Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Trip
Johnny here. We decided to the take the kiddos on a trip to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo today. We live about 15 minutes away, and either of us have been there in ages. Mia used to work there for a little bit right after highschool, so she had tons of cool stories to tell while we were walking through!
While we are a music based entity online, photography is a bit of a second passion for me. So I dusted off the old DSLR and got quite a few good pics! It would seem a waste to not share them here.
These flamingos were very captivating!
The merecat was too cute! All of the little girls passing by were in love with him!
The awe inspiring elephants, of course!
Crazy big python!
The mole rats like to pile up on each other and wiggle around!
Zebras are just amazing!
Big old ostrich in the background! Mia said one chased her when she worked here!
Mia: "Wow the storks have huge beaks!
Me: "How else do you think they could deliver babies around the world?"
You can feed the giraffes big pieces of lettuce for a dollar. I think they eat well!
Chowing down on their own stash!
Chillin. It was pretty hot here today! Around 90F. I'm sure these guys are naturally used to it but yeah, everyone was hot.
My two monkeys taking a break. Mia is their step mom, so I call them the "Thorns Boys."
Passing through under the Fulton bridge.
The tigers aren't dumb. Being lazy in the shade.
More shade.
Sea lions. I wanted to jump into their pool!
I also wanted to stand in this waterfall. But only if this grizzly bear was not there.
This other grizzly was there too. Big claws!
This beaver was chowing down!
In the wolf lodge. The wolves were hiding today.
There was a cool wolf statue though!
Back to the parking lot for water and a smoke. Had to make her smile in the shade really quick!
Okay guys, pretend you are lost in the jungle! Really dad?
The dwarf crocodile was super cool! They used to have a full sized croc, but this guy was cool too!
This was the pen that the big croc used to be in. I forget what this thing was called, much smaller with a very narrow snout. Still very cool! (Edit: He is a gharial.)
Leaving the rainforest building. My hat wasn't agreeing with my oversized skull anymore.
Asian monkey fox type guy (sorry can't remember). Very cute!
Mini jellyfish types. This tank would change colors ever couple of seconds! I could only get the shot when it was lit green because of the lighting. So mesmerizing!
Big old carp (or maybe a catfish, sorry)! I want to say he had to be 100+ pounds! He was huge!
The gorillas look so intelligent. You can just see in their eyes that they are thinking a bit more than all of the other animals. So amazing!
This little guy was NOT planning on letting go of mom!
We spotted the cheetahs in their pen after a little bit of a search! They popped their heads up for a minute.
And then back to being lazy. Can't blame them, I wouldn't have worn a fur coat today!
Big props to my youngest! He does not like heights AT ALL! He stood by the rail of the forested board walk for a classy pic though!
She liked my hat, so of course she had to make me pose really quick!
The koala did not move at all, and his little pen is air conditioned!
The amazing elephants again on our way to the exit!
And for the grand finale, mama lion gave us one last really proud and amazing photo op before we left!
Meh, it's too hot.
The flamingos are right by the entrance/exit, had to snap one more shot since they were showing their feathers!
It was an awesome day! We all had a blast despite the heat! (Even though my oldest looks angsty, he was thoroughly enjoying every minute of it! Ahhh to be 16 again and make that face everytime someone points a camera at you! Lol! It was partially his idea to go today, so don't let him fool you with coolness!)
Life on this planet is so amazing in every shape that it takes!
We are so lucky to have this brief moment to experience living!
Let's all make the most of every day!