Wandering Wednesday: The Wildlife Center

The other day, Hugmonkey and I had some free time. It was a beautiful day, but we were already planning on going to the playground that afternoon, so I tried to think of something else. I decided to try the local wildlife center, which I hadn't been to in years. I had taken Lovebug and Ironflower when they were small, but at that time, the main walking area was also the paved parking/driving area and that wasn't exactly convenient with two toddlers. But I figured Hugmonkey might at least enjoy the indoor exhibits - plus managing one almost-five year old would be considerably easier.

But after hitting the indoor exhibits (which aren't all that impressive if your kid is a Bronx Zoo veteran like Hugmonkey), we discovered that they've added a lot of walking trails. 

First there was a boardwalk leading to an observation deck. 

That's the center across the pond. Hugmonkey loved the observation deck and wants to have a picnic there next time. 

Then we discovered hiking trails. 

With cool Hugmonkey-sized bridges. 

It was so peaceful. We didn't hike the whole trail (we didn't have enough free time, as usual) but we will be bringing the whole family back soon. 

Hugmonkey really wanted his picture taken while standing on this rock, so of course I obliged. The trail was really easy and great for little kids. 

The center also has some peacock residents. They absolutely refused to fan their feathers for photos, though. 

What I Did Instead

This was supposed to be a post about my TV husbands. (spoiler: Kyle Chandler as Coach Taylor is MINE, all MINE, got it?) Instead of writing it, however, I went to the Bronx Zoo with the family.

Asian deer. Taken from a moving train. 

Mongolian horses. I will never be a wildlife photographer.

He looks so harmless like that. 

Asian elephants are preggers for 22 months. No wonder elephants look so grumpy. 

He looked like he had somewhere to be, but really he just walked to a tree and stood there. 

Apparently this lady decided to join our family. 

Bird's nest. 

There would be more photos, except that Wednesdays are apparently the day that you can go to the zoo for a lower price. I have NEVER seen the zoo like that.  Not to mention the day camps, church camps, community centers and other groups of people wearing similarly colored t-shirts who also chose to visit today. Never have I wanted to smack so many people at the same time.

A Public Service Announcement

Need to check your map? STEP TO THE SIDE, DON'T STAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH.
Watching the animals? DON'T PUSH TO THE FRONT IF YOU'RE TALL ENOUGH TO SEE OVER ALL THE CHILDREN.
Having a turn? OTHER PEOPLE WOULD LIKE A TURN AS WELL. TODAY.
Want to stand still? DON'T STAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH.