A Trip to See Elephants

Last weekend we drove to Providence RI to see the elephants at the zoo there.

They were pretty neat.

After we visited the elephants in their outdoor space we walked around the zoo. Ally was fascinated with the map. Here she is trying to figure out where we are.

Love the shoulder shrug and outstretched hand..."I'm not really sure..."

Ally asked for the camera and took this picture of the fountain.

After the fountain we walked for a while and saw, buffalo, antelope, some African sheep, a great blue heron, storks and finally made our way to the giraffes.

At our zoo they are never this close.

At the giraffes we heard that the elephants get a bath at 1145. So we made our way to that building. We were early and Becky and I wanted to go look at other animals and come back but Ally would have none of that. She weaved her way to the front of the crowd for a spot right up front. Of course she demanded I stand right behind her in the crowd. But all was well. The elephants were running late and we waited 30 minutes

for them to be led in to the shower room. I thought it was adorable that they walked holding each other's tails.

We waited some more for the baths to start.

While we waited the giraffes came in the other side of the facility for their lunch. Ally did not even glance at them. She was so focused on the elephants.

Finally 30 minutes after we got there the bath started. Ally did not complain about the wait once. She was so patient. Becky and I took turns going outside for a water break and fresh air.

I just could not believe it when the elephants laid down. It was amazing. Then the zoo keeper scrubbed behind her ears. (All of the elephants are girls.)

This girl loved it.

She would not leave. The crowd of people left and we stayed watching for 30 minutes. Ally was enthralled.

We finally left and had a picnic lunch of pbj and water. Then it was off to find the otters. Ally was determined to see the otters, since she was a Blue Otter at school this past year.

We found the ant eater, red pandas, harbor seals, a moon bear, a griffon, and many other creatures but no otter. By this time we were all getting hot and tired.

But finally we saw the otter - its in the pond behind Ally and Becky.

It was a nice zoo and a great day.