You’re looking at the map, figuring out the most effective route for seeing all your favorite animals at the zoo. If you’re at the San Diego zoo, you’re completely overwhelmed- like many other full-feature zoos. This time, on our trip to the Los Angeles Zoo, we decided to weave in, out, down and up through the multi-level exhibits without much planning, but we decided to make a list of our favorite animal attractions. Next time, we’ll probably plan our route so that we hit these first!
1. The Gopher
The most interactive of exhibits, the Gopher exhibit allows you to enter a crawl space beneath the exhibit and stick your head into a glass dome on the same level as the gopher habitat.
Gophers at the LA Zoo
2. The Madagascar Desert Tortoise
This endangered specie has an air of wisdom about it. Slow and steady.
Madagascar Desert Tortoise at the LA Zoo
3. The Asian Elephant
Everyone likes seeing elephants. They’re smart, extremely large and well, these pachyderms remind us of the endearing Dumbo of our yesteryears.
Asian Elephant at the LA Zoo
4. The Hippopotamus
Such HUGE animals. This guy was friendly and well, hungry too.
Hippopotamus at the LA Zoo
5. The Chinese Takin
These guys are unique and have boomerangs for horns. Definitely a quiet animal to be sure.
Chinese Takin at the LA Zoo
6. The Giraffe
Not long before this photo was taken, we were observing these long-necks brooding and while one sniffed the other’s rear, the other started urinating, causing a distressed and confused look on the giraffe’s face. It was pricless- and in an uproar of laughter from all whom were in attendance, we missed capturing the moment!
Giraffe at the LA Zoo
7. The Long-horned Mountain Goat
These guys definitely seemed a bit more on the aggressive side. The dominant male watching in disapproval as the mother coddled her young. Even when the youngster tried interacting with him; he wasn’t having it.
Long Horned Mountain Goat at the LA Zoo
8. Unknown:
For the life of me, I can’t figure out what type of animal this is, but their deer-like figure is adorable. Anyone?
Unknown
9. The Zebra
The Grevy’s Zebra. They’re always amazing to look at. Reminds me of the childhood book “How the Zebra Got it’s Stripes.” Such a cute book.
Zebra at the LA Zoo
10. The Gorilla
Among the most fascinating, for sure, the gorilla is eerie in its human-like behaviors, yet exude an air of power in their size and strength.
Gorilla at the LA Zoo
11. The Flamingo
Did you know Flamingo are pink because of the shrimp they eat? And that their beaks are shaped so that they can filter mud from their food- and are actually used up-side down?
Flamingo at the LA Zoo