Yesterday we were invited to go to the zoo with a friend and his 4 yr old son. The Khao Khew Open Zoo is set on 2000 acres about 80 km away from our house. We left at 8am, and thanks to the toll highway, there was little traffic and we arrived quickly. Ethan's (our new 4 yr old friend) excitement grew with each passing kilometer, and he was bouncing in his seat as we approached the zoo gates! Once we entered, I could understand why. Vendors lined the entrance road waving at us to stop and buy large shopping bags of cucumbers, bananas, and green beans to feed the animals later in the day. I have to admit I was very hesitant at the thought of feeding hippos...didn't that National Geographic documentary say they are agressive and dangerous...and they are going to eat a green bean from my hand?! Wouldn't they want the whole bag?!
As you can see in this photo, it was a controlled environment, with the hippos at least. I was most impressed by the primates who had 'islands' of their own that the visitors could walk around and watch them swinging in the branches, or moon us as they felt necessary. I also was astounded by the beauty of the giraffes, with their long eyelashes, colourful patches and long necks.
In addition to all the animals I have mentioned, we say many many kinds of cats, zebra, wildebeest, birds, tigers, lions, camels, a baby tiger being bathed by zoo staff, Steve held a boa constrictor, and an animal I have never heard of before...a baby binturang came and cuddled with me (this animal is not even in wikipedia, so I don't feel so bad). A great day!
I'm still thinking about the cat...
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