My cousin Nikki came up for the day and we headed out to the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay. I was excited to go to the zoo to see the new Polar Bear exhibit. It did not disappoint, their $20 million renovation was very nicely done. Plus, they put the new exhibit back in the back of the 'North America' section, which is quite possibly the dullest part of the zoo, so well done on getting some new traffic back in that area. I'm sure the Mexican Wolves' self esteems have skyrocketed with everyone now actually walking back through that area actually pausing to look at them.
Before I get too far, I still have to give props to the Pittsburgh Zoo, which I honestly think has a better Polar Bear exhibit. But still, I think the Columbus Zoo' exhibit is a great addition. Both exhibits have an underwater viewing area and a ground-level viewing area.
It's pretty cool to be directly under them while they're playing, knowing that they're standing on the glass above you (stupid reflections!).
Little miss Faith...
Little miss Hope...
Faith, Nikki, Hope and Darrick...
The gorillas were "active" today... meaning they were at least visible...
I call this next photo 'monkeys watching monkeys'... (ha ha!)...
You can't really see the baby that well, but this is Susie (the mom). Her baby Mary Rose (Rosie) is clinging to her belly. Susie's feet are covering the baby. This is the same baby I saw back in March. The docent said they nurse until ages 4, 5, or 6... whenever they're ready to stop. I guess that's why Susie is so tired. Motherhood is exhausting, no matter what species you are...
We headed out, stopping by to see the penguins...
We went to see Beco, the baby elephant and then left the zoo. We went back to the car, repacked and then spent the rest of the afternoon at Zoombezi Bay.
I hadn't been there since it was Wyandot Lake. I had been wanting to go swimming or get in the water and I even bought a maternity swimsuit (maternity bathing suit top and swimming shorts). I thought Zoombezi Bay rocked. I had so much fun! It's really really nice. And I got to witness a mass exodus of the tidal wave pool due to a potential doody sighting. They had to test the water and then one of the lifeguards had to get in with rubber gloves and a long-handled net. After some close examination of whatever was in the net, they waved everyone back in. We did not re-enter the tidal wave pool and thought it was a good idea to head to another part of the waterpark.
I didn't take my camera around with me at Zoombezi Bay- I put it in a locker with my other stuff, but got this picture as we were leaving (and back in our normal clothes).
Thanks for a fun day Nik! Can't wait to go back!


