L.A. Zoo

A few months ago, we decided to visit the L.A. Zoo before the weather gets too hot.  Yeah, that was a few months ago.  Along with all the ice cream, salad, cocktail and cookie recipes that I posted here,  I didn’t have the chance to post this review until now.  Since Summer has just started, officially, I guess I'd better post this NOW rather than later!  If you are visiting the L.A. area or live near-by, the L.A. Zoo is a great place to visit.  We’ve considered San Diego Zoo as well, but given the ticket price, the distance of the drive, and the uncertainty of how much the kids will enjoy the zoo, we opted for the near-by and cheaper option.  Plus, we can always plan for a San Diego Zoo trip if the kids enjoy this one.
 


One advise to you (you probably knew it if you have young children at home), is to make sure your children are well rested the day before they visit the zoo!    I suggest you to bring a light weighted stroller if you have young kids.  With the slopes up and down the hills throughout the zoo, pushing a heavy stroller could be quite tiring.  Otherwise, you can consider using the Safari Shuttle provided by the zoo with a little fare.  The shuttle takes you to different areas of the zoo so you don’t have to walk as much.  We didn’t use the shuttle because we think it’s more fun to walk around while we burnt some calories (much needed) at the same time. 



We arrived right after lunch and left in the early evening.  So, we spent a good 5 to 6 hours at the zoo.  The zoo certainly had a lot more animals to see than I expected.  First stop was right at the entrance, the Seal.  I love that they show the fact sheet right next to each animal’s home so you can learn more about them as you visit.



I guess the seal went out shopping…she was no where to be found! 



Then, we pass by the Zoo Grill restaurant and a gift shop.  They also have a small snack shop for juice, coffee ice cream and fresh fruit.  Since we just ate, we didn’t make the stop.



Then, the Meerkats came to greet us.  They are so cute. 





Next area was the Black—Necked Swan.


Gorgeous!



And we get to see this little ducky below as a bonus.



Next area was the America Flamingo’s home.



Aren’t they beautiful?  I love those colors and patterns on them.





Okay, here goes the Gray Seal.  “This little Gray Seal stays home…..”





Up next, Visayan Warty Pig



I think this he’s camera shy!



Tammar Wallaby are just too cute!





Then, we spotted the Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby.





Unfortunately, the Double Wattled Cassowary was nowhere to be found.



Then, we visit the home of the Dragons of Komodo…Let’s just say, I’m glad his home was fully shielded with a thick glass window!  While this home was huge, this Dragon was even “bigger”!  Okay, I admit that I was a little scared…and I’m more scared that my kids were not scared. 





Let’s look at something more adorable, shall we?  How about Koala? 



That is if I can capture his cute little face!  Sorry, he was too tied and was sleeping the whole time when we were there.  Oh, I got his cute furry behind though.



Up next, Gorilla.





His/her home was huge and beautiful.  Actually, there were 3 or 4 of them sharing this area.  It’s really nice to see that they are living in a nice spacious place. 



Then, we pass by the sign with the Elephants of Asia.  My Baby Girl adores elephant, especially baby ones.  But it was no where in sight, so we moved on.



She asked a few times about the elephant as we continued to visit other animals.  Hope we’ll spot one later on.



Then we saw this!  So precious. 



Up next, the home for the Giraffe.


  
Then the Black Duiker.



There must be something interesting on the other side of the fence!  We didn’t get to see his face, but I know he’s a good gardener.



Just look at his place! So beautiful!



Okapi…where are you???



Up next, Coquerel’s Sifaka.





Then, Serval.  My Baby Girl called her the “Big Cat”.



Yes, she was BIG!  Let’s get up close and personal.  Or not.  Don’t forget my camera has the awesome zoom-in feature.  Object may appear larger than it is.



Ring-Tailed Lemur.  Very active and interesting.






Madagascar Radiated Tortoise.



The Tortoise was oooon…hiiiis…waaaay….hoooome. (please say it in slow motion)



Up next, the Ostrich.





Then, Red River Hog.



He was stunned by my beauty!  Or by my huge camera.



Then, Central Chinese Goral.



He was standing on a cliff, I think that’s at least a 30 to 40 feet high cliff.



Tufted Deer. 



So adorable.



There’s also a playground in the zoo.  A nice place for the kids to release some energies while the parents can take a rest from walking.





Then the Average Bear’s home.



Yup, just the Bear’s home.  I think he’s still hibernating in there!



Up next, the Tigers.



Okay, I need to warn you, the Hippopotamus’ home didn’t have the most pleasant smell around.  Considered yourself warned.  You might want to walk away before you faint!



I almost fainted after taking this picture below.



Indian Rhinoceros….hiding in the bushes.



Another Big Cat.





Here comes “Mr. Beakman!” according to my kids (or Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan).  If you have ever watch the cartoon Third and Bird, you know what I’m talking about.  I think I watch way too much cartoon!



Sorry, the picture was out of focus for Mr. Beakman.



Here comes the Andean Condor.
 


A very magnificent and handsome bird, in deed.



Is he looking my way?  I better walk away quick as I might looked like half dead after all these walking!



Maned Wolf.  Really really cute. 




Crested Screamer…but they were awfully quiet!  I think my kids can scream way better than these Screamers.







Finally, we walked to the other side of the Asian Elephant’s home! 



Do you see it?  Look closer! 




Yes, she was right between the red and orange barn and the trees.  What a big place she’s in.  I’m so glad we finally found the baby elephant! 



Over all, it was a fun day at the zoo.  Before the temperature gets too hot, go visit and say hi to these beautiful animals.  You’re going to enjoy it. 

Disclaimer: We paid for our own tickets and I was not compensated in any way for this review.  The people at L.A. Zoo and the animals who live there don’t know who I am nor the existence of this blog.  All opinions are 100% mine own.