VISTING THE COLUMBUS ZOO

Warning, a ton of photos coming up ahead!

While we were in Columbus, we spent a day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. I was happy to do this as a sort of celebration of Logan's birthday (we had done this for Sloane's 3rd birthday!) and we had also heard that this was a really great zoo. We were not disappointed; the zoo was large and beautiful, and they did such a wonderful job planning, designing and landscaping the space for the animals according to continent. Each continent had a specific feel and look to recreate the habitat for the animals that lived there, and although we didn't have time to go to all of them, we picked the ones we wanted to see and loved roaming through Africa, Asia, and the aquarium. 

All of us, including the girls, loved it! There is an ethical question that comes up for me regarding the zoo in consideration of whether the animals are treated well and if it's the best kind of thing to support. I've learned that this can vary depending on the kind of zoo that it is, and I think there is a really big benefit to be derived from zoos if it means promotion of education and conservation. This particular one did such a good job promoting both that I came away inspired. The last thing we did there was see a "animals on safari" show where they trained wild animals, as well as dogs and cats from the animal shelter, and talked about what it meant to take care of animals and work towards protecting animals that are endangered. It was such a neat experience for all of us!

A baby polar bear! The mom just had twins and we got to see the baby polar bears swim around and play. 

Africa was set up to feel like we were on a safari trip, and we really did feel that; the heat helped! 

That lion was incredible, beautiful, majestic.

Yep, that's me and Ken... on a camel! Neither Sloane and Logan wanted to ride and we had already gotten the ticket, so we got to ride instead. It was thrilling to be on such an amazing animal! 

Sloane has been asking to have her face painted for weeks now, so when she spotted a face painting stand at the zoo, she was smitten. She chose a flamingo! 

Can you spot the tiger? 

Sloane got to feel a snake!