Toodle -Oo We're Off To The Zoo

Before I embark on the main body of my narrative today, let me toss you a little Scooter Porn. I was out running errands the other day with Rascal my faithful steed and he was overtaken with brief delusions of grandeur. He wanted his picture taken with these friends. They are cast in Bronze outside the Technical School near here, and thus safe to approach at this distance.

This moto-related deliciousness having been dispensed by way of appetizer  we move on to the main course.

The fuel gauge was looking a little low, so I went to fill up before we headed out. I know this seems a little braggadocios, but I still get a thrill buying gas at these prices. I topped off the tank and the total for about $21 for gas which would have cost $35 in Canada. Wheeee!

The weather has been changing here in Southwestern Oklahoma, and we decided to go up to the City and visit the Zoo while it was still clement and mild. Along the way we looked at a few motor homes (of course) and when we arrived at the Zoo it was about 66 F. Perfect Zoo walking temperature.

Here is my beloved, Jacketed and Sunglassed ready to see some Grrr Animals!
I had a Sack Pack of water and Granola Bars to keep us fueled along the way.

Here is Miss Helen, reveling in the idea of animal viewing. She strikes a pose!

After coming through the entrance gate there is a wide Plaza with a Restaurant, Washrooms and a Gift Shop. One can also become a Zoo member at their office.

Here is ScooterChick showing us "You Are Here".

The first animal we came across was this Indian Rhino. He was big, he was strong, he smelled atrocious. I'm sure he didn't mean to offend.

Across from him we found this cute little fellow. Since we weren't allowed to touch the real thing, Patsy thought she would cuddle up to this little fellow.

There is a wall one can stand next to and get an idea how big these animals are. The ones here are Asian elephants, their ears are smaller. They're still humongous however.

The weather is starting to bring out the fall colors. I love this time of year and the colors which nature displays during the season.

A little further on we came to a plaza where there were tables and a little cafe. This fellow was wandering around, quite used to the humans and casting an avian eye hither and yon obviously looking for your French Fry or a bit of your Hamburger Bun. It was interesting to see people's reactions as he approached. Some were startled as he sidled quietly up before they noticed him, and made sure their hands were out of reach, as though they expected he was about to peck them.

Some of the children reacted with glee, while others were "FREAKED ALL THE WAY OUT", and started to cry and tell their parents to make it go away.

A little further on we came to some Gorilla statues. Miss Helen wanted to sit in his lap, while ScooterChick lurked in the background.

Patsy seems to be saying "look Helen this one is eating some leaves".

"I feel much safer behind this guy than in front of him."

Here is the real McCoy, pondering the weightier matters of life. There were about 5 Gorillas in the exhibit, all of them maintaining a healthy distance from each other. There seemed little sign of communication. Perhaps they were enjoying "quiet time."

The other side of the enclosure had Orangutans. This one had just been fed, and was busy scooping up pieces of apple and carrot in a methodical fashion.

This one was quite a bit smaller, and lighter colored. Whether he was a juvenile or a grandparent I know not, but I did notice he kept a weather eye out for the larger one across the pen.

Outside there was a watery patch of sunshine and this fellow was basking and idly munching on blades of grass. We let him eat his snack, while we enjoyed a Granola Bar (or two.)

We wandered over to the new Elephant Exhibit and they were across the other side of the paddock, so no pictures, but there were these two en tableau with a plaque identifying them as "playmates".

I took the opportunity to join them in their play (a little) while ScooterChick snapped my picture. There was a Zoo-seum in an adjacent building where we watched an informative documentary film about the history of the Zoo.

We continued our peregrinations to the Big Cat area and saw this Clouded Leopard. The next cage held an Ocelot, and they were both pacing their enclosures in anticipation of their dinner.

This White Tiger was surveying all passers by while idly munching on his tail. Say What? Yes, he had his tail in his mouth! Perhaps he was thinking, "if I can't have one of you juicy morsels, I'll just amuse myself thusly."

Seeing these cats at a distance, doesn't really give accurate perspective. On a wall in a nearby building there is a diorama in full scale. The deer is about 5 feet tall at the rack and looks  like about 250-300 pounds. You can use those figures to extrapolate the tiger's dimensions. Yeah, I wouldn't want to see him coming for me either.

Here is the beast himself, also pacing in anticipation of his din dins.

We walked through a building where the hippos were being fed. Here we have mother and baby, placidly munching on hay.

Here is a Pygmy Hippo. That's if you can call 5-600 pounds Pygmy!

This is a Mynah bird from India. I spent a few minutes chirping at him. He said nothing by way of reply.

Here again is Mr. Stinky. They corralled him indoors while they prepared his evening meal. He seemed surly and ill tempered. Perhaps that's just his natural disposition.

There was a small flock of Flamingos outside. Beautiful Plumage. I realize I'm dating myself with a reference to 1969's "Parrot Sketch" by Monty Python but there you have it.

I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille. Yet another historical reference. Sunset Boulevard circa 1950.

We took a stroll through the Aquarium and I caught this picture of a path that wound down to the lakeside. The sun was on the wane and the colors were muted but lovely. What a bucolic setting.

There is a dolphin statue outside the Aquarium.

Here is a picture of the aforementioned path, this time from the topside. This should be our yard!!!

Here, adjacent to the shrieking Lorikeets is my beloved, admiring the foliage. She loves the autumn colors as much as I.

It was time to exit the Zoo. We had walked and then walked and subsequently walked some more. It was an enjoyable visit, and now we will enjoy the upholstery as we drive away!

We stopped at an Indian Restaurant on the way home. The place was utterly filthy but the food was exquisite. They served us on Styrofoam Plates with Plastic Cutlery if you can believe it, but the food was authentic Tandoori cooking and delicious. Just goes to show you, you can't judge an eatery by it's appearance nor it's level of hygiene apparently. 

As an added bonus, the Restaurant (and I do use this term in the loosest of senses) was attached to an industrial truck stop adjacent to a major East West freeway.

Imagine my joy at seeing the gasoline price....heck yeah I will top off the tank.
  

We arrived home at a realistic time and relaxed and watched a movie.
Our further adventures will be related when they occur....thanks for coming along.