The National Zoo

The National Zoo

Oval: With the beautiful change in temperature, this Sunday we set out for the Zoo. We had a great day, even though it was a bit crowded. There were lots of people working to educate the kids at almost every cage. This time we went to a different side of the zoo, and saw all new animals!

Oval: We learned that although Hippos have ivory, they are not hunted for it like elephants and rhinos. In the wild, they are usually hunted because they destroy crops.

Oval: We spent a lot of time at the Bird exhibition this time. The kids learned that an Ostrich egg has a thick shell because Ostrich’s have solid bones (they don’t fly) so they would crush the eggs if the shell wasn’t thick!

Oval: At the Bald Eagles, we learned the beak of young eagles is black. We also learned that the female at the zoo was captured injured. She was 12 when captured, and may have already mated, so she has no interest in the lovely young guy in her cage. The staff is not sure if it is because of the age difference (he’s 8, she’s 25), or the fact that she already chosen a mate in this life.

Text Box: This lovely young flamingo was so cute to watch. Audrey thought it was need that you can see completely through his nose holes. You can just make out a hint of pink starting to show on his feathers.

Oval: We think this hummingbird was a fledgling. He just sat on this fence as all the humans joyfully snapped photos. I didn’t even use the zoom lens to take this picture! He was so cool!

Oval: A picnic rounded out our time at the Zoo. We went with my friend Maggie. Maggie and I have been to Zoo’s all over the world together!