The Phoenix Zoo is in Papago Park very close to the Desert Botanical Gardens, which we visited a few months ago. (I have to say that the costs of admission for the public (I think they are public) attractions are rather exorbitant - $25 per adult, children $13, seniors $20 - for both. The OdySea Aquarium is $28 for adults, $18 children, $26 seniors! Imagine taking a family there. They are beautiful, but apparently only for the rich.)
The Savannah animals at the Phoenix Zoo appear to be very happy. They have the heat that their species' are made for. I've often felt bad for the Savannah animals at the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo because that climate is no where near that of the African Savannah, all that rain and cool weather must take its toll. But, over 100F is perfect for these animals and they have lots of room to roam.
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| Yes, there IS a zebra in this picture. |
Birds, lots of birds, live at the Phoenix Zoo. I would hate to think that all those wings are clipped, but how else would they be able to keep flamingoes and pelicans there? As you can see, I loved the flamingoes and the pelicans. The flamingoes had two very large fenced areas to meander and they were so, so beautiful. As for the pelicans, there was a huge covered patio (for humans) with conversation areas furnished with comfy sofas where you could look out on the pelicans' lake and dream. (I was so busy watching that I forgot to take a photo of the "human exhibit".) There were hundreds of pelicans and they flew. They gathered in groups on the little islands in the lake. I even caught one pelican standing on a boat dock, possibly waiting for more food to appear.
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| There are grackles all over the Phoenix area. They have a very interesting, intelligent sort of call. |
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| The pelican lake from the other side. |
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| Lots and lots of pelicans. This is only a fraction of the number. |
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| This guy is waiting for something. I sat on a sofa and watched him for a while. It was fascinating. |
There is a small rose garden across from one of the flamingo enclosures; very beautiful and well cared for. Steve, the Rose Guy, was delighted. The shade and plantings are really appreciated at the Phoenix Zoo. Here, where the heat can get to 119F, shade is not just a nicety.
And then, there were the other animals.
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| The prairie dog mound had a whole lot of holes and this guy was very, very busy. |
Snakes are really not my thing, contrary to what my former coworker may say. These were only photographed to show that there are reptiles at this zoo. 😅
This piece of sidewalk art was so interesting that we had to photograph Steve about to be attacked by a shark. Actually, I think the shark likes him, They may be able to work something out.
I almost didn't include this photo of the gorillas. I've always felt the same as my mother about the ape exhibits. I find them so sad. These are intelligent animals and they never look happy. Fortunately, at the Phoenix Zoo, they have a family group (mother, father, several babies) with lots of shady outdoor area and plenty of places to play and to hide from attention when the tourists get too irritating. But, still...
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| Mimosa (Bird of Paradise) trees are so beautiful that i can't seem to pass one without photographing it. |
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| Brave man! |
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| Actually, this is a very well done bronze statue of a komodo dragon. |
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| And, this is the shadow of the cut-out sign over the komodo dragon enclosures. |
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| River otters. Thank goodness they have a large pool in their enclosure. |
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| Hard to tell, but this is a mandril. An ape, I think, |
