Baboons @ the Zoo!

283_8350_copy, originally uploaded by carinh.

Roo and I went to the Seneca Park Zoo today to see the two new attractions, the Elephant splash pool and the Baboon exhibit. The baboons were really cool, they were getting fed a snack (oranges, apples, and grapes) while we were there. The zookeeper was throwing the fruit all over the place so the baboons were running all around chasing after the fruit. The exhibit has an outdoor viewing area through fence and then a small covered area that is glass which the baboons can walk right up to the glass and you can stand right at the glass. It very cool. We watched a baby baboon find a grape which must be a favorite of the older dominant baboon because the baby was hiding behind a tree eating the grape so the older one wouldn't see him. Then all the sudden the older one noticed and chased him across the pen, and then walked back towards us eating the grape.

The elephant splash pool viewing area is also really cool. You get an unobstructed view of the elephants, no wires or fences in the way and you are so close to the splash pool that the elephants could splash you if they wanted. Unfortunately they didn't wander over to the water while we there. On this trip I was also finally able to get a great photo of the Meerkats who arrived last fall.

284_8402_copy, originally uploaded by carinh.

Riley had a great time too. She was all excited to take her Curious George stuffed animal to the zoo, it was his first trip. She said his favorite animal was the alligator. She waded around in the water and was very excited to get a purple monkey souvenir cup filled with apple juice. Three of her favorite things: purple, monkeys, and apple juice all in one!



I really enjoy the zoo, they are making some great improvements to it. I can't wait for the Lion habitat which breaks ground next year. I renewed my membership today so we'll be spending many more fun afternoons checking out the animals.