Wild Animal Park...

We finished our fun weekend away with a night in a Carlsbad hotel and a day at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. Yesterday, Sunday afternoon, we said goodbye to the Vander Molens and headed about 30 miles south to our hotel. This morning we packed up, checked out, and went on the the Wild Animal Park. It was a great day for it! The crowds were at a minimum, the weather was PERFECT, and the kids got in free! =) The kids were so well behaved and we made every exhibit we were hoping to see in just less than 5 hours. We followed the map-guided Kilimanjaro Safari Walk, stopping the longest at the gorilla exhibit. They had just been fed and were out lounging in the sun. One of the gorillas was relaxing about 10 yards away from where we were standing! We saw the big silver back who weighed over 400 lbs! Our walk took us through aviaries, by monkeys, into the "Heart of Africa", by "Lion Camp", to the Elephant viewing patio, and finished at the Discovery Center and carousel.

Just some of the animals we saw...

The view from the "Great Rift Lift"...


Meerkat Exhibit- Kate thought they were so cute!


Kate checking out the flamingos. How could you not love a PINK bird?




Cooling off in Jamison Island's rain shed...


Lunchtime overlooking "Africa"...






We took the "Journey into Africa" tour where we saw a bunch of animals. We got to see the giraffes eating, a hippo getting a pedicure, and a zoo keeper in with the cheetahs.

After our journey into Africa we visited the Lion Camp and spent some time watching this big guy through the glass. The kids thought he was very cool but were not real thrilled about posing for me.

Time to play at the Discovery Center...


Finishing off a fun day with a ride on a hummingbird and a hawk...

Next time (in about 2 years) we plan on doing the "Roar & Snore" adventure. That's right, snore as in sleep there. Who's in? =)