Sounds like you made the right choice and had a damn fine time. I feel I probably would have made the same decision, although, I do get mild terror when it comes to travel logistics (and any sort of logistics usually!) so I probably would have returned to the airport unnecessarily early, after an enjoyable but panicked sit on an unspectacular bench while wolfing down some noodles. Glad to hear you had the brazen courage to immerse yourself in the pleasures of a zoo.... :)