Zoo Day

Yesterday I picked up Madeline, and we spent a really nice day at the Dreher Park Zoo. I haven't been there in several years, and was surprised at how much admission has gone up. Even with my senior discount, admission was still $29+; and I don't know how families can afford to go.  I was afraid we were going to get rained out as it sprinkled to and from the zoo; but as I explained to Maddy, I carried my umbrella all around the park as a bit of insurance that it would NOT rain. It worked!

I let her take the lead and go down whichever path appealed to her, and I think we pretty much saw everything. She's old enough to be very interested in reading the signs and identifying the animals in each area.

We stopped by the bear exhibit at feeding time, and learned that the two bears, Lewis and Clark, were orphaned at about 3 months of age. Consequently, they didn't learn to hunt and don't like meat! A diet of fruits, vegetables and dog food keeps them healthy. The trainers have taught them to stand up on the fence, and also to  roll over onto their sides, so that they can inspect their paws and undersides to make sure they don't have any injuries. Maddy asked an intelligent question about why the mama bear got hit by a car (it was dark and she's black). I love that she's not shy about speaking up.

We enjoyed a nice lunch at the zoo (she pronounced her mac and cheese "the good kind" as opposed to "the gross kind"), and then headed to the fountain which anchors the zoo paths, where she had a ball playing in the water for an hour.

Our last stop was the little trading post next to the exit, where Grandma bought her this piece of agate that was her heart's desire:

We had a delightful day and it was great to have some one-on-one time with Maddy, able to give her my undivided attention. I look forward to having more fun days with her now that her parents are moving back to town!