (well some of you anyways), that there is a zoo in SLC, but I'll still miss relationships the girls have with the Gorillas here, and how beautiful all the habitats are! SLC's zoo honestly can't hold a candle to this one!! BUT... I guess we'll just have to get season passes to the aquarium! 


      Jess  

Couldn't leave out this guy.... HA